Escorted Holidays May to November 2011 A collection of interesting and carefully designed holidays from an airport near you! 8 and 10 days from only £569 Welcome to our collection of holidays for Spring, Summer and Autumn has something just that little bit different – whether it’s river-rafting in 2011. As we enter our 11th year, this is our most comprehensive Poland, the Dancing Horses in Andalucia or spectacular train rides in collection yet, covering holidays from May all the way through to the Pyrenees, French Alps and Tunisia. November. Our touring holidays are fully escorted by our knowledgeable Tour In our collection of holidays there are some tried and tested Directors who live and work in the countries visited and are, we favourites as well as some exciting new itineraries. Carcassonne believe, the best in the business. On our single centre holidays on & Cathar Country (pages 14-15) is now in its 8th year while longer the Tuscan Coast (page 26) and on Lake Maggiore (page 25) holidays to Corsica (pages 20-21) and Green Spain (pages 8-9) you will be well cared for by equally knowledgeable local resort are becoming well established. In Spain, there are new itineraries representatives. in Andalucia to complement our existing holidays there. If you like Of course, to help keep your holiday budget as low as possible, the the culture and history of its cities, see the best of the best in our vast majority of our holidays include dinner each evening. Flying Cities of Andalucia opposite. Or for the best scenery, try the White from your local airport also helps, avoiding extra costs in time and Villages of the Alpujarras (page 6). In the north of the country, you money travelling to one of the major hubs. And we guarantee that have an unusual opportunity to see the Basque Country (page 12). the price of your holiday will not change after we have conirmed New in Portugal is a holiday combining Lisbon and the undiscovered your booking. Extremadura region in Spain (page 11). France has a new Itinerary We are sure you will ind something that will appeal to you. If you to Lake Annecy and the Alps of Provence (page 17) while in Italy do – give us a call on 0116 279 3929 – this will also be a different you can explore Rome and Terracina (page 23). Elsewhere you experience. No hanging around listening to and paying for a series can enjoy our unique holidays in Poland (page 19), the Pyrenees of options, no ‘please wait for the next available operator’ – a real (pages 13 and 16), Morocco (page 28) and Tunisia (page 31) and person will answer you straight away! the elegant city of Interlaken on the stunning Goldenpass Line (page 18). Once you have made your booking you will have peace of mind in knowing that your money is safe as all our holidays are ATOL As always, the emphasis for all our holidays is to provide interesting protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. and unusual itineraries with departures from a wide range of regional airports all at value for money prices. Our success in providing this We also offer walking holidays throughout Europe, including in some since we began has brought us awards (including the Association of the areas featured in this brochure. If you would like details of of Reader Travel Tour Operator of the Year two years running) and these and other walking holidays call us on 0116 279 3929 or visit many loyal customers who travel with us regularly. Each itinerary www.preferredts.com. To keep up to date with our holidays, why not sign up for our occasional e-letters at www.preferredts.com

INDEX

3 Cities of Andalucia 19 Krakow, Zakopane & the High Tatras 4 Seville, Jerez & the Costa de la Luz 20 & 21 Corsica, Elba & the Tuscan Coast 5 Andalucia & Gibraltar 22 Monte Carlo & the Italian Riviera of Flowers 6 Andalucia - the White Villages of the Alpujarras Mountains 23 Rome, Tivoli & Terracina 7 Madrid, Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca & Wellington’s Spain 24 Apulia, the Gargano & the Lights of Rome 8 & 9 Green Spain & the Road to Santiago 25 Italy’s Most Beautiful Lakes 10 The Algarve & Historic Cities of Portugal 26 A Week on the Tuscan Coast - Florence & Pisa 11 Roman Spain & Portugal - Lisbon & Extremadura 27 The Cinque Terre, Portoino & the Italian Lakes 12 Bordeaux, San Sebastian & the Basque Country 28 Marrakesh, Mogador & the Atlas Mountains 13 Springtime in the Pyrenees 29 Seville & the Costa del Sol 14 & 15 Carcassonne, Cathar Country & Catalonia 30 Tenerife - Island of Contrasts 16 France, Spain, Andorra & the Pyrenees 31 The Coasts & Landscapes of Tunisia 17 Lake Annecy & the Alps of Provence 32 General Information 18 Geneva, Swiss Lakes & the Goldenpass Line

HOW TO BOOK: Please refer to HOW TO BOOK enclosed or simply call us on 0116 279 3929 to check availability or make a provisional booking. Please read the Booking Conditions enclosed with this brochure. Our website www.preferredts.com also has regularly-updated availability information.

GROUP TRAVEL: Group discounts are available from as few as 10 paying passengers. Please contact us on 0116 279 3929 or e-mail [email protected] for further details or to make a provisional group booking.

ABOUT US: Preferred Travel Services is an award winning, independently owned, friendly company whose two directors share more than 50 years of travel industry experience. We feature interesting escorted holidays by air direct from regional airports all over the UK: among our destinations are unspoilt areas of Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Switzerland and North Africa. We also offer a programme of Walking Holidays in several of these areas. Please visit www.preferredts.com (brochures available for download) or call us on 0116 279 3929.

2 www.preferredts.com Cities of Andalucia

Day Six: Today you leave Seville and travel to Granada, stopping en route to 8 days from £629 visit Cordoba with an expert guide. Cordoba is where the Caliphs and Emirs held court from the 8th to 11th century. There is an Alcazar, but above all Cordoba is October & November the site of the Mezquita. The Moorish craftmanship of the 10th century mosque The treasures of Andalucia enjoy worldwide renown. They come from far and with its ornate arches is topped by Charles V’s Baroque Cathedral: quite an wide to see Granada’s Alhambra, Columbus’ inal resting place in Seville’s impact! You continue to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain. Cathedral and the adjacent Alcazar, the incomparable Mezquita of Cordoba Explore the old town around Plaza Bib-Rambla, visit the Moorish Albaicin and Picasso’s ine new museum in Malaga. Comparatively few itineraries, district of narrow jasmin-scented streets: and don’t miss the cave-houses of though, allow enough time to sample the richness of Andalucian life. You will the Sacromonte district, home to lamenco singing and dancing each evening. have time to sample the atmosphere of the bodegas and tapas bars, to take in 185 motorway miles today. a spot of shopping in El Corte Ingles, and to experience the many less-visited Day Seven: Guided visit to the incomparable Alhambra Complex. but still worthwhile attractions found away from the commercialised coast in the heart of the region’s ine cities. The Alhambra: We have included entrance and guided visit to the Alhambra Palace complex, which comprised exotically and richly decorated palaces, • 1 night bb in central Malaga • 4 nights bb in central Seviille • 2 nights luxuriant gardens, and impressive fortiications. (Please note that very rarely bb in central Granada • Guided walking tours of Seville, Cordoba and the the Nazarid Palaces are not available for groups. In this case a guided tour of Alhambra Palace Complex in Granada • Entrances to the Mezquita in the gardens and fortiications will be substituted). Cordoba, Seville Cathedral, and the Alhambra The rest of the day is free. Day Eight: Free time until departure for Malaga airport, 82 motorway miles PROGRAMME away, and your return light to the UK. Depending on light time, there may be Day One: Direct light to Malaga. Short transfer to your hotel for one night time for some last-minute shopping en route. bed and breakfast accommodation. Malaga has a ine 16th century Cathedral, an 8th century fortress and a pleasant pedestrianised central shopping area. YOUR HOTELS Picasso’s home town has in recent years had a facelift, and the recently- HOTEL TRYP ALAMEDA HHHH, Malaga (one night) opened Museo Picasso is impressive indeed. Part of the Sol Melia group, the hotel is centrally situated just 350 yds from Day Two: Free morning in Malaga. Why not visit the house on Plaza de la the El Corte Ingles Department store in the heart of the city. Rooms have Merced where Picasso was born? In the early afternoon, you head for Seville, satellite tv, air-conditioning, minibar, wii (chargeable), safe, telephone, just 126 easy motorway miles away. You spend four nights in central Seville, hairdryer and bath/shower and wc. The hotel has a gym, breakfast again on a bed and breakfast basis. On arrival, there is an orientation tour of room, and adjoins a new shopping centre with a wide range of bars and the city including the Expo area, the Palaces of the 1929 Americas Fair, and restaurants. (www.solmelia.com) the riverside ‘Tower of Gold’. HOTEL EMPERADOR TRAJANO HHHH, Seville (four nights) Seville, Spain’s fourth city, enjoys a splendid location on the Guadalquivir River, The hotel is located in the Santa Justa quarter, close to the railway and is the city of Carmen and Don Juan. Its exquisite Moorish Alcazar (fortress/ station, half a mile from Casa Pilatos and one mile from the cathedral. palace) and its massive 15th century Cathedral, the largest Gothic building The hotel has a bar and restaurant, and rooms have bath/shower and in the world, dominate the city centre. The cathedral is the last resting-place wc, free wii, hairdryer, minibar, satellite tv, radio, safe, and telephone of Christopher Columbus, and its Moorish-style Giralda Tower is the city’s (www.hoteles-catalonia.com) best-known landmark. Nearby is the Jewish Santa Croce quarter. But Seville HOTEL MACIA CONDOR HHHH, Granada (two nights) is much, much more than its monuments - it is one of Spain’s most vibrant cities, the city of real Flamenco: and with four nights here, you will have time The hotel is located in the town centre, and has bar, restaurant, and 104 to experience its unique atmosphere. Don’t miss the lively Triana district, just rooms with bath/shower and wc, hairdryer, satellite tv, telephone, safe, air across the river from the centre of town. The Fine Art Museum, too, merits a conditioning, free wii, and minibar. (www.maciahoteles.com) visit. Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates, Prices and Flight Information’ for details of Days Three to Five: Free in Seville. There will be an included half-day walking departure dates, prices and lights. tour of the old city, including entrance to the Cathedral.

3 Seville, Jerez & the Costa de la Luz

with grand squares and lofty turreted houses all around. An optional trip into the 8 days from £659 Donana National Park will also be available. September Day Six: You leave Sanlucar and travel to Seville, just over an hour away. Our spectacular holiday will share with you some of the best-known sights in Spain’s fourth city enjoys a splendid location on the Guadalquivir River, and Andalucia – Seville for example – but also will take you to some of its more is the city of Carmen and Don Juan. Its exquisite Moorish Alcazar (fortress/ secret pleasures, such as Puerto de Santa Maria. A particular favourite, we are palace) and its massive 15th century Cathedral, the largest Gothic building in sure, will be a visit to Jerez (whose ‘Sherry’ is world-famous) to see the city but the world, dominate the city centre. The cathedral is the last resting-place of above all the weekly display by ‘the Dancing Horses of Andalucia’. And all of Christopher Columbus, and its Moorish-style Giralda Tower is the city’s best- this within the pleasant climate and the stunning ‘light’ which gives the ‘Costa known landmark. There will be a brief orientation tour of the city including the de la Luz’ its name. Expo area, the Palaces of the 1929 Americas Fair, the riverside ‘Tower of Gold’, and time to explore the Jewish Santa Croce quarter, enjoy the sights, sounds • 1 night hb in Rincon de la Victoria • 4 nights hb in Sanlucar de Barrameda and shops of this, one of Spain’s most vibrant cities. • 2 nights hb in Mijas • Included entrance to the famous ‘Dancing Horses of From Seville you head south-east to Mijas (approx 3 hours, 140 miles). Mijas Andalucia Show’ • Visits to Jerez and Seville is an old town amidst the white villages of Andalucia whose narrow streets are a delight to explore. You spend two nights, with half board, on the edge of town PROGRAMME but with good public transport available. Day One: Direct light to Malaga and transfer to your hotel, on the beach east of the city, for one night half board accommodation. Day Seven: Free day in resort. Day Two: After breakfast, depart the hotel and head into the centre of Malaga Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to the airport and your return for a free morning where you can visit the impressive cathedral, Picasso’s light home. birthplace on Plaza de la Merced, as well as the shops and squares of the city. YOUR HOTELS After an early lunch, you will continue to Sanlucar de Barrameda (about 3 ½ hours drive), at the northern tip of the so-called ‘sherry triangle’ and at the side HOTEL RINCON SOL HHH, Rincon de la Victoria (one night) of the Guadalquivir estuary, for four nights half board accommodation. The hotel description is on page 5. Sanlucar is home to the distinctive manzanilla wine and is a pretty place with a picturesque old quarter and pleasant pedestrian shopping streets. From HOTEL MACIA DONANA HHH, Sanlucar de Barrameda (four nights) here Columbus’ third voyage started, Magellan set out to circumnavigate the The Donana Hotel is close to both the beach and the town centre. All globe, and Pizarro embarked for the conquest of Peru. Sanlucar stands beside bedrooms have bath/shower and wc, air-conditioning and satellite tv, and Spain’s greatest wetland, the Donana national park, a protected nature reserve most have seaviews and a terrace. There is a restaurant serving buffet- boasting myriad sights for naturalists. style evening meals, a cafeteria and, on the terrace next to the pool, there Days Three to Five: Free in Sanlucar, with an included excursion to Jerez (the is also a ‘snack-bar’. (www.maciahoteles.com) town that gave its name to Sherry), approximately 30 minutes away. You will HOTEL HACIENDA PUERTA DEL SOL HHHH, Mijas (two nights) have time to explore, before we meet at the Royal School of Equestrian Art – The hotel stands 2 miles out of town, with wonderful views over the sea home of the ‘Dancing Horses of Andalucia’. Entrance to the show is included. and mountains and with good public transport to Mijas centre and to the Also from Sanlucar there is an optional excursion to Puerto de Santa Maria coast. The hotel has a buffet-style restaurant, outdoor and indoor pool, and Cadiz, approximately 45 minutes away. Together with Jerez and Sanlucar, bar, tennis court, minigolf and comfortable bedrooms with bath or shower, Puerto de Santa Maria is the third corner of the ‘Sherry Triangle’. Weather wc, hairdryer, and telephone. (www.galahoteles.com) permitting, you travel by boat to Cadiz. Cadiz is built on a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic, and boasts 3000 years of history right back to the Phoenicians. Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of It has impressive maritime fortiications and avenues offering pleasant walks, departure dates, prices and lights.

4 www.preferredts.com Andalucia & Gibraltar

8 days from £689 on an optional tour. There is also the chance to join an excursion across the Straits of Gibraltar, May, September & October to nearby Morocco. Please note that this excursion is much more expensive Our unusual twin-centre holiday combines the cultural riches and warm (at around £60 per person) than other optional excursions we offer and 6 sunshine of Andalucia with a stay in Gibraltar, the ‘British Corner’ and one of months passport validity is required. antiquity’s ‘Pillars of Hercules’. In between there is a spectacular train journey, on a line that demonstrates its builders’ British heritage as it winds through the Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to the airport (77 miles) and your countryside! There is an included visit to Granada and its wonderful Alhambra return light. and the chance to take in Cordoba and even a taste of Morocco! YOUR HOTELS

• 4 nights hb Rincon de la Victoria, 3 nights bb Gibraltar in deluxe category HOTEL RINCON SOL HHH, Rincon de la Victoria (four nights) room with sea view • Visits to Granada and the Alhambra • Train journey from Ronda to Algeciras Situated on the seafront promenade and in the centre of town, the hotel offers comfortable rooms with bath/shower, wc, hairdryer, air-conditioning, telephone and satellite tv. The hotel also has a restaurant, cafeteria and PROGRAMME snackbar. (www.hotelrinconsol.com)

Day One: Direct light to Malaga, transfer to your hotel on the coast in Rincon THE CALETA HOTEL HHHH, Gibraltar (three nights) de la Victoria (transfer time approx. 20 minutes). Rincon is a pleasant resort, The hotel enjoys stunning views of Catalan Bay, yet is just a few minutes mainly frequented by the Spanish, less than 10 miles from Malaga with a beach by reasonably priced taxi or local bus from the town centre. At Catalan promenade, old quarter and a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Bay there are bars, restaurants and a few shops. The hotel has two restaurants, ample lounges and all the facilities of a 4H hotel, including Days Two to Four: Free in Rincon, with a full day included excursion to leisure (extra charges apply to some items). Bedrooms have bathroom, Granada, 86 motorway miles away, and a former capital of Moorish Spain. satellite tv. (www.caletahotel.gi) We have included entrance and guided visit to the Alhambra Palace complex, which comprised exotically and richly decorated palaces, luxuriant gardens, and impressive fortiications. (Please note that very rarely the Nazarid Palaces Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of are not available for groups. In this case a guided tour of the gardens and departure dates, prices and lights. fortiications will be substituted). There is also an optional visit to Cordoba with an expert guide. Cordoba is where the Caliphs and Emirs held court from the 8th to 11th century. There is an Alcazar, but above all Cordoba is the site of the Mezquita. The Moorish craftmanship of the 10th century mosque with its ornate arches is topped by Charles V’s Baroque Cathedral: quite an impact!

Day Five: After breakfast, you travel to Ronda (85 miles away), where there is free time before boarding the train for your spectacular rail journey to Algeciras. Your coach will take your luggage and meet you at Algeciras, 15 miles from Gibraltar. You continue to your hotel for three nights bed and continental breakfast accommodation in deluxe category rooms with sea view.

Days Six and Seven: Free in Gibraltar. British since 1704, ‘Gib’ has a fascinating history, to which the Siege Tunnels bear witness. The rock is home to the natural site of St Michael’s Cave, and to the Barbary apes who are the colony’s symbol of freedom. These attractions can be visited independently or

5 Andalucia - The White Villages of the Alpujarras Mountains

mainland Spain’s highest mountain. It is a spa town, whose mineral water is exported 8 days from £699 worldwide; and as well as the impressive spa buildings, there is also an atmospheric September old quarter - its Moorish history is evident. The landscape around is stunning, with rich vegetation including olives and citrus fruits, as well as a scattering of impressive The Alpujarras is one of Spain’s most scenic and unspoilt regions made famous by white-painted villages which cling improbably to the steep hillsides. Artists and authors the book ‘Driving over Lemons’. This unusual holiday combines beautiful mountain have depicted the area – Gerald Brennan (South from Granada), and more recently scenery together with a couple of days in an area of the Costa del Sol favoured mainly Chris Stewart (Driving Over Lemons), having produced two of the better known Anglo- by the Spanish. You will also see Picasso’s home city of Malaga, and the Moors’ Saxon accounts. splendid Alhambra palace complex near Granada. There is an included, spectacular circular tour, passing through the breathtaking Poqueira Valley to reach Trevelez, the highest village in Iberia, whose hams are • 2 nights hb Costa del Sol, 5 nights hb in the Alpujarras • Visit to El Torcal exported worldwide. You return via Cadiar – our round trip is approx 60 miles. de Antequera • Included excursion to Granada and the Alhambra • Included excursion to the High Villages of the Alpujarras The other included excursion is to the legendary Alhambra Palace complex in Granada (30 miles away) - with entrance fee and expert guide included (if the Nazarid PROGRAMME Palaces are not available for groups a tour of the gardens and fortiications will be substituted). The Alhambra, situated on the edge of the town, is stunning, but don’t Day One: Direct light to Malaga, short transfer (20 minutes) to your hotel in Rincon miss the town centre itself.. Explore the area around Plaza Bib-Rambla, and visit the de la Victoria. Moorish Albaicin district of narrow jasmin-scented streets, as well as the Sacromonte Rincon: The irst two nights are spent in Rincon de la Victoria on the Costa del Sol with district with its cave-houses. dinner included. The town is very different in style from the bustling resorts found on Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to the airport via the coastal motorway (80 the ‘strip’ to the west of Malaga. There is a good selection of shops, bars, restaurants miles). Depending on light timings, there may be time for some last minute shopping and a pleasant old ishermen’s quarter. on the way to the airport. Day Two: Free day. We suggest you visit some of the attractions of Malaga today: while you will make a stop in the city on Day Three, you will not have time for everything! YOUR HOTELS Malaga - easily accessed by local bus from your hotel on the coast, the old port city is HOTEL RINCON SOL HHH, Rincon de la Victoria (two nights) enjoying a renaissance, led by redevelopment work in the old centre and the opening of its ine new Picasso Museum. There are ine old squares (one of them houses The hotel description is on page 5. Picasso’s birthplace, well worth a visit); a citadel (with castle above); a still-uninished HOTEL ALCADIMA HHH, Lanjaron (ive nights) cathedral (begun in the 16th century, but in the 18th century the money that should You will spend the remaining 5 nights in the 3H Hotel Alcadima, with excellent have helped complete it was used for road-building instead!); a good ine art museum views of Lanjaron’s craggy castle and valley. The hotel is perfectly situated close (located in the old customs-house) and the La Concepcion Botanic garden. to the town centre; there are lots of quiet corners for relaxing in the gardens and Day Three: Today you travel into Malaga, before continuing via the inland route on the terraces that surround the outdoor pool. Also beside the pool are the bar and new road through the Andalucian countryside. You stop en route to see the impressive restaurant buildings where you will have breakfast and dinner during your stay. limestone formations of the El Torcal de Antequera National Park. You by-pass the Bedrooms are simply but comfortably furnished, with telephone, private bath or Moors last capital, Granada, retaken by the Spanish in 1492. From here, like you, shower and wc, tv and air conditioning. Unusually for a Spanish hotel, they also they headed into the remote Alpujarras. As do you, but to the comfort of your hotel in have tea/coffee making facilities. There is also a spa area, with a small indoor Lanjaron, rather than into exile! (112 miles today, mainly motorway). Five nights are pool, steam bath and sauna – charges normally apply but our customers spent in Lanjaron on a half board basis. beneit from one free entrance. (www.alcadima.com).

Days Four to Seven: In Lanjaron with two included excursions. Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates, Prices and Flight Information’ for details of Lanjaron lies in a stunning location on the south slopes of the Sierra Nevada, home to departure dates, prices and lights.

6 www.preferredts.com Madrid, Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca & Wellington’s Spain

Rodrigo despite his soldiers’ sacking of the city. Your walking tour will include 8 days from £699 the Palacio de los Aguila, where there are frequent exhibitions, and where all the top brass including Ney, Massena, and Wellington all stayed at one time May & September or other. This fascinating holiday in western Spain is topped and tailed by a stay in From Ciudad Rodrigo we have an included excursion into Portugal driving Spain’s vibrant capital – Madrid. In between you visit Wellington’s Spain. The past Fuentes de Onuro where Wellington won a holding battle against the breaches in the walls of Ciudad Rodrigo caused by two sieges have been French which allowed him to continue his blockade of Almeida. This is an repaired and the old city looks as impregnable as it must have done in 1810. incredible place – a preserved garrison in the shape of a 12-pointed star with The walls of Salamanca have all but gone but this is surely one of the most bastions, a huge moat and false doors to trick attackers. We then continue to beautiful cities in Spain whose magniicent 18th century Plaza Mayor takes the the Portuguese city of Viseu where there is free time for lunch and to visit the breath away. Just over the border in Portugal, you will ind Almeida – a walled cathedral, old town and Grao Vasco museum – the most important Portuguese garrison town in a time warp from the Peninsular War. But city walls do not painter of the 16th century. Total mileage today is 174. There will also be an come any bigger or better than the 11th century ramparts of Avila – 1½ miles in optional excursion to the old village of La Alberca in the Sierra de Francia circumference, 90 towers and nearly 2500 battlements! mountains. • 3 nights bb in Madrid • 4 nights hb in Ciudad Rodrigo • Visit to Avila Day Seven: Today we return to Madrid via stunning Salamanca. The focal point • Visits to Almeida and Viseu in Portugal • Walking tours of Ciudad Rodrigo of this ancient University City and its thousands of students is the magniicent and Salamanca Plaza Mayor whose splendid arcades are decorated with medallions of the Kings of Spain and other dignitaries, including Wellington. Other places to PROGRAMME look out for are the old cathedral dating from 1140 and the ‘new’ cathedral begun in 1513! Also the Casa de las Conchas – a 16th century palace adorned Day One: Direct light to Madrid and transfer to your hotel for two nights bed with stone carvings of scallop shells. All the ine old buildings are intricately and breakfast accommodation. decorated – your task is to ind the frog and the astronaut – all will be explained! Day Two: Free in Madrid or why not take an optional half day excursion to After a walking tour and free time for lunch it is time to return to Madrid for your Toledo. A guided walk of the city, including entrance to Toledo Cathedral and El last night on a bed and breakfast basis. Today’s mileage is 183. Greco’s ‘Burial of the Count of Orgaz’ is arranged for you. 95 miles round-trip. Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to the airport and your return Day Three: Depart for Ciudad Rodrigo stopping en route in Avila. The city light home. walls of Avila are 40ft high and 10ft thick and are made to look all the more YOUR HOTELS dramatic by the high sierras in the background. At over 3,500ft, Avila is Spain’s highest provincial capital. The largest round turret in the wall forms part of its HOTEL FLORIDA NORTE HHHH, Madrid (irst two and last nights) cathedral. Inside the walls you will ind a mixture of medieval squares and ine 18th century buildings and plenty of cafes and restaurants. Arrival in Ciudad The description of the hotel is on page 9. Rodrigo will be late afternoon and today’s mileage is 185. Four nights half HOTEL CONDE RODRIGO HHH, Ciudad Rodrigo (four nights) board are spent in Ciudad Rodrigo. Next to the cathedral, the hotel is formed by a group of mansions Days Four to Six: A fascinating walking tour is included in Ciudad Rodrigo and church houses dating back to the 18th century. Mod cons in – one of the best preserved walled cities in Spain. The city is packed with the bedrooms include air-conditioning, tv, minibar, telephone and impressive Renaissance churches, convents and palaces as well as older hairdryer. The hotel has a restaurant and a large, comfortable lounge. architecture built to defend the city against the Moors. The tops of the walls (www.conderodrigo.com) of the city can be walked around almost in their entirety. Ciudad Rodrigo was sieged irst by the French in 1810 and then again by Wellington in 1812. Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of Seemingly, little has changed since then and Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe departure dates, prices and lights. would recognize the little streets of its centre and the still visible damage to the cathedral caused by British canon! Wellington was made Duke of Ciudad

7 Green Spain & the Road to Santiago

orientation walk in the old town. Others may wish to visit one of Madrid’s major 10 days from £779 galleries, such as the Prado. June, September & October Day Three: You head north for your en-route stop in Leon, considered by some Spain’s green north-west is home to wonderful scenery, which ranges from to be the most attractive Spanish town of all, with a ine Gothic cathedral as the mountainous Picos de Europa, stunning coastline of coves and cliffs, well as some of Spain’s oldest Romanesque buildings. Then it’s on to Candas, with the fjord-like Galician ‘Rias’ – deep inlets cut by the Atlantic swell. You on the Asturian coast near Gijon, for three nights half board accommodation. visit the region of Asturias, and then travel into Galicia to stay at Santiago de Today’s total is just under 300 miles, mainly motorway. Compostela – the most famous pilgrimage destination in the world. There is Days Four and Five: From Candas there is an included excursion to also a stay in Spain’s mighty capital, Madrid. Covadonga, in the Picos de Europa National Park. It was here where in 718 the Visigothic King Pelayo defeated the Moors and began the reconquest of • 3 nights bb Madrid, 3 nights hb Candas, 3 nights hb Santiago de Spain. You will also see the pleasant little town of Cangas de Onis. The other Compostela • Visits to the Picos de Europa, Covadonga • Journey on day is free, with an optional excursion to historic maritime Gijon (just 8 miles the FEVE narrow gauge train from Ribadeo to Ferrol • Walking tour of away) and Oviedo (17 miles), which was featured in Woody Allen’s recent movie. Santiago de Compostela A photo stop at the lighthouse and cliffs of Cabo de Penas will also be made.

PROGRAMME Day Six: You leave Candas, stopping irst at the picturesque ishing village of Cudillero, which clusters around its harbour. Then it’s on to the ‘Beach of Day One: Direct light to Madrid, short transfer to your hotel for two nights bed Cathedrals’, where at low tide one can walk amongst the enormous, sheer and breakfast accommodation. lumps of craggy rock scattered on the beach. At Ribadeo (80 miles from Day Two: Free in Madrid, with its Puerta del Sol, Royal Palace, Cibeles Candas) there is free time for lunch before you board the FEVE narrow gauge Fountain and Plaza Mayor. Your Tour Director will take those who wish for an train. (Please note that we cannot reserve seats in advance – availability has

8 www.preferredts.com

never been a problem, but in the unlikely event that seats are not available, we pedestrianised. From Santiago there is also an optional trip to the Rias shall make the journey by road). The one-metre wide line winds along the coast Baixas area to the south. towards the port of Ferrol. Your coach travels on with your luggage and then Day Nine: Today you travel back to Madrid, again by motorway, a total of takes you on to your hotel just outside Santiago de Compostela, 58 miles from 385 miles. Your en-route stop is in Tordesillas, on the Duero river. You will Ferrol, where you spend three nights on a half board basis. learn of the windowless cell here which was home for 46 years to ‘Joanna Days Seven and Eight: You spend one day in Santiago itself, with an included the Mad’, who, heartbroken, spent 3 years touring monasteries and convents walking tour of the old town. Pilgrims come via the many “Roads to Santiago” of Spain with her husband’s cofin by her side, periodically checking the to visit the shrine of St James the Apostle: Santiago is the third holy city of corpse! Continue to Madrid for the last night of your holiday on a bed and Christendom after Jerusalem and Rome, and its centre is almost completely breakfast basis. Day Ten: Free time until you depart for the airport and your light home. YOUR HOTELS all can be seen at www.celuisma.com

HOTEL FLORIDA NORTE HHHH, Madrid (three nights) The irst two and last night of your holiday are spent in the Hotel Florida Norte, opposite the new Principe Pio Shopping centre and metro station, just a short walk from the Royal Palace and Don Quixote’s statue at Plaza de Espana. The hotel is quite large, with nearly 400 rooms, all of which have full bathroom, radio, tv with satellite channels, telephone, and safety deposit box. The hotel has a large lobby area/lounge, restaurant, coffee shop, shops, lifts, and hairdresser. HOTEL MARSOL HHHH, Candas (three nights) In the small town of Candas, with its ishing harbour, shops, restaurants and local train station, the hotel stands near to the harbour and beach. The bright and airy reception has a lounge area, and the hotel has a bar, restaurant, lift and 85 comfortable rooms with bath or shower, wc, direct dial phone, tv with satellite channels, and safety deposit box. HOTEL LOS TILOS HHHH, Santiago de Compostela (three nights) The Los Tilos urbanisation enjoys a quiet location just outside Santiago de Compostela. A few yards from the hotel lies a small shopping centre and park area. The bus to the centre of Santiago stops right by the hotel and takes less than 10 minutes to reach the town centre – the bus runs about every 20 minutes, right through the evening too, and costs 1€. The hotel has a large lounge/bar area, lift, restaurant, coffee shop and 92 comfortable bedrooms with full bathroom, telephone, radio, tv, minibar, wii and safety deposit box. Notes: Stops en route on travel days are designed to give you the chance to stretch your legs in interesting places, but please note that shops and museums may be limited in some places, particularly at lunchtime.

Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of departure dates, prices and lights.

9 The Algarve & Historic Cities of Portugal

to the Discoveries’ and Belem Tower should not be missed. In pretty little Obidos 8 days from £729 you have free time to walk the perfectly preserved walls that surround cobbled May, September & October streets, whitewashed houses, and ancient terracotta roofs. Above the town is a picture-book 13th century castle. Nazaré-Lisbon is 70 miles, mainly motorway. This holiday will show you the contrasts that make up Portugal, one of Europe’s oldest nation states. From the green north to the drier south, from busy Lisbon to Your other included day out is to Porto, stopping en route in Coimbra, home of more traditional UNESCO-listed Porto and Evora, there is a host of interesting one of Europe’s oldest universities. After an orientation tour of Porto, you can history and spectacular landscapes to discover. visit a Port Lodge and explore the bustling waterside quarter where quaint old ‘rabelo’ boats can still be seen on the river, laden with their cargo of port wine. • 3 nights hb Tavira, 4 nights hb Nazaré–Pederneira • Visits to maritime Nazaré to Porto is 170 miles – you return to the hotel for dinner. Lisbon, riverside Porto, stunningly unspoilt Evora, walled Obidos, the There is also the chance to join a short optional excursion to Fatima and university city of Coimbra, and undiscovered Alcacer do Sal Batalha. Fatima, or “the altar of Portugal” is a major pilgrimage destination. The magniicent abbey at Batalha commemorates the Portuguese victory over the PROGRAMME Spanish in 1385. Day One: Direct light to Faro, short transfer to historic Tavira for two nights half Day Seven: After breakfast you travel south. Your main stop today is in Alcacer board accommodation. do Sal, at the head of the Sado Estuary and the Natural Park area, to the south Day Two: Tavira and its old centre, with a Roman bridge and no less than 27 of Lisbon, where you have time to explore the picturesque streets of white and churches, is a pleasant place to stroll with quaint shops under the arcades of blue houses along the river. You then continue on to Tavira. Total distance today the narrow streets, or take the short boat trip down the river to explore one is again just under 250 miles, mainly motorway. of Portugal’s most spectacular beaches. This is the Eastern Algarve, less Day Eight: Free time until you depart for the airport for your light home. developed than the other side of Faro, over to the West. You can also join a half- day optional trip to the nearby Guadiana River, which marks the Spanish border. YOUR HOTELS Day Three: Today you head north, taking the motorway that has undone the HOTEL VILA GALé HHHH, Tavira (three nights) south’s centuries of isolation. Your main stop today is in the open landscape of Alentejo, at Evora, where you can stroll the maze of narrow streets around The irst two and last night of your holiday are spent at the Vila Galé Tavira the superbly unspoilt town square, visit the ine Roman temple (this is ancient Hotel, situated in the centre of town. The hotel has rooms with balcony, Lusitania) and see the impressive azulejo tiles of St John’s church. You then air-conditioning, satellite tv, hairdryer and safe, and an outdoor pool continue to Nazaré, crossing the Tagus over the impressive 10 mile long Vasco (seasonal), jacuzzi, Turkish bath and gymnasium (charges may apply). da Gama bridge for four nights half board. Today’s journey is just under 250 miles. On occasion you will stay at the 4H sister hotel, Hotel Vila Galé Albacora, Tavira, which has similar facilities, on the riverfront ive minutes from the Pederneira is the oldest quarter of Nazaré. There are a few shops and bars, town centre (the hotel operates a free shuttle bus). (www.vilagale.pt) and the resort town of Nazaré – with every facility – is just a few minutes walk down the hill. It takes longer to walk back up! – or splash out 3 or 4 Euros on HOTEL MIRAMAR HHHH, Nazaré – Pederneira (four nights) a taxi if you prefer. It’s a small price to pay for the wonderful sea views from The Hotel Miramar overlooks the resort of Nazaré on the Costa da Prata. your hotel. It has an outdoor pool (subject to season/weather), bar, and restaurant. Bedrooms have private bathroom, telephone, satellite tv, and air Days Four to Six: At leisure in Nazaré, with two included excursions. conditioning. (www.hotelmiramar.pt) Your irst trip is to Obidos and Lisbon. Portugal’s capital, in a spectacular setting on the Tagus estuary, also offers contrasts. There are broad modern boulevards, but also quaint old city districts such as the ‘barrio alto’, unchanged Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of for centuries. Close to the river, the Jeronimo monastery and nearby ‘Monument departure dates, prices and lights.

10 www.preferredts.com Roman Spain & Portugal – Lisbon & Extremadura

There are two optional excursions from Merida. A spectacular optional full-day 8 days from £649 excursion travels through the Sierra to Guadalupe and Trujillo – two of the September & October prettiest towns in Extremadura, and each rich in history. Guadalupe’s narrow streets of whitewashed houses adjoin the monastery A tour of the old Roman province of Lusitania – with Lisbon in the west and of Santa Maria de Guadalupe. A local 13th century shepherd found a much- a rare opportunity to explore Extremadura in Spain in the east. Both regions venerated statue of the Virgin, reputedly carved by St Luke, in a nearby ield, feature sites of major interest and importance, rich in over 2000 years of and pilgrims have been coming to Guadalupe ever since. Columbus gave history, particularly the periods of the Romans, the Age of Discovery and the the monastery’s name to the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, and returning Conquistadors. conquistadors brought great wealth to it as well. • 3 nights bb Lisbon • 4 nights bb Merida • Guided tours of Lisbon and Trujillo is the home town of Pizarro, conquistador and discoverer of Peru, and Merida • Visits to Vila Vicosa and Estremoz its Plaza Mayor is dominated by mansions built by the family and by a statue of the man himself. PROGRAMME There will also be an optional excursion to spectacular Caceres, the biggest Day One: : Direct light to Lisbon. Short transfer to your hotel for two nights bed town in the area, and home to a busy university. We will focus, however, on the and breakfast accommodation. perfectly preserved walled town that stands at its heart. It’s an atmospheric, Day Two: Included morning city tour of Lisbon. Everywhere you go in Lisbon completely unspoilt place. The town has a wealth of 16th century palaces and you will ind evidence of the city’s historic links with the Age of Discovery from noble houses built on riches brought from the Americas. where intrepid explorers opened up the sea-trading routes to India, Brazil, China Day Seven: Depart for Lisbon, visiting en route the city of Estremoz, set below and Japan in the 15th century. The city is a mix of old quarters such as the its castle and famed for its marble – it has been quarried nearby since Roman Alfama, a maze of steep cobbled streets and wide avenues leading to the 18th times. The last night of your holiday is spent in Lisbon on a bed and breakfast century Rossio square. In the afternoon, there is an optional excursion to the basis. This evening there is an optional visit to a Fado show where you can listen National Palace at Sintra. to the unique and haunting sounds of traditional Portuguese music. Day Three: Depart for Merida. En route you make a stop in Vila Vicosa whose Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to the airport for your return light. 16th century palace was home to the Dukes of Braganza (Catherine married Charles II of England). The façade of the palace is covered with local marble and YOUR HOTELS dominates the huge town square. Continue across the border to Merida for four HHHH nights bed and breakfast accommodation (193 miles today). There is a host of HOTEL METROPOLITAN , Lisbon (irst two and last nights) dining options close to your hotel to suit all tastes and budgets. Your tour director The hotel is located the near the Stock Exchange, Zoo and the Gulbenkian, will be happy to advise. close to both metro and train stops and just a 10 minute ride to downtown on the cheap and frequent bus service. The hotel has a bar and restaurant Days Four to Six: In Merida, the Roman capital of Lusitania, is nowadays and rooms have hairdryer, internet connection, cable LCD tv, minibar, air a pleasantly unspoilt, Spanish town with narrow streets and spectacular conditioning. (www.metropolitan.sanahotels.com) monuments. There is an included orientation tour of Merida, irstly by coach HHHH but then on foot. The UNESCO-listed Theatre and Amphitheatre stand side by HOTEL VELADA , Merida (four nights) side, in the heart of the old town but just a few minutes walk from your hotel. The The Hotel Velada is a modern building, standing on the road that bypasses stunning Roman Theatre is the most visited of Merida’s monuments: inaugurated the old Roman part of town, but just a short walk from the Amphitheatre, in 15BC, it had a capacity of 6000, and is used for performances to this day. The in the heart of the old town. Bedrooms have minibar, satellite tv, air- Amphitheatre opened in 8BC and staged gladiatorial combats in front of crowds conditioning and telephone. (www.veladahoteles.com). of up to 14000. The light and airy Museum of Roman Art is stunning; other sites include the Temple of Diana, the Trajan Arch and the bridge over the Guadiana Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates, Prices and Flight Information’ for details of - constructed in 25BC, it is 729 metres long and has 60 arches. departure dates, prices and lights.

11 Bordeaux, San Sebastian & the Basque Country

Days Four to Six: Free in Zarautz. There is an included day’s visit to nearby 8 days from £699 San Sebastian, and there are also optional excursions to Pamplona, and along June and October the spectacular Basque coastline west of your resort. San Sebastian or Donostia in the Basque language, enjoys a truly privileged The vineyards of Bordeaux, the rich scenery and geology of the Basque coastline, situation. Dominated by Monte Urgull, the superb old town and the three ine the gorgeous beaches of San Sebastian, a scenic rail trip to the Pyrenean town beaches offer the visitor every amenity including chic shops and welcoming of St Jean Pied du Port, starting point for many of the Pilgrims on the Way to sidrerias – cider houses. The local txakoli white wine is pleasant too. Santiago de Compostela: these are just some of the treats in store. Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, is famed worldwide for the ‘Running of the Bulls’, featured by Hemingway in ‘The Sun Also Rises.’ You will be able to walk • 3 nights bb in or near Bordeaux • 4 nights hb in the Basque country • Visits to the bulls’ route to the bullring, but the town’s focal point is the Plaza del Castillo, San Sebastian, Hendaye, St Jean de Luz, Bayonne • Train ride in the French near to which lies the former Jewish Quarter and the Gothic Cathedral of Santa ‘Pays Basque’ Maria. Part of the old city wall is still intact, and the Museum of Navarre is worth a visit too. Pamplona is 54 motorway miles away. PROGRAMME The Coast West of Zarautz, towards Bilbao, is spectacular. You pass the Day One: Fly direct to Bordeaux, transfer to your hotel for two nights bed and txakoli vineyards and ishing villages such as Getaria, sheltered by El Raton breakfast accommodation. (Mouse Island). You travel as far as Guernica (40 miles from Zarautz), where Bordeaux: long a mercantile city, Bordeaux has on three brief occasions been the Basque Parliament used to meet under the Tree of Gernika. The town was France’s capital. Over the past 15 years it has been impressively restored, heavily bombed during the Civil War – Picasso’s painting immortalised the and the city now shows off its classical and neoclassical architecture to good suffering caused by war. The original now hangs in Madrid, but a tapestry copy effect – so much so that most of the city centre is now on the UNESCO World adorns the walls of the UN HQ in New York. Heritage list. The riverside quays are pleasant places to stroll. Bordeaux has Day Seven: You leave Zarautz and travel into the Pyrenees, to St-Jean Pied de longstanding links with our history too – Aquitaine was British for 300 years, Port, the starting point for many pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. until 1453. Large quantities of wine were exported to Britain – a trade which After time to explore the citadel and old town, you take the train down through continues to this day! the hills to Bayonne, at the conluence of the Nive and Adour Rivers. Bayonne Days Two: Included half day walking tour of old Bordeaux. The rest of the has a ine cathedral and an interesting Basque Museum. Here you rejoin the day is free. coach to travel to Bordeaux for one night bed and breakfast accommodation. Day Three: Today you travel south across the Landes towards the spectacular (218 miles today, mainly motorway, including 30 by train.) coastline of the Basque Country. You make a stop in St Jean de Luz, and then Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to the airport for your return light. take the ine coast road to Hendaye – geologists ind this coast fascinating. You cross into Spain by boat (weather permitting), over the Bidassoa River to YOUR HOTELS Hondarribia, with its picturesque old town. You then continue to Zarautz, just outside San Sebastian, where you spend four nights on a half board basis (163 QUALITY HOTEL Bordeaux Ste Catherine HHH, Bordeaux (irst two miles today, mainly motorway). and last nights) The Basque Country, straddling France and Spain, offers mountains, cliffs, The hotel is situated in the pedestrian centre. The hotel has a bar/lounge, beaches, and a unique culture, ranging across sport (pelota has various forms, complimentary wi-i and is air conditioned. Bedrooms have bathroom, lat screen including jai alai, reputedly the fastest sport in the world), music, cuisine, tv, telephone and minibar. (www.qualityhotelbordeauxcentre.com). religion, clothing and language (supposedly Europe’s oldest, and certainly its HOTEL ZARAUZ HHH, Zarautz (four nights) most distinct): in short, all aspects of a Basque’s life are Basque rather than The centrally-situated and comfortably-appointed Hotel Zarauz is close Spanish or French. to the beach (150m) and railway station (250m). The 75 bedrooms have Zarautz: just 12 miles outside San Sebastian lies Zarautz, a pleasant seaside bath or shower and wc, telephone, satellite tv, heating, mini-bar, hairdryer, resort with a ine old quarter and good narrow-gauge train line to San Sebastian. and free Wii internet access. There is a restaurant, bar, lift, lounge and There are two museums, and a good range of shops, bars, and restaurants small garden area. (www.hotelzarauz.com) - both in town and close to what is the the Basque country’s largest beach. There is a pleasant coastal walk to the west of town. Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates, Prices and Flight Information’ for details of departure dates, prices and lights. 12 www.preferredts.com Springtime in the Pyrenees – featuring the ‘Train of the Lakes’ & Gaudi’s Barcelona

8 days from £649 Gothic style altar is worth a visit. Days Three to Five: From Vielha, you travel into the French Pyrenees to visit May the pleasant French spa town of Bagneres de Luchon (20 miles away) on an The ‘Train of the Lakes’ follows a spectacular course through the hills of the included half day visit. There are also optional trips to Lourdes in France, as well Catalan hinterland, wending its picturesque way from Lleida (Lerida in Castilian as a tour of the Catalan Pyrenees, travelling over the spectacular Bonaigua pass Spanish) to the village of La Pobla de Segur. This is a pleasant way into the to visit the ‘lucky’ town of Sort (Sort means ‘good luck’ in Catalan, the local lottery heights of the Pyrenees, where you spend four nights in Vielha, the main town concession sells more tickets than anywhere else in Spain!). of Val d’Aran, right on the French border. Val d’Aran has its own traditions and Day Six: Today you leave the splendour of the mountains and make for the even its own language, a form of Occitan which coexists here with Spanish and bright lights of Gaudi’s Barcelona (165 miles away), where you spend two Catalan. You also spend two nights in the heart of Gaudi’s Barcelona, where nights on a bed and breakfast basis. there is always something new to discover. Barcelona needs little introduction: see Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Church and • 1 night hb Catalan Coast, 4 nights hb Val d’Aran, 2 nights bb Barcelona • Park Guell, wander down Las Ramblas, or explore the attractive squares and Journey on the Train of the Lakes • Visits to Lleida and the French resort of narrow lanes with their speciality shops. Your representative will be on hand to Bagneres de Luchon help you make your plans, and will make reservations for reasonably-priced evening meals for those who wish. PROGRAMME Day Seven: Free in Barcelona. Your representative will accompany those who Day One: Fly direct to Barcelona or Reus. Transfer to your hotel in Coma- wish to Montserrat, travelling by local train and cable car. Ruga on the coast between Barcelona and Taragonna (transfer time approx 40 minutes) for one night half board accommodation. Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to the airport and your return light.

Day Two: You leave the coast and head inland to Lleida (70 motorway miles YOUR HOTELS away) where you have time for a look at the splendid cathedral, built on the site of a mosque and dating from 1203. HOTEL MARVEL HHHH, Coma-Ruga (one night) At 1345 hours you leave aboard the ‘Train of the Lakes’, for a lovely 2-hour Please see description on Page 15. journey into the Pyrenees. You travel the whole line, to the village of La Pobla HOTEL MARVEL BERET HHH, Vielha (four nights) de Segur, 56 miles away: The original plan to link through the Pyrenees to St Your hotel is just three hundred yards from the centre of Vielha. Facilities Girons in France was never accomplished. Indeed, despite starting in 1924, it are shared with the 4H Marvel Vielha, just 20 yards away. The heated was not until 1951 that the line reached La Pobla de Segur. It’s a spectacular swimming pool and main bar are in the Beret, the restaurant and spa run, though, running up the Segre River, skirting the Four Lakes (now reservoirs, are in the Vielha. Free wii is available in the bedrooms and public to be accurate), as you climb into the Pyrenees. areas. Rooms are modern and comfortable, with digital tv and phone. You continue to Vielha (45 miles from La Pobla de Segur) , the capital of the Val (www.hotelmarvelberet.com) d’Aran, close to the French border, for four nights half board accommodation. HOTEL CATALONIA PLAZA HHHH, Barcelona (two nights) Vielha and Val d’Aran: Vielha, the capital of Val d’Aran, has 6000 inhabitants. The hotel is close to the ‘Magic Fountains’, and stands right on Plaza de Although part of Catalonia, it lies on the River Garonne and the region’s natural Espana. Bedrooms have minibar, safe, wii, telephone, tv and hairdryer. exit is towards France. The locals speak Aranese, a Gascon dialect of Southern The hotel has a cafeteria, bar and restaurant. (www.hotelescatalonia.es) French (Occitan). The architecture, too, with its dormer windows and grey slate roofs, seems French rather than Spanish, and indeed the border is close by. Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates, Prices and Flight Information’ for details of Vielha’s church of Sant Miquel, with its octagonal 14th century bell tower and departure dates, prices and lights.

13 Carcassonne, Cathar Country & Catalonia

Northern Spain and home to the Emperor Augustus – a Temple in his honour 8 days from £599 stood on the site of the current Cathedral. Our excursion includes a walk with May, June, September & October expert guide. Day Three: Today we depart for France. En route we shall make a stop in Dalì’s The ramparts of Carcassonne, the mystery of Rennes-le-Château, the home town of Figueras, with its surreal (in the truest sense!) theatre-museum surrealism of Dalì’s Theatre Museum, combined with a visit to modernist (entrance included). The Dalì Museum, with its luminous-egg façade, seems Barcelona, and stays in unspoilt locations on the Catalan coast and in a to want to stretch your mind even before you enter! From there we proceed pleasant spa town in the hills of Roussillon – this is a holiday to one of the most to your hotel in Amelie-les-Bains, for four nights half board accommodation. scenic parts of the Mediterranean. Distance today is 156 miles, mainly motorway. The area also happens to be fabulously rich in history, legend and stunning Day Four: After an early breakfast, we depart on our full-day included excursion castles. Some brief historical notes can be found opposite. to Carcassonne and Rennes-le-Château. Although a longish day, it is packed with interest. We start with a scenic drive • 3 nights hb in Spanish Catalonia, 4 nights hb in the Roussillon area of past two spectacular Cathar castles – Peyrepertuse, perched high above the France • Visits to Rennes-le-Château, Carcassonne, The Dalì Museum in valley, and Quéribus, whose rocky spur saw the last stand of the Cathars in Figueras and Barcelona 1255. We continue to the pleasant riverside town of Quillan (coffee stop) and then to the nearby mysterious village of Rennes-le-Château. PROGRAMME In Rennes-le-Château you will see the church, presbytery, villa, tower and Day One: Direct light to Reus or Barcelona, transfer to your hotel on the grounds built by the priest, Abbé Sauniere, at the end of the 19th century. Catalan coast for two nights half board accommodation. Transfer time 50 You will discover the true extent of the mystery that has spawned so many minutes. books – including Dan Brown’s blockbuster, the Da Vinci Code – and Day Two: Optional half day excursion to the Roman city of Tarragona where several tv programmes. You will not be the irst to try and solve the mystery you can visit the amphitheatre, port and beach and stroll through the medieval – a bye-law had to be passed to stop unauthorised digging in the village by centre. Under the Romans, Tarragona was the capital of the Province of treasure-hunters!

14 www.preferredts.com

We continue to Carcassonne for lunch, and a free afternoon in the most HISTORICAL NOTE spectacular walled city on earth. A UNESCO Heritage site, the cité is a remarkable defensive structure with barbican, dry moat, outer and inner walls, Catharism. inaccessible watch-towers, posterns, loopholes and arrow slits. The last part of The heresy of Catharism began to take hold in various parts of France our circular route is motorway, and we arrive back at the hotel at approx 1830. Total today is just under 200 miles. at the end of the 12th century but it was in the south Languedoc Days Five and Six: We offer an optional half-day excursion to the walled where it really lourished. Its rise was partly due to the simple way of village of Prats de Mollo, just 12 miles up the Vallespir valley, on the side of life of its ‘priests’. There was only one prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, no Mount Canigou. cross and no eternal hell – delivery from evil was through baptism There is also an optional excursion to nearby Perpignan, the capital of the and they believed in reincarnation. Nobility and commoners alike Roussillon, and to the artists’ resort of Collioure. A port since Roman times, respected their lack of wealth. Furthermore Cathar ‘priests’ preached many crusades to the Holy Land set off from Collioure, and reproductions of in the common language, Occitan, and did not ask for money. The works by artists who painted in Collioure (Matisse and Dérain in particular) will Roman Catholic church (referred to by the Cathars as the Church of be found on the quaysides. Wolves), which was already facing problems with Moslem advances Day Seven: Today we return to the Costa Dorada for your last night, again on a half board basis. En route there is a short tour of, and free time to explore, in Jerusalem and Spain, could not face such a heresy in Catholic the exciting city of Barcelona, capital of Catalonia. Distance today is similar to lands and called for a crusade in 1208. One year later Béziers was Day Three, approx 160 miles. sacked and the population of 20,000 slaughtered. There then followed Day Eight: Free until your transfer to the airport for your return light. a series of bloody sieges and massacres (chronicled in the songs of A WALKING HOLIDAY is also available featuring these hotels. Please ask for a the troubadours) and the Cathar fortresses fell one by one. The last copy of our Walking Brochure, or download one at www.preferredts.com few Cathars took refuge in the hilltop castles at Montsegur, Puilaurens Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of and Queribus, the latter falling in 1255. By 1271, all Languedoc had departure dates, prices and lights. been incorporated into France. Occitan traditions and language are YOUR HOTELS still defended in this region. HOTEL MARVEL HHHH, Coma-Ruga (irst two & last nights) The Mystery of Rennes-le-Château. The hotel has been completely refurbished and stands close to the broad While the remote village of Rennes-le-Château was reputed to sandy beach. This unspoilt resort is quiet out of season, rather busier at have a population of 30,000 in 1062, in 1885 it was a dilapidated weekends in mid-June and mid-September when there is an entertainment settlement of 294 with a castle and church in terrible disrepair. Enter programme in the hotel, with music on Saturday evenings. A reasonable Abbé Saunière, the newly appointed Priest of the village who raised selection of shops, bars and restaurants is about 10 minutes walk (700m) money to repair the church. During the works he discovered some away, and the railway station with half-hourly departures to Barcelona is parchments and a lagstone with sculpted side face down. He is then about 15 minutes walk. There is also a local bus service to the nearby county supposed to have worked in the church late at night, wandered in town of El Vendrell, birthplace of Pablo Casals: his villa, now an interesting the hills with a vine basket and even opened graves in the cemetery museum, is within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel has a spa centre with his housekeeper, Marie. He then spent vast amounts building a (a reasonable extra charge applies), restaurant, bar, lounge, and outdoor pool. Rooms, which all have balcony, also have 2 queen size beds, bathroom villa, a gothic tower for his books, a calvary, expensive renovations with hairdryer, phone, air-conditioning/heating, satellite LCD tv, minibar, in the church and landscaping the gardens which he illed with and safety deposit box (charge applies). Free wii in public areas. (www. exotic animals. He also gave lavish dinner parties for weekend marvelcomarruga.com) visitors from Paris, including Emma Calve, an international opera singer and follower of the occult, and a member of the Hapsburg HHH HOTEL DE LA REINE AMéLIE , Amélie-les-Bains (four family. He refused to account for his expenditure and the case of nights) the country curé went as far as the Vatican. He died in 1917. Marie Four nights are spent in the Hotel de la Reine Amélie in the Vallespir Valley. the housekeeper died in 1953 without revealing more. Whether he Situated close to the River Tech, Amélie is a spa town 19 miles from the coast discovered treasure or documents “so important as to change the and surrounded by pleasant mountain scenery. The hotel has bar, lounge area, restaurant and comfortable bedrooms with private bath or shower, wc, face of the world’’ nobody knows – but he spent an awful lot of money! tv and phone. Many have a balcony too. (www.reineamelie.com)

15 France, Spain, Andorra & the Pyrenees

operating schedules, we may have an early start this morning but it’s well worth 8 days from £639 it! If for any reason the train is not operating we shall make the journey by road. June & September Our optional excursions are to ‘The Three Valleys of Andorra’, taking in the This holiday is a magical cocktail of stunning mountain scenery in three nature area of the North Valley, the village of Ordino, and Andorra-la-Vella, the countries, with a never-to-be-forgotten ride on the Little Yellow Train through Principality’s capital; and to the wooded Ariège Valley of France, taking in the the French Pyrenees. We spend four nights in Andorra, close to the French pretty spa town of Ax-les-Thermes and historic Foix, whose spectacular castle border of this picturesque principality, set high amid the peaks of the Pyrenees. was never conquered. We also visit Labouiche, just outside Foix, to take a boat trip on Europe’s longest navigable underground river, which has hewn a • 3 nights hb Costa Dorada, 4 nights hb in the High Pyrenees • Scenic spectacular course through the hills. There are quite a few steps in the access Journey on the Little Yellow Train • Visit to Barcelona to the river. Foix is 53 miles from Soldeu. PROGRAMME Day Seven: Today, we leave Andorra to journey south to Barcelona, Spain’s Day One: Direct light to Reus or Barcelona, transfer to your hotel on the Costa second largest city and the capital of Catalonia. See Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Dorada for two nights half board accommodation. Transfer time is just under Church and Park Guell, wander down Las Ramblas, or explore the attractive an hour. squares and narrow lanes with their speciality shops. We then continue to your Day Two: Free day or join our optional excursion to Montserrat and the Cava coastal hotel for one night’s half board accommodation. Wine District. Day Eight: Free time until you depart for the airport for your light home. Montserrat stands perched on a spectacular ‘serrated’ peak, 4000ft high. The monastery was founded in 1026 and is a major place of pilgrimage – the 12th YOUR HOTELS century statue of La Moreneta (the Little Black Madonna) is reputed to have been brought there by St Peter. HOTEL MARVEL HHHH, Coma-Ruga (irst two and last nights) Day Three: Today we travel into the mountains towards Andorra. The journey The description of the hotel is on page 15. time is approximately 4 hours excluding stops as we travel through the Catalan countryside, passing Tarrega and Ponts en route to the High Pyrenees and our SPORT HOTEL HHHH, Soldeu (four nights) hotel in the mountain village of Soldeu, where we have four nights half board Four nights are spent in the Sport Hotel in the village of Soldeu, accommodation. Soldeu is a scenic mountain village, with a few shops, bars Andorra. This attractive hotel is built in the local style, featuring natural and restaurants. There is a cable car, which normally operates from June to September, and serves Europe’s highest golf course (9 holes, 2590 metres up, wood and local stone. Rooms have satellite tv and full facilities. There cable car access only). Guest tickets and club hire are available to members of is a comfortable bar, lounge, and restaurant serving excellent food, golf clubs who are visiting from elsewhere. as well as an outdoor pool (weather dependent). Soldeu village has a Days Four to Six: At leisure in resort with an included excursion on the Petit few shops and bars, a reasonable bus service to town, and excellent Train Jaune, and the chance to join two further optional excursions. walking right from the hotel. The Sport and Sport Village Hotels are on The Little Yellow Train line up the narrow Têt valley in France was constructed opposite sides of the road, with a tunnel link between them. The hotels at the beginning of the 20th century to provide a link between Perpignan and have separate reception and bars but on some dates only one restaurant the isolated Cerdagne plateau, which had become part of France in the 17th may be open. There is a spa within the complex, available at extra cost. century but where Catalan traditions lived on. (www.sporthotels.ad – click on Sport Hotel). From ramparted Villefranche de Conlent at 1400ft this little electric train climbs the Pyrenees on a one-metre gauge track, passing the highest railway station in France (Bolquère, 5310ft), on its way to Latour de Carol. You will A WALKING HOLIDAY is also available featuring these hotels. Please ask for a marvel at the granite Sejourné viaduct and the Gisclard suspension bridge copy of our Walking Brochure, or download one at www.preferredts.com (260ft above the valley loor). The Yellow Train completes the 40 mile journey in around 2½ hours. We will also stop in UNESCO-listed Montlouis, France’s Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of highest fortiied town. Villefranche is 57 miles from Soldeu. Depending on departure dates, prices and lights.

16 www.preferredts.com Lake Annecy & the Alps of Provence

to St Georges de Commiers. Completed in 1888, the line, with its 143 tunnels 8 days from £799 and viaducts, was used to transport coal from the mountain to feed the factories September in Grenoble for a hundred years. Now, the line is one of the most popular and spectacular tourist rail journeys in Europe. We then continue to beautiful Lake A holiday which combines the spectacular mountain scenery of the northern and Annecy for three nights bed and breakfast accommodation. (If for any reason southern French Alps, the breathtaking Gorges de Verdon and the shimmering waters of Lake Annecy. All this, and a panoramic ride on the Mure Railway the Train de La Mure is not operating we shall complete the journey by road). – the old alpine coal train from the mountains to Grenoble. Today’s stunning journey covers 156 miles. Days Six and Seven: In Annecy. The town of Annecy lies on its 10-mile • 1 night bb Geneva • 3 nights hb Sisteron • 3 nights bb Annecy • Alpine train journey on Le Train de la Mure • Full day excursion to Gorges de lake, where the shimmering waters relect the brilliant snow-capped peaks. Verdon • Visit to Grenoble The old town centre features half-timbered façades and colonnaded streets, good shops, and an impressive castle-museum. You will have plenty of time to explore and to take a boat trip around the Lake. During your stay here there will PROGRAMME also be an optional half day excursion to the beautiful medieval village of Yvoire Day One: Direct light to Geneva, short transfer to your hotel for one night on the shores of Lake Geneva. bed and breakfast accommodation. Geneva, with its ‘jet d’eau’ waterspout and waterfront walks, is the European home of the UN and the Red Cross, whose Day Eight: Transfer to Geneva airport – 35 miles away - for your light home. museum in particular is well worth a visit. Depending on light times, there may be time for some last minute shopping en route. Day Two: Free morning in Geneva for sight-seeing before departing south to Grenoble - Capital of the Alps. After free time in Grenoble, our journey continues YOUR HOTELS to Sisteron south the along the RN75 through the beautiful, undiscovered Pays du Buech where the marriage of the lush and green high Alps of the north HOTEL RAMADA PARK HHHH, Geneva (one night) and the dry, rocky Provencal Alps is most evident. Three nights half board You will stay one night in this comfortable hotel, conveniently situated for accommodation is reserved in Sisteron. Total distance today – 174 miles. access to town, lake and airport. The hotel’s comfortable bedrooms have Days Three and Four: In Sisteron. On the banks of the Durance river, at 1400 en-suite bathrooms with bath/shower, wc, and colour tv. Your stay is on a feet Sisteron is distinctively Provencal in feel and climate but it is also the bed and breakfast basis: there is a restaurant in the hotel, and the frequent, gateway to the high Alps. Its maze of tiny streets is dominated by the medieval rapid bus to the town centre stops outside. (www.ramadaparkhotel.ch) citadel on one side of the river and by the massive La Baume rock on the other. During your time here, you can spend more than a few hours exploring HOTEL GRAND HOTEL DU COURS HHH, Sisteron (three nights) the old town or walking the ramparts of the citadel. One day is devoted to a tour of the Gorges de Verdon – France’s Grand Canyon. Unparalleled in A traditional, family run hotel in an ideal position in centre of the old town Europe, the gorges were formed by the combined effect of the Alps rising and with bar, lounge and restaurant. Bedrooms have private bath or shower, the fast-lowing Verdon river cutting swathes through the Jurassic limestone. tv and telephone. (www.hotel-lecours.com) The result is a spectacular 13-mile canyon over 2000ft high, as narrow as 20ft at the bottom and 650ft at the top. This is a round trip journey of 134 miles and HOTEL AU FAISAN DORE HHH, Annecy (two nights) includes stops in the spa town of Digne and pretty Castellane. This refurbished and comfortable hotel is within walking distance of the Day Five: Today we head north towards Grenoble – but on a different road, lake, beaches and park, and has comfortable bedrooms with private bath taking the old Route Napoleon, one the most beautiful drives in Europe as or shower, wc, tv, and telephone. (www.hotel-aufaisandore.com) we climb into the Alps proper. These are serious peaks – rising to 8000ft with passes up to 4000ft. We make a little diversion at La Mure to board an alpine Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of train along a 30km track across the plateau and through the Drac river valley departure dates, prices and lights.

17 Geneva, the Swiss Lakes & the Goldenpass Line

– your Tour Director will take those who wish for a city walk over the covered 8 days from £829 bridge and up to the Lion Monument, commended by Mark Twain as the world’s ‘saddest and most moving piece of rock.’ The lakeside setting, the ‘Altstadt’ old August & September town, the paddle steamers plying their way through turquoise waters and the This Swiss holiday combines the country’s inest city, Geneva, with some of excellent shops around the old city squares – Lucerne is stunning. You return to the inest lake and mountain scenery anywhere, at Interlaken – its very name your hotel in Interlaken on the late afternoon train – journey time is 75 minutes means ‘between the lakes’, and indeed it stands between Lake Brienz and of wonderful scenery each way. Lake Thun and overlooked by three famous mountains - the Mönch, the Days Five to Seven: Free in Interlaken. Interlaken is a town built for leisure. Jungfrau and the Eiger. We will also take you to Lucerne, with its old town, Why not take a ride on the funicular to the top of the Harder Kulm mountain for steamers, and much-photographed covered bridge. Travel from lake Geneva spectacular views over the whole region. Another favourite is the cog-wheel to Interlaken, and on to Lucerne is on the Goldenpass line – the “Best of Swiss railway from Wilderswil up to the Alpine Garden on the Schynige Platte. You Panoramic Trains”. can choose to do your own thing, or join your Tour Director for trips on both • 2 nights bb in Geneva • 5 nights bb in Interlaken, with hb option • Journey lakes by local transportation. Lake Thun, Spiez and St Beatus’ Caves (allow to Interlaken on the Goldenpass Panoramic train • Visit to Montreux £26 for fares and entrance fees); Lake Brienz, Meiringen & the Reichenbach • Excursion to Lucerne, with return travel on the Goldenpass train line falls (allow £22 for fares, including the Reichenbach funicular: this is where Sherlock Holmes fell to his ‘death’ with the evil Moriarty - Conan Doyle spent PROGRAMME several holidays walking from Meiringen). Day One: Direct light to Geneva, transfer to your hotel in Geneva for two Day Eight: Free time until your coach transfer to the airport and your light nights bed and breakfast accommodation. home. Depending on light times, there may be time for a last look at Geneva Day Two: Free day in Geneva. Your Tour Director will escort those who wish to on the way to the airport. the international part of town that hosts the UN and the Red Cross - both are extremely interesting visits. YOUR HOTELS Day Three: After breakfast, you take a scenic drive along Lake Geneva to HOTEL RAMADA PARK HHHH, Geneva (two nights) Montreux (one hour away). In Montreux, you will have time to explore the The hotel description can be found on page 17. old town or, perhaps, visit nearby Chateau de Chillon. Your coach continues with your luggage to your hotel; you, unencumbered, join the early afternoon CITY HOTEL OBERLAND HHH, Interlaken (ive nights) Goldenpass Panoramic Train from Montreux, climbing nearly 2700ft to the The hotel is centrally situated and comprises accommodation in three Sannemoser pass and then dropping down to Zweisimmen. The ‘Goldenpass adjacent buildings, which also house reception, lounge and bar. There Line’ links the festival city of Montreux with incomparable Lucerne. It’s a are also satellite buildings containing other associated restaurants and spectacular run indeed: from the moment you leave Montreux station, the shops. Standard rooms have radio, telephone, tv, wii, and bath/shower views get better and better as you loop back and forth to climb the hillside and wc. Superior rooms which are larger and have a coffee machine are that overlooks the town. Then it’s on through the mountainous area of Saanen available at a supplement and are located in the newer part of the hotel. to Zweisimmen. As the next section as far as Interlaken has a different track Breakfast is included, and evening set menu dinner is available in the gauge (4.3ft) to the other two sections (3ft wide), you change trains there. Chalet restaurant at a supplementary charge (if you choose to eat in one Naturally, the change is handled with Swiss eficiency – just like clockwork! of the hotel’s other restaurants, a credit will be applied). If you would like The line then crosses the idyllic pastures of the Simmental Valley and skirts half board and/or a superior room please use the space provided in the Lake Thun before reaching Interlaken West, where you alight: your hotel is HOLIDAY EXTRAS TO BOOK section of the booking form. just 5 minutes away. The journey time from Montreux to Interlaken, where you spend ive nights on a bed and breakfast basis (there is a half-board option), A WALKING HOLIDAY is also available featuring these hotels. Please ask for a is 3 hours. copy of our Walking Brochure, or download one at www.preferredts.com Day Four: Today you complete the Goldenpass line to Lucerne (2 hours), taking the morning train over the Brunig Pass (3000ft above sea level) and then past Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details four different lakes down to Lucerne (1300ft). You have a free day in Lucerne ofdeparture dates, prices and lights.

18 www.preferredts.com Krakow, Zakopane & the High Tatras

traditional local costume. The gentle Dunajec River offers sightseeing as you 8 days from £649 go – you will see the 13th century Red Monastery and the gorge itself, with its spectacular limestone cliffs and rock formations. You disembark in the spa town June & September of Szczawnica, and after some free time, continue to Zakopane (35 miles), Two of Poland’s most spectacular sites, Krakow and Zakopane, are brought arriving late afternoon for four nights bed and breakfast accommodation. together in this fascinating holiday of contrasts. The medieval university city Days Five to Seven: Free in Zakopane, with an included walking tour. of Krakow, for centuries Poland’s capital and home town of Pope John Paul II, Zakopane lies in the heart of the Tatra Mountains, a mountain range that many is combined with Zakopane, Poland’s highest city, set amidst the spectacular people believe to be among the most beautiful in the world. The scenery is Tatra Mountains. spectacular and the mountains impressive – they were shaped by glacial • 3 nights bb in Krakow, 4 nights bb in Zakopane • Walking tours of erosion, which helps to explain the magniicent peaks, lakes and valleys. The both cities • Spectacular raft journey through the Dunajec gorge, in the Tatra National Park was created in 1955 and hosts abundant lora and fauna, Pieninski National Park including bears and golden eagles. You can also join an optional excursion across the border into Slovakia, Poland’s PROGRAMME southern neighbour. You go to Stary Smokovec, from where a cable car leaves for Day One: Direct light to Krakow, short transfer to your hotel in Krakow for three the mountain town of Hrebienok, 4000ft up and site of several waterfalls. nights bed and breakfast accommodation. Day Eight: Transfer to the airport for your light home. Depending on your light Days Two and Three: Free in Krakow with an included half-day walking tour. time you may have time for some last minute shopping in Krakow. Krakow is a very special place to visit. With over a thousand years of history, it is Please note: throughout the tour you are on a bed and breakfast basis. There Poland’s cultural capital and is, of course, on the UNESCO World Heritage list. In is a wide variety of lunch and dinner options available in all price ranges in the Middle Ages, Krakow’s walls had 55 defensive towers. The 14th century main Krakow and Zakopane and the other places you visit. Your Tour Director will be gate survives and is the starting point of the ‘Royal Road’, which ends at Wawel happy to assist and point you in the right direction. Castle, and passes by the Town Square, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Czartoryski Museum. They claim the museum contains fragments from the grave of Romeo YOUR HOTELS and Juliet, as well as the chair Shakespeare sat on to write about them! HOTEL WYSPIANSKI HHH, Krakow (three nights) Krakow is also a university city – the Jagiellonian, one of Europe’s oldest, dates from 1364 and boasts many illustrious alumni including Karol Józef Wojtyła – The hotel is named after the famous Polish artist, poet and playwright, better known to us as Pope John Paul II. Stanislaw Wyspianski, who once lived in a house at the site of the hotel. You can also join an optional excursion to nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine and It is located right in the centre of Krakow, the proverbial stone’s throw Auschwitz. Salt has been mined at Wieliczka since the 13th century. The result from the main square. Rooms are fully equipped with bath or shower, of centuries of mining is a huge network of underground passages, corridors and wc, satellite tv, telephone and radio. There is also a restaurant and a bar. chambers whose crowning jewel is Kinga’s Chapel, 600ft underground and carved (www.hotel-wyspianski.pl) entirely out of rock salt – even the chandeliers are made of salt! From 14th June HOTEL WERSAL HHH, Zakopane (four nights) 1940 until January 1945, Auschwitz Concentration Camp was the site of some of The hotel is located in a quiet, yet central, area of Zakopane. It has 42 the worst atrocities of WWII. The visit includes a ilm showing the liberation of the rooms, all of which are equipped with satellite tv, radio and telephone. camp and the chance to see the infamous Death wall, the national memorials and There is a restaurant offering both traditional Polish and international the cells where the inmates were held. Over 1.1 million people are thought to have died at Auschwitz and the visit is both moving and thought provoking. cuisine and a bar serving hot and cold drinks. (www.hotelwersal.pl) Day Four: Today you travel to Zakopane. It may only be 63 miles from Krakow A WALKING HOLIDAY is also available featuring these hotels. Please ask for a by road, but you spend 2-3 hours rafting gently through the stunning scenery copy of our Walking Brochure, or download one at www.preferredts.com of the Dunajec River Gorge, in the Pieninski National Park. Two hours from Krakow lies the village of Sromowce, on the Slovakian border, where you Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of embark your rafts, which are operated by experienced raftsmen wearing departure dates, prices and lights.

19 Corsica, Elba & the Tuscan Coast

during the four-hour crossing. 10 days from £949 On arrival, we continue to the university town of Corte, briely the capital of an May, June, September & October independent Corsica. The town, set in the mountainous centre of the island, is iercely proud of its historical contribution to creating Corsica as a ‘nation’. Just Jean-Jacques Rousseau once remarked of Corsica that ‘One day this little above the main street stands the mighty Citadel, a Genoese fortress once used island will astonish Europe.’ We are sure that it, and this unusual holiday, as a base for the French Foreign Legion, which nowadays houses the new, will astonish you too! L’Île de Beauté – the island of beauty, and ‘kalliste’ – impressive, ‘Museum of Corsica’. ancient Greek for ‘the most beautiful’ are just two of the countless epithets that have been bestowed upon Corsica over the centuries. It is also called Day Three: Today we offer an optional excursion to Corsica’s capital city, the ‘mountain in the sea’ – its steep peaks and valleys drop rapidly into the Ajaccio. Ajaccio was the birthplace of Napoleon, this can be noted throughout azure Mediterranean. After your exploration of Corsica we also stay on the the town. The main street is ‘Cours Napoleon’, the ‘Maison Bonaparte’ (the Tuscan coast, with an included visit to Elba – to where the most famous of all house where he was born) is much-visited, the Town Hall displays Napoleonic Corsicans, Napoleon, was exiled before he met his…Waterloo! medals and paintings, the Renaissance-style cathedral shows off Napoleon’s baptismal font, and there seem to be statues of him all over town: he is their • 1 night bb in Livorno, 5 nights hb in Corsica, 3 nights hb on the Tuscan most famous son, by a long way! Ajaccio is a also pleasant city, with citadel, a Coast • Visit to Elba • Mediterranean Ferry Crossings pleasant old quarter, harbour, beaches and views to the offshore islands. Day Four: Ile Rousse and Macinaggio. We leave Corte and head towards PROGRAMME the North Coast. We make a stop in Ile Rousse – the ‘Red Island’ is now Day One: Direct light to Pisa and short transfer to your hotel in Livorno for one connected to the town by a bridge. We then continue north into Cap Corse, for night bed and breakfast accommodation. three nights half board accommodation at the Hotel U Ricordu in Macinaggio, Day Two: Corsica. Ferry from Livorno, just a short drive from your hotel, to a pleasant ishing village (home, these days, to ‘gin palaces’ as well as more Bastia. Ferries are large and comfortable with several decks and offering traditional craft) with a good selection of bars, restaurants and shops. Total lounges, bar, and a self-service restaurant available for use as you sail the Med mileage today is approx. 90 miles.

20 www.preferredts.com

Day Five and Six: Free in Macinaggio. Two optional excursions are available: YOUR HOTELS a half day visit to Bastia, with its pleasant old quarter around the citadel, and its statue of Corsica’s most famous son, Napoleon – unassumingly dressed, in HOTEL GRAN DUCA HHHH, Livorno (one night) this case, as a Roman emperor! Our other tour is a circular full day trip around Cap Corse, featuring the famous inland maquis, but above all the spectacular The irst night is spent at the Gran Duca in the centre of Livorno, overlooking coastline with its impressive watchtowers. We stop in the 12th century town of St. the harbour and just 100m from the Port. As well as a piano bar it has Florent, with its Pisan cathedral. a irst class restaurant (there are plently of less expensive bars and Day Seven: Today we head for the return ferry crossing back to Italy, and three restaurants nearby). Rooms are air-conditioned with satellite tv and fridge. nights half board accommodation near Antignano, 6 miles from the port. Although (www.granduca.it) Antignano is a quiet spot, there are local trains to Livorno, Pisa and Florence. HOTEL DE LA PAIX HH, Corte (two nights) There are also buses to Livorno from near the hotel – Antignano train station is half a mile away. This hotel, the biggest in Corte, is conveniently situated on a quiet square in Days Eight and Nine: Free to relax on the coast with a full day excursion to Elba. the centre of Corte. Rooms are simple and compact, but have been recently We travel 50 miles to embark at Piombino for the short crossing to Portoferraio, refurbished, and have shower, wc, television and a telephone. The hotel has visited by Jason in his legendary search for the Golden Fleece. We also see lift, bar and restaurant. (www.hoteldelapaix-corte.fr) Marina di Campo. HOTEL U RICORDU HHH, Cap Corse (three nights) Day Ten: Free time until your transfer to the airport and return light to the UK. Just 300m from the port of Macinaggio, this hotel is an excellent base for exploring nearby beaches as well as the village centre. Rooms are Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of departure dates, prices and lights. comfortably furnished with bath or shower, wc, satellite tv, telephone and hairdryer. The hotel also has a heated, outdoor swimming pool and restaurant with terrace. (www.hotel-uricordu.com) HOTEL REX HHHH, Antignano (three nights) This is the ideal place to relax away from it all and right on the sea. All rooms have balcony and a view of the sea and are equipped with air-conditioning, satellite tv and fridge. The hotel has a bar and restaurant and a large terrace and if the weather is good, breakfast can be taken there. (www.hotelrex.it) We do reserve the right to use alternative hotels, particularly for the irst night, when the hotel will be minimum 3H standard.

21 Monte Carlo & the Italian Riviera of Flowers

on the rock above is the Palace where Grace Kelly lived with Prince Rainier 8 days from £649 and where they still ‘change the guard’ daily. There is also the Jardin Exotique May, June, July & September (entrance not included) where the 2400 hours of yearly sunshine allow exotic plants and cacti to lourish, and a ine Oceanographic Museum. The Riviera dei Fiori on Italy’s north Mediterranean coast is an area of stunning beauty all year round. Spectacular cliffs, the blue of the Mediterranean, and From San Remo, two optional excursions are also available: to Hanbury the colourful, lush vegetation makes this area a very special place to visit. We Gardens, just 13 miles west, and eastwards to the Riviera of Levante, to visit spend two nights on the Côte d’Azur, and ive on the Riviera dei Fiori, near Portoino, accessed by boat into perhaps the world’s prettiest harbour. On the San Remo. Between our centres, there is an Alpine rail journey to enjoy as we way we stop in Columbus’ maritime city of Genoa. travel high into the Vallée des Merveilles. We also have an included day in the millionaires’ paradise of Monte Carlo. The myriad exotic plants of Hanbury Gardens come from all over, and thrive in For many, a highlight will be the opportunity to visit the wondrous Hanbury the mild microclimate of La Mortola, protected by the steep terrain and the trees. Gardens, world famous for the enormity of their collection of plants and with In 1867 Thomas Hanbury, a wealthy Englishman, bought the ruined palazzo wonderful views from high over the Mediterranean. There is also the chance and tasked his herbalist brother Daniel with collecting plants from around the to see Portoino. globe to populate the garden, which is now a 50-acre blaze of colour. The tradition of counting the plants in lower on New Years Day continues today – in • 2 nights bb Côte d’Azur, 5 nights hb San Remo • Walking tour of San 1886 there were 233! There is an Australian forest, a Japanese garden and a Remo • Alpine Train Journey • Visit to Monte Carlo variety of terraces leading down to the sea where you can see Judas Trees, Beaucarnea, Palm and Banana trees, strelitzias, cacti, jacarandas, agave PROGRAMME americiana… Day One: Direct light to Nice, short transfer to your hotel on the Côte d’Azur for two nights bed and breakfast accommodation. Day Eight: Free time until you depart for the airport – 75 minutes away - for your return light. Dependent on trafic conditions and light timings, there may Day Two: Free on the Côte d’Azur, or join our optional excursion exploring the coast and its spectacular hinterland. be time for some last-minute shopping in Nice en route. Day Three: Tende, Dolceacqua and San Remo. After an early breakfast, we YOUR HOTELS go to Nice Train Station for your rail journey on the Train des Merveilles, high into the mountains, to Tende, an historic Alpine village with an interesting CôTE D’AZUR HHH (two nights) ‘Museum of Marvels’. After time for lunch we continue to medieval Dolceacqua, According to departure date, you will stay in Nice or Cannes, in a dominated by the Dorias’ Castle. The bridge, over the Nervia river, was painted comfortable 3* hotel such as the Hotel Atlas in Cannes (www.inter-hotel.fr) by Monet in 1884. We will visit the ‘Visionarium’ – it will surprise you, we promise! We continue to San Remo, for ive nights half board accommodation. Rooms have bath or shower, wc, telephone and tv. Details will be sent with your joining instructions, or are available on request. San Remo was a premier resort for Europe’s elite in the late 19th century. The unspoilt old town overlooks the chic shops down towards the harbour. Our hotel HOTEL ARISTON MONTECARLO HHH, San Remo (ive nights) is on the edge of town, but the local bus service is excellent, running late into Situated with sea views on the edge of the town, the 3H Ariston has the evening if you wish to stroll or take in a ‘gelato’ after dinner. 56 rooms with air-conditioning, bath/shower, wc, telephone,minibar Days Four to Seven: At leisure in San Remo. There is an included walking and satellite tv. The hotel also has restaurant and bar. There is a tour of old San Remo, and a day trip to Monaco, just over half an hour away. sun terrace and, in season, outdoor pool. The little country of Monaco is divided into four areas, only one of which is truly (www.hotelaristonmontecarlo.com) ‘Monte Carlo’, with its plush hotels and in-de-siecle Casino (try and break the bank if you wish, but we don’t recommend it!). Along the harbour-side, where Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of the Grand Prix cars race each May, are yachts of incredible opulence; and departure dates, prices and lights.

22 www.preferredts.com Rome, Tivoli & Terracina

explore the old white-painted hilltop town of Sperlonga, just down the coast, 8 days from £849 and to the abbey at Montecassino. Montecassino’s Abbey was founded in the year 529, stands 500m above sea level and has a long history as a centre September of learning. More recently, it was a major battle site in WW2. On the return Italy’s capital, with its Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain needs journey we make a stop at Sperlonga, a white-painted medieval hilltop town little introduction. You spend three nights there, in a centrally-located hotel, just 11 miles from Terracina. The Emperor Tiberius built a villa here, close to the and take in the magniicent Villa d’Este in Tivoli en route to your second centre, stunning beach. Further optional excursions will also be available. Terracina, an enchanting town set below the temple of Jupiter, on the coast midway between Rome and Naples. Day Eight: Free time until you depart for the airport for your light home. Transfer time is approx 75 minutes. • 3 nights bb Rome, 4 nights hb Terracina • Included Rome tour • Visit to Villa d’Este, Tivoli, • Full day excursion to Montecassino & Sperlonga YOUR HOTELS HOTEL LAURENTIA HHH, Rome (three nights) PROGRAMME This hotel has forty-one comfortable, well-furnished rooms with air- Day One: Direct light to Rome, short transfer to your centrally located hotel, for conditioning, telephone, satellite tv and private bath/shower and wc, three nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. overlooks a pleasant church square by La Sapienza University, about 1.2 miles from the Colosseum, and with good public transport to all parts of Days Two and Three: Free in Rome. There is an included half-day sightseeing the city (www.hotellaurentia.com). tour of Baroque Rome, featuring Piazza del Populo, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. The rest of the time is free for you to explore the city and its HOTEL RIVER PALACE HHH, Terracina (four nights) many attractions. Two optional excursions will also be available: one features This hotel is currently (November 2010) being refurbished to 3-star entrance to the Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) and St Peter’s superior standard, it was previously called the Hotel Blue River. It stands Basilica, while the other focuses on the Colosseum (including entrance fee), in a residential area close to the beach, 5 miles from the centre of the Roman Forum, and the monument to Vittorio Emmanuele II, the irst king Terracina - the hotel has a shuttle service to town, currently 2 euros: there of uniied Italy. is also a town bus service. The hotel has 120 rooms, spacious gardens, Day Four: Today you leave Rome and travel into the hills to Tivoli, just half outdoor pool, bar and restaurant. Rooms are equipped with bath/shower, an hour from Rome but completely different in atmosphere. Tivoli was a resort wc, telephone, satellite tv, and air conditioning. Current website is www. town for ancient Romans - the Emperor Hadrian built a huge summer residence hotelblueriver.eu but this will change once refurbishment is completed. here – but it had its heyday during the 16th century, when the UNESCO-listed and world-famous Villa d’Este was built for the Cardinal Ippolito d’Este, the Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates, Prices and Flight Information’ for details of Borgia Pope’s grandson. The gardens are refreshed by some ive hundred departure dates, prices and lights. waterjets in fountains and pools – they diverted the river to feed them! From Tivoli you travel on to Frascati, where you have time to explore this pleasant wine town – and maybe sample a glass of the local produce! In the afternoon we continue to Lake Albano and then pass by the Pope’s summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, before arriving in Terracina, our second centre, for four nights half board accommodation. 100 miles today. Terracina has a historic town centre - the town piazza lies on the site of the old Roman Forum, and the cathedral is within the site of a Roman temple. The town also has market, beach, ishing port, and a ine range of shops and restaurants. There is a train station with regular services to Rome, too. Days Five to Seven: At leisure in Terracina, with an included excursion to

23 Apulia, the Gargano & the Lights of Rome

without mortar – some say this was done so they could be easily demolished 8 days from £729 and rebuilt if the tax collector was coming! Matera, in neighbouring Basilicata, is home to the ‘sassi’ cave-houses: the suffering of the malaria-ridden, starving May & October inhabitants was immortalised in Carlo Levi’s ‘Christ stopped at Eboli’ – Levi’s The ‘heel’ of Italy is relatively undiscovered by the British visitor. Indeed, sister compared the houses with the circles of Dante’s Inferno. Times change, through the centuries it was relatively ignored by the Italian powers, too! though – nowadays people are moving back into modernised sassi through Those travellers who do venture into Italy’s south-eastern region of Apulia are, choice! however, well rewarded in terms of the natural beauty of the landscapes, the Day Six: Benevento and Anzio. We go to Benevento, two hours drive away. richness of the heritage of a varied history (Normans, Swabians, Spaniards On the Appian Way and capital of a Roman Province, Benevento has a and Greeks all left their mark) and the hospitality of the welcoming southern reconstructed Romanesque cathedral and a Roman theatre. It is a nice place to residents. stroll, with a pedestrianised main street, Napoleonic obelisk and Roman arch. We then continue north to Fiuggi, where we spend two nights on a half board • 3 nights hb Fiuggi, 4 nights hb Bisceglie • Visits to Montecassino, basis, arriving 1730 approx. (similar mileage to Day Two). Benevento, Monte Sant’ Angelo in the Gargano, and Frederick II’s Castel del Monte Day Seven: Free morning in Fiuggi, a pleasant spa town in the hills of Ciocaria. The town’s spa bears the name of Pope Boniface VIII, a patron in the 13th century. After lunch in the hotel, we set off for our included afternoon and PROGRAMME evening visit to Rome, allowing us to see the sights not just by day, but with key Day One: Direct light to Rome, transfer to your hotel in Fiuggi (45 minutes buildings, including the Colosseum, illuminated against the night sky. There is approx.) for one night accommodation on a half board basis. a scenic tour by coach, but we will also go on foot to the Spanish Steps and Day Two: Montecassino, Pietrelcina, and Bisceglie. We leave Fiuggi and travel to the Trevi Fountain, allowing you to throw in a coin to ensure you return to the Montecassino. Founded in the year 529, the hilltop abbey is 500m above sea level Eternal City. and has a long history as a centre of learning. More recently, it was a major battle Day Eight: Free time until you depart for the airport for your light home. site in WW2. After lunch, we rejoin the motorway and head southeast into Apulia, making a short stop in Pietrelcina (birthplace of Padre Pio). Our destination is YOUR HOTELS Bisceglie, a pleasant market town with impressive medieval fortiications, harbour and beaches, where we spend four nights on a half board basis. Distance today HOTEL ARGENTINA, FIUGGI HHH, (three nights) is approx. 250 miles, mainly on the A16 motorway, which has scenic stretches as it wends its way through the southern Italian hills. The irst two nights of your holiday, and the last, are in this centrally situated hotel, which offers rooms with bath or shower, wc, tv with satellite, telephone, Days Three to Five: At leisure in Bisceglie. There is an included half-day safe, and wii. It also has a comfortable bar, restaurant, and garden area. excursion to Castel del Monte and Trani. Frederick II’s ‘castle on the mount’, (www.albergoargentina.it). which dominates the landscape for miles around, is on an octagonal base, and each corner has an octagonal tower. With the mathematical and astronomical HOTEL SALSELLO HHHH, Bisceglie (four nights) precision of the layout, Castel del Monte is a successful blend of diverse The hotel is in the resort area of Bisceglie, approx. 2 miles from the town elements, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and features in Umberto centre. It is family-owned and run, and consists of two adjacent buildings Eco’s ‘The Name of the Rose’. We also visit nearby Trani, a lovely medieval – one of them houses a bar area as well as the restaurant where your town with a spectacular waterside cathedral: the world’s irst written maritime evening meal is taken. The main building includes residents’ bar, lounge/ code was written here in the 11th century. You also have an included full day reception area, breakfast room, and 49 modern, comfortable bedrooms excursion into the Gargano, visiting Monte Sant’Angelo, built over the grotto with en suite facilities, minibar, direct dial phone, internet, tv including where St Michael irst appeared in 490. You will follow the Gargano coast satellite channels, and air conditioning. In the grounds is a garden area towards Zagare and Faraglioni Bays before returning to Bisceglie via the salt with pool, and just across the quiet seaside road is a Lido area. (www. lakes – you may even see lamingos (130 miles total). From Bisceglie, there hotelsalsello.it). is also a full day optional excursion to Alberobello and Matera. The ‘Trulli’ houses of Alberobello make up one of the most unusual landscapes you will Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates, Prices and Flight Information’ for details of ever see. These circular white houses have conical slate roofs and are built departure dates, prices and lights.

24 www.preferredts.com Italy’s Most Beautiful Lakes

Macugnaga and Monte Rosa – the resort of Macugnaga stands in splendid 8 days from £699 scenery at the foot of Western Europe’s second highest mountain, Monte Rosa. The resort stands at over 4300ft, nearly as high as the summit of Ben Nevis: May to October Monte Rosa itself peaks at over 15000ft, just across the Swiss border. This holiday includes a week on Lago Maggiore, Italy’s second largest lake, Day Eight: Free time until you depart for the airport for your light home. which stretches north from Lombardy and up into Switzerland. It lies, sheltered, on the south side of the Alps, making for a mild climate and consequent YOUR HOTEL lush vegetation, with Mediterranean and exotic lora, including azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias. We also visit Lake Como and Lake Lugano, HOTEL CONCORDE HHHH (seven nights) which, like Lake Maggiore, are in our view much, much more scenic than, for This hotel in Arona has uninterrupted views of the lake and is example, the much larger Lake Garda, over to the East. 10 minutes walk to the start of the town’s pedestrian area where there are a variety of shops, bars and restaurants and 20-30 • 7 nights hb in Arona on Lake Maggiore • Three Lakes Excursion: minutes walk from the boat, bus and train stations. The rooms Maggiore, Lugano and Como have bath or shower, wc, tv with satellite, telephone, balcony, trouser-press, safe and minibar. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, outside PROGRAMME terrace, small indoor pool and lift. A supplement is charged for lake-view Day One: Direct light to Milan, transfer to your hotel in Arona on Lake Maggiore rooms. (www.concordearona.com) for seven nights half board accommodation. A WALKING HOLIDAY is also available featuring these hotels. Please ask for a Days Two to Seven: These are spent on Lago Maggiore, where beautiful copy of our Walking Brochure, or download one at www.preferredts.com villas line the shores. Our base is the town of Arona, the lake’s largest port, from where boats and steamers traverse the lake on a regular basis (various types of tourist ticket are available). Don’t miss the magniicent Borromean Palace Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of on Isola Bella, and the Villa Taranto, with its wonderful garden, created by the departure dates, prices and lights. Scottish captain Neil MacEacharn. Arona is surrounded by nature, yet less than an hour’s easy train ride from the cosmopolitan city of Milan. There is an included full day excursion to the ‘Three Lakes.’ We start by driving north up Lake Maggiore, passing the resorts of Stresa and Baveno, as well as Isola Bella. We then cross into Switzerland passing Locarno and on to our second lake, Lake Lugano where a stop is made in Lugano itself. Then it’s along Lake Lugano and over the hill to Lake Como. Lake Como was the birthplace of Pliny (both the Elder and the Younger). Stendhal called the lake the most beautiful place in the world! Modern lakeside inhabitants include George Clooney, Sir Richard Branson and several Italian footballers. We drive down Lake Como to the town of Como itself, a city of silk production with a ine cathedral, where again we stop. From Como it’s a short 47 miles (in today’s total of 137) of motorway as we complete our circular tour and drive back to Arona and Lake Maggiore. There are two optional excursions available from Arona: Lake Orta – a fourth very scenic lake. Just over a mile wide and 10 miles long, Lake Orta is extremely pretty. You will take the motor-launch to the Island of San Giulio, with a 12th century church named in honour of the Greek Evangelist who apparently rid the beautiful island of its snakes and monsters.

25 A Week on the Tuscan Coast – Florence & Pisa

No single supplement in May! There will also be optional excursions available during your stay, including the 8 days from £769 spectacular coastline of the Cinque Terre. May & September Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to Pisa airport and your return A week under the Tuscan sun in a 4H hotel in Forte dei Marmi - one of Italy’s l ight home. most chic resorts - with included visits to mighty Florence as well as to Pisa and YOUR HOTEL Lucca. This is the recipe for our Tuscan Holiday. HOTEL PRESIDENT HHHH, Forte dei Marmi (seven nights) • 7 nights hb in Forte dei Marmi • Full day excursion by coach and rail to The hotel is ideally located on a quiet road close to the centre of town. Florence • Excursion to Lucca and Pisa It is 50 yards from the sea and has a bar, restaurant, garden, rooftop terrace and reading room. The bedrooms are comfortable and include PROGRAMME satellite tv and minibar. A charge applies to use the hotel’s private Day One: Direct l ight to Pisa and a short transfer to your hotel for seven nights beach (open May to 20 September) and there is a public beach nearby. half board accommodation in Forte dei Marmi. (www.presidentforte.com) Forte dei Marmi – the Fort of Marble - takes its name from marble quarries on the mountainsides behind the resort. It looks at i rst glance as if there is snow Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of up there – it’s not; it’s the white marble quarries of Massa Carrara. You will see departure dates, prices and l ights. large cut blocks of it along the highway and also, in its i nished form, as part of the Cathedral in Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa and in many other major Italian buildings. The marble from Massa Carrara is exported all over the world to this day. Forte is one of Italy’s most stylish resorts, and the summer residence of wealthy Italians such as the Agnelli (Fiat) family. It has a spectacular mountain backdrop, i ne sandy beach, elegant shops and pleasant old square by the church with pavement cafes. The best villas are in the ‘Imperial Rome’ district close to your hotel. Also nearby is the famous ‘La Capannina’ nightspot, built in 1929 – a seriously expensive place to hang out with Italy’s wealthiest and most beautiful! Days Two to Seven: At leisure in Forte, with two included excursions. We have included a day trip to Florence where your guide will show you some of the masterpieces including the Cathedral, Piazza della Signoria, and Santa Croce – where Galileo insisted to the end that the earth moved around the sun, rather than vice-versa. You will also have free time for shopping and sightseeing. Florence is 65 miles away and we cover the last few miles by local train to get right into the city centre. We will also take you to see the ‘Leaning Tower’ of Pisa, one of Italy’s most famous landmarks. While the city and the Tower are not to be missed, we prefer (and think you will too!) the splendid old walled town of Lucca with its oval- shaped central piazza, built on the area of the town’s Roman amphitheatre. This is a round trip of just 60 miles.

26 www.preferredts.com The Cinque Terre, Portoino & the Italian Lakes

Cinque Terre: the spectacular coastline, hills and villages landscapes of the Cinque 8 days from £779 Terre are UNESCO listed and within the National Park, where the mountains drop June & October almost vertically into the sea. You will travel by the train from Santa Margherita (the station is 600m from the hotel). The ‘Five Lands’ are about an hour away, Our new Italian holiday takes you to the millionaires’ haunts of Portoino and and comprise the unspoilt trafic-free villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Santa Margherita Ligure and the spectacular landscapes of the Cinque Terre Manarola, and Riomaggiore, which nestle in tiny coves, set below the ingeniously and Lake Maggiore, perhaps the most impressive of Italy’s sparkling lakes. Along the way you will travel on the picturesque ‘Three Valleys Railway’ into terraced vineyards that, together with the ishing, gave the area its livelihood. If you the heart of Columbus’ maritime city of Genoa, and visit Pavia, a medieval city wish, there will even be time to stroll along part of the Via dell’Amore (the path of with a Visconti castle, and whose cathedral boasts one of Italy’s largest domes. love!), which was the only land link between the villages. While in Santa Margherita, you will enjoy a boat trip to Portoino and a train Day Seven: You leave Santa Margherita and travel north, following a slightly journey through the Cinque Terre. different route to take in the cathedral city of Pavia. Pavia rivalled Milan as the • 3 nights hb Lake Maggiore, 4 nights hb in Santa Margherita Ligure capital of the Lombard kings until the 11th century, but was then ruled variously by • Visits to Portoino, the Cinque Terre, Genoa and Pavia • Journey on the Austrians, Spanish and French. There were 100 medieval towers, just two remain historic Three Valleys Railway – but there is still plenty to see! La Certosa, a notable Renaissance monastery, lies just to the North of the city. You arrive at Lake Maggiore in the afternoon, for one PROGRAMME night, again on a half board basis. Total today 152 miles, mainly motorway. Day One: Direct light to Milan, transfer to your hotel on Lake Maggiore for two Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to the airport and your return light. nights half board accommodation. Transfer times from Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo are 30 minutes, 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes respectively. YOUR HOTELS Day Two: Free day to explore Lake Maggiore. Why not take a boat trip on the lake? HOTEL ATLANTIC HHHH, Arona, (irst two and last nights) Day Three: Today you travel south to the Riviera di Levante. Your irst stop is The hotel is situated on the square close to the train and bus stations and just Vercelli, an historic town surrounded by paddy-ields (its rice is exported worldwide). a few metres from the boat station. Rooms have bath or shower, wc and tv. You then continue south to Casella, north of Genoa, arriving after lunch to board The hotel has a bar and a restaurant. Please note we do not have lake view the ‘Three Valleys Train’. Since 1929 the red and white carriages of this narrow rooms available at this hotel. It may be possible to upgrade locally, depending gauge service has linked Columbus’ home city with the villages and valleys of its on availability and on payment of a supplement direct to the hotel. (www. hinterland. The trip down to the city takes about an hour, and there are excellent views of the coastline. In Genoa you will see something of the restored port and old atlanticarona.com). city centre before you complete your journey by coach to the chic resort of Santa HOTEL JOLANDA HHH, Santa Margherita Ligure (four nights) Margherita Ligure, where you spend four nights on a half board basis. The refurbished Hotel Jolanda is ideally located in a quiet street in the heart of Santa Margherita lies in a sheltered bay, close to Portoino. Its harbour is home to Santa Margherita, just 200 yards from the pedestrianised town centre. The boat many luxury yachts. The journey today is 135 miles. stop and railway station are 8-10 minutes walk away. Rooms are comfortably Days Four to Six: In Santa Margherita with included excursions by boat to Portoino furnished with bath or shower, wc, minibar, safety box, and satellite tv. There is (half day) and by train to the Spectacular Cinque Terre (full day). a garden area, itness room, safe, spa area and wii (charges apply to the last Portoino: like the millionaires, you travel to the world’s most beautiful harbour by two). (www.hoteljolanda.it) boat (15 minute trip) from the landing stage just 500m from your hotel. Portoino’s A WALKING HOLIDAY is also available featuring these hotels. Please ask for a copy colourful hotchpotch of ishermen’s houses embraces its harbour and the luxury of our Walking Brochure, or download one at www.preferredts.com. craft of the nearby villa-owners – Portoino is the select retreat of Italy’s powerful! Above the harbour is Brown’s Castle, and there are good views from the church. Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates, Prices and Flight Information’ for details of You can see why Disney copied it – the original is stunning! departure dates, prices and lights.

27 Marrakesh, Mogador & the Atlas Mountains

Essaouira is a relaxing, picturesque resort town. The offshore islands shelter 8 days from £799 the busy ishing harbour, and there is an impressive seafront walk above swathes of unspoilt beach. The French-designed ramparts are particularly May & October impressive, and the mixture of French grid-pattern town design and Moroccan This holiday features the best of Southern Morocco, staying in excellent hotels medina is unique. Above all, it is a relaxing place to stroll, perhaps stopping for in superb locations. You spend four nights in a 4H hotel in the heart of the a drink on one of the terraces overlooking the ramparts, or the beach at sunset. imperial ‘Red City’ of Marrakesh, and three in a luxurious 5H hotel in UNESCO- Orson Welles ilmed his Othello here – a prominent square bears his name. listed Essaouira. Essaouira (previously known as Mogador, and from where the Romans exported the purple dye for their togas), is nowadays a relaxing Days Five and Six: Free in Essaouira. There is an included guided walk harbour town with impressive ramparts and ine beaches, famed worldwide for around the ramparts, and also the chance to join an optional excursion up the its windsuring. You also take in the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. coast towards Sai. Day Seven: You return to Marrakesh in the morning, arriving there for one • 4 nights hb in central Marrakesh, 3 nights hb in historic coastal Essaouira night’s half board accommodation. Free afternoon to shop or take in more of • 2 lunches • Excursion into the High Atlas Mountains • Sightseeing tour of the sights. Marrakesh (with walking tour) • Ramparts Walk in Essaouira Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to the airport and your return light. PROGRAMME YOUR HOTELS Day One: Direct light to Marrakesh, transfer to your centrally-located hotel (transfer time approx 25 minutes) for three nights half board accommodation. HOTEL DELLAROSA HHHH, Marrakesh (four nights) The stylish Hotel Dellarosa is located in the heart of the city, close to Days Two and Three: In Marrakesh, with included city orientation tour and a the shopping area and only ive minutes walk from the ancient walls guided walk to explore the Medina and especially the incomparable Djemaa and the bustling souks. Blending Moroccan hospitality with international el Fna Square - home to a market (with a few snake-charmers) by day, and design and comfort, this luxury hotel is a haven in the city centre. Rooms to storytellers, performers, musicians and ire-eaters by night. A drink on the have bathroom, telephone, satellite tv, air-conditioning, minibar, coffee terrace of one of the cafés overlooking the hubbub of the square is highly machine, safety deposit box, cd player, and free wii internet access. recommended. There is a smallish outdoor swimming pool and a terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains, as well as a spa offering a full range of treatments There is an included day out into the High Atlas Mountains. Just a couple (at extra cost). The restaurant serves international and Moroccan cuisine. of miles from Marrakesh, you enter the green Ourika Valley, passing Berber (www.dellarosa-marrakech.com) villages clinging improbably to the mountainside. The village of Safza, has a brand new eco-museum showcasing traditional Berber life. You also take in the HOTEL ATLAS RESORT AND SPA HHHHH, Essaouira (three nights) village of Sette Fatima, 3000 ft up and famous for its Seven Waterfalls - though This new, luxurious 5* hotel is ideally located on the seafront, within a you have to cross a rickety bridge and climb a steepish path to see even one! few steps of the ramparts and old town. It has spacious pool area, private The surrounding mountains here rise majestically to over 11000 ft, and Barbary beach, gym, and spa (charges apply). Rooms are spacious, with all apes inhabit the mountainside. Café-owners are just as plentiful, and certainly the facilities you would expect of an excellent 5* resort hotel, including more welcoming! 80 miles today. bathroom, air conditioning, direct dial phone, satellite tv, minibar, safety deposit box and complimentary internet access. Bar and restaurant Day Four: After a morning visiting the Saadian Tombs and enchanting Majorelle facilities are excellent. (www.hotelsatlas.com) Gardens in Marrakesh, you have lunch (included) before heading west towards the Atlantic. The town of Essaouira lies just over a hundred miles away, along a A WALKING HOLIDAY is also available featuring these hotels. Please ask for newly built highway. You spend three nights here, again on a half board basis. a copy of our Walking Brochure, or download one at www.preferredts.com. Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates, Prices and Flight Information’ for details of departure dates, prices and lights.

28 www.preferredts.com Seville & the Costa del Sol

booking nearby reasonably priced restaurants, if required. 8 days from £569 There are two optional excursions during your stay in Seville. The irst is a November morning sightseeing tour with local guide. The tour includes a drive past the Tower of Gold, the Expo Area, the University, the Macarena Quarter, and a stop This superb value holiday gives you the chance to escape the British winter, at the impressive Plaza de Espana. There is then a short escorted walk through relax on the Southern Spanish coast and enjoy the wonders of Andalucia. The the Santa Cruz Jewish quarter, and an accompanied visit to the massive 15th irst four nights are spent in the delightful town of Rincon de la Victoria on the century cathedral, the largest Gothic building in the world, where Christopher Costa del Sol followed by two nights in Seville before returning to the Costa Columbus is said to be buried. Nearby is the exquisite Moorish Alcazar fortress. del Sol for your inal night. In winter and early spring, southern Spain is warm Our other excursion features an evening trip to a Flamenco show. and sunny, though the stiling temperatures of high summer are still some time Day Six: Free in Seville. away! The perfect time, therefore, to take in some of the remarkable sights of Andalucia. Day Seven: Morning departure for Cordoba, just under two hours away. You will have plenty of time to explore the wonderful Mezquita (Mosque/Cathedral) • 5 nights hb in Rincon de la Victoria, 2 nights bb in Seville • Visits to and the white houses of the Jewish Quarter, or to join our optional guided Cordoba and Granada walking tour of Cordoba with included entrance to the world-famous Mezquita - founded in 785 by Abd ar-Rahman I, but then adapted and adopted by the PROGRAMME Christian Kings of Spain – they built a cathedral in it! You then head back to the coast, a couple of hours to the south, for your last night in Rincon, again on a Day One: Direct light to Malaga. On arrival transfer to your hotel (approx. 20 half board basis. minutes) for four nights half board accommodation. Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to the airport for your return light. Your base is the town of Rincon de la Victoria, with excellent, low-cost local transport connections to the city of Malaga, less than 10 miles away. Rincon is a pleasant Spanish town with a beachside promenade, very different in style YOUR HOTELS from the bustling resorts the other side of Malaga, and with a good selection of HOTEL RINCON SOL HHH, Rincon de la Victoria (ive nights) shops, bars, restaurants as well as a pleasant old quarter. Don’t miss Malaga The irst four nights, and the last, are spent in the Hotel Rincon Sol. The hotel and its lovely 16th century Cathedral; there is also an 8th century Fortress and description is on page 5. a pleasant pedestrianised central shopping area. Malaga is the home town of HHH Picasso: his birth house and impressive new museum are worth a look HOTEL REGINA , Seville (two nights) Modern and comfortable, the hotel is situated in the historic centre of Days Two to Four: Free time to explore the Costa del Sol and Malaga. Your Seville, close to the Fine Art Museum and the Guadalquivir River. There Tour Director will be on hand to advise how best to get around. There will be a full are 90 bedrooms, each with bathroom, air-conditioning, tv and safe. The day included excursion to Granada, overlooking the Sierra Nevada, (transfer time hotel is decorated throughout in a smart modern style and has coffee bar approx. 1½ hrs.) with included entrance to the Alhambra complex. and breakfast room (www.hotelreginasevilla.com). There will also be a half day optional excursion to the white-painted hilltop village of Frigiliana and to Nerja, famed for its balcony overlooking the sea and for the Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates, Prices and Flight Information’ for details of ‘Cueva de Nerja’, a cavern reminiscent of an underground cathedral featuring departure dates, prices and lights. stalactites, stalagmites and wonderful rock formations. Day Five: Today you transfer to Seville, which is approximately 3 hours drive. You will have two nights bed and breakfast accommodation in your centrally located hotel. Seville, in a splendid location on the Guadalquivir River, is a lively town and the capital of Flamenco. Wandering through the narrow streets you will soon understand how Seville inspired Bizet’s Carmen and Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro. Be sure to sample the excellent tapas in Seville. The tour is accompanied by a bilingual Tour Director, who will assist with

29 Tenerife Island of Contrasts

Spanish colonial town, served as a model for many towns in the Americas. 8 days from £609 The Botanic Garden: you will also see the “Jardin de Aclimatisacion” of La May & November Orotava – the Botanic Garden founded by Royal Decree in 1788 to house the plants being brought from the New World by the ‘Discoverers’ who (Columbus There are a host of reasons for visiting Tenerife – the largest of the Canaries, which the classicists rightly called ‘the Fortunate Isles’. Fortunate, too, in having included) used Tenerife as a jumping-off point for their epic voyages. The garden’s such a wonderful winter and spring climate for visitors from the freezing north! An role was as a trial ground for plants and trees that would be of important medical island of contrasts – the miles of sun-drenched coastline surround Spain’s highest or economic beneit to Spain as a whole. Designed to a geometric plan, it has a mountain (over 12000 ft), Mount Teide. Accessible by cable car and often snow- particularly impressive collection of trees, including date palms and ig trees, as capped, the desolate volcanic slopes within Teide’s National Park are a world away well as an enormous oriental plane tree (platanus orientalis), at the base of which from the tropical vegetation of the green Orotava valley, and the botanical gardens the garden’s founder planted a box of coins and documents. There are also good below. You stay in the north part of the island where the traditional villages and collections of agave, hibiscus, orchids, poinsettia and jacaranda. the University town of La Laguna have a totally different feel to the commercial Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to the airport for your return light. concreted resorts of the south – and the lush, tropical landscape with banana plantations also contrasts with the arid terrain of the south. YOUR HOTELS QUINTA PARK SUITES HHHH, Santa Ursula (seven nights) • 7 nights hb Santa Ursula • Visits to La Laguna and to the Botanic Garden The hotel is extremely well appointed with extensive public areas and gardens, PROGRAMME with nice views of the sea and of the mountains. There is a main building (where Day One: Direct light to Tenerife, transfer to your hotel in Santa Ursula (about our accommodation is normally located) and terraced bungalows in the gardens. one hour away) for seven nights half board accommodation. Accommodation is spacious: twin rooms have lounge as well as sleeping area, Your holiday base, the Quinta Park Suites, is situated on the edge of Santa terrace or balcony, full bathroom, fridge, kitchenette, colour tv with satellite Ursula, close to the attractive town of La Orotava - families who made their channels, individually controlled air-conditioning (subject to season), and direct fortune trading with the New World then spent it building ine houses and dial phone. Some rooms with pool and seaview are available at a supplement. churches in their home town. It is 4 miles from Puerto de la Cruz (free shuttle Single rooms do not have a separate lounge, but are spacious and have a bus). kitchenette and sitting area. Within the hotel there is an outdoor pool (heated in Tenerife still has undiscovered corners, like Garachico, out to the west. the winter season), table tennis, mini-golf, free wii in reception. The following are Garachico is a typical Canarian village, whose harbour was illed in by a lava available at extra charge - indoor 30-degree pool, pool tables, jacuzzi, squash low in the 18th century – since when, as you stroll the shady square, you get courts, tennis courts, gym, hairdresser, internet area, and a fully staffed spa the impression that, frankly, not a lot has changed! Also within easy reach (by local bus or on excursion) is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with Calatrava’s futuristic offering a wide range of health and beauty treatments. Please note that children new ship-shaped auditorium and a pleasant old quarter: beyond the town lie under 16 are not permitted in the spa. the spectacular Anaga mountains. Close to your holiday base, Puerto de la The hotel offers a free shuttle bus to Puerto de la Cruz several times a day including Cruz has a dolphinarium and, again, an agreeable old maritime area. weekends and public holidays, as well as an entertainment and activity programme. Days Two to Seven: In resort with included excursions to La Laguna and the There is a restaurant serving buffet-style breakfast and dinner, with a range of Botanic Garden. local and international dishes. (www.laquintaparksuites.com). La Laguna: an included excursion will take you to San Cristobal de la Laguna Extend your holiday – extra week available in our hotel in Tenerife. (to give it its full name). The ine Canarian Mansions scattered through the WALKING HOLIDAYS are also available from this hotel. Please ask for a copy town offer the visitor their bright facades and impressive woodwork, which conceal cool patios and shady gardens. One of them houses the “Museum of our Walking Brochure, or download one at www.preferredts.com. of the History of Tenerife” – well worth a look. This university town has been a Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates, Prices and Flight Information’ for details of UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999; its layout, that of the irst non-fortiied departure dates, prices and lights

30 www.preferredts.com The Coast & Landscapes of Tunisia

Day Six: A memorable day begins as you embark on a journey across the 8 days from £719 Chott el Jerid. The Chott is a salt lake of immense proportions and mysterious beauty – stark and white at one moment and then pink and blue at another. November At the end of this unforgiving but seductive landscape is the town of Douz (78 This holiday is a wonderful mix of beachside winter sun, desert oasis, miles from Tozeur). Douz is on the very edge of the Sahara and here you can magniicent Roman relics, atmospheric mosques and a breathtaking train walk the dunes, drink a mint tea or even try your camel-riding skills! After an journey through the Gorges of Selja on the Red Lizard train. In just eight days, included lunch in Douz you travel a desert road to Matmata (60 miles). The our circular itinerary allows you to discover the Roman, Carthaginian, French journey starts amid sand dunes, but the landscape then changes into arid and and Islamic heritage as well as sandy beaches in the North, the fertile central rocky hills where Berber tribesmen excavated cave dwellings. You have time to region, and the desert and oasis landscapes and Arab culture in the South. visit the town, famed for its troglodyte homes and featured in ‘Star Wars’, before going to your hotel for one night half board. • 4 nights hb Port el Kantaoui, 2 nights hb Tozeur, 1 night hb in Matmata • 3 lunches • Visits to Kairouan, Sbeitla, Chott el Jerid, Douz, Matmata, Sfax Day Seven: You travel down the Berber mountains to the coastal oasis of Gabes • Journey on the ‘Red Lizard’ Train (25 miles) where a short stop is made at the spice market. The road then follows the coast to the port of Sfax (85 miles) where there is time for lunch (included) and a PROGRAMME visit to the souk. 40 miles away is El Jem with its extraordinary Roman amphitheatre Day One: Direct light to Monastir, transfer to your hotel close to the marina at Port where audiences of 30,000 once watched the games. From here you return to Port el Kantaoui for three nights half board accommodation. Transfer time 45 minutes. el Kantaoui (40 miles) for the last night, again on a half board basis. Port el Kantaoui is a pleasant modern resort, built in a white, Moorish style Day Eight: Free time until your transfer to the airport for your return light. around a harbour and close to excellent beaches. It is a purpose built holiday resort, 7 miles north of historic Sousse, and with all amenities. YOUR HOTELS Days Two and Three: At leisure in resort with the chance to join an optional HOTEL KANTA HHHH, Port-el-Kantaoui, Port El Kantaoui (four nights) excursion to Tunis and Carthage to learn more about the two ancient civilisations The irst three, and the last nights are spent at this hotel which is a short walk which occupied Tunisia - the Romans and the Carthaginians, whose epic from the marina and beach. The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, two battles during the Punic Wars included Hannibal’s famous trek across Europe. restaurants, three bars and itness centre (charges apply). Accommodation Day Four: Today you head for the Great South. After three nights in the relaxing is a mixture of bedrooms and studio apartments. All have air-conditioning, seaside environment of Port el Kantaoui, you journey into the interior - the sights tv, balcony or terrace. (www.hotel-kanta.com) and experiences you will encounter are part of the charm with roadside traders HOTEL RAS EL AIN HHHH, Tozeur (two nights) selling items of all kinds, just as they have done for hundreds of years. First, you The hotel is in the oasis resort of Tozeur, and its gardens face the palmery. head west to Kairouan (36 miles), a holy city with 50 mosques and labrynthine Bedrooms are arranged in two storey units in the gardens surrounding the souks. From here you turn south to Sbeitla (65 miles) where you have time to visit main building. All rooms have air-conditioning, tv, bathroom and separate the Roman ruins and enjoy an included lunch. The inal part of today’s journey wc. It has a restaurant, bar, outdoor and indoor pool and itness/sauna is 128 miles into the desert to the lush green oasis of Tozeur and two nights half (charges apply). It is walking distance from the Dar Chrait museum and a board. The town of Tozeur has grown beside its 266,000 trees and has attracted short taxi or caleche ride to the centre and oasis. (www. goldenyasmin.com) nomads over the centuries. Today it attracts visitors from further aield and boasts HOTEL DIAR EL BARBAR HHHH, Matmata (one night) an airport and several hotels. The oasis is irrigated by 200 wells whose water is This hotel is approx 1000 yds from Matmata and built in true troglodyte style routed through a canal system devised in the 13th century. with some bedrooms built into the rock (there is a window in the bathroom!) and Day Five: Your included excursion takes you to Metlaoui, half an hour away, for decorated white in local style. If you would like a troglodyte room please mark a trip on the Lezard Rouge, a luxuriously restored 19th century train presented it as special request on the booking form. The hotel has a bar, restaurant and by the French to the Bey of Tunis. It takes you through the spectacular Selja outdoor areas with views across the Berber mountains (www. diarelbarbar.com) gorges. It is not possible to reserve seats and the idea is to move about the train to get different perspectives of the landscape. If, for any reason, the train Extend your holiday – an extra week is available in Port-el-Kantaoui. is not operating, we will substitute it with a journey by 4 x 4 following a similar Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates, Prices and Flight Information’ for details of route to the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza and Mides. departure dates, prices and lights

31 www.preferredts.com General Information ITINERARIES: Accommodation has been reserved in the hotels HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: None compulsory. For up to date UK mentioned, but we do reserve the right to substitute similar hotels should government health and travel advice please visit www.dh.gov.uk/travellers circumstances dictate. Please note that at the discretion of the hotels (020 7210 4850) or check with your GP for advice. (and their view of the local climate), lido and pool areas, as well as air- PASSPORTS/VISAS: Full British passport required. No visa requirements conditioning, may not be operational. Half board normally includes evening for UK citizens. Nationals of other countries should consult the appropriate dinner and breakfast. We make group bookings in hotels. In some hotels authorities. Passports must be valid on the date of your return for visits to this will mean a set menu at dinner, so please make sure we are aware countries in the EU. Validity requirements vary for countries outside the of any special dietary requirements. Where house wine is included with EU so we suggest 6 months validity from the date of your return. 6 months dinner, this will be limited in colour, type and quantity by the hotel! The validity is a requirement for Morocco whether on a holiday or on a day order of visits described may be subject to change, although the content excursion. of the holiday will remain the same. Optional excursions operate at extra cost and are subject to minimum numbers. Changes may be made to the YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION: The air holiday packages shown in particulars in this brochure at any time. this brochure are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5537. For more information please refer to Clause 14 of our EXTENDED STAYS: Where it is possible to extend your holiday and have Booking Conditions. an extra week, please note that excursions are planned to take place during the irst week. Please note that in some cases during the second Images in this brochure appear courtesy of Turespana; Foteca Enit; week an emergency contact number will be given in lieu of the services of a Archivio Agenzia Regionale in Liguria; Tunisian National Tourist Ofice; local representative. Naturally, your return airport transfer will be arranged VisitPoland; Promotur Turismo Canarias; Moroccan National Tourist Ofice; for you. Turismo de Portugal; Swiss Tourism. PRICES: These are subject to change - please see Clause 3 of our DATA PROTECTION: Please be assured that we have measures in place Booking Conditions. However, once we have conirmed your booking, to protect the personal booking information held by us. This information will your holiday price is guaranteed. Please note that optional excursions, be passed on to the principal and to the relevant suppliers of your travel porterage, drinks with main meals and travel insurance are not normally arrangements. The information may also be provided to public authorities included in the holiday price. such as customs or immigration if required by them, or as required by law. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking CUSTOMER CARE: Our customers have all the assurance of booking companies. If you travel outside the European Economic Area, controls an ATOL protected holiday from a tour operator which cares about its on data protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this customers. You can read comments from some of the customers our staff country. We will only pass your information on to persons responsible looked after so well during the ash crisis in the spring and during the strikes for your travel arrangements. This applies to any sensitive information in France and Spain in the autumn of 2010 at www.preferredts.com. In the that you give to us such as details of any disabilities, or dietary/religious unlikely event of your outward holiday light being cancelled, we will help requirements. (If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, you make alternative arrangements or refund you in full. If your homeward whether in the EAA or not, we will be unable to provide your booking. In light is disrupted, we will get you home as soon as possible. If the airline making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to has not made arrangements for accommodation and meals we shall do so. the relevant persons.) Full details of our data protection policy are available Please note that in order to offer this service we rely on your cooperation in upon request. We may also send you from time to time details of our dealing with claims for reimbursement from the airline concerned. Please other products and services and/or those of our newspaper and carefully see clause 18 for our general policy on light cancellations and delays. selected third parties which may be of interest to you. If you do not wish to FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENTS: Obviously the departure dates of our receive such information please indicate this in the space provided on the holidays are set and as advertised. Occasionally extra dates will be added booking form or call us. due to demand – please look at our website www.preferredts.com or call us. These holidays are operated by High Concepts Ltd t/a Preferred Travel If you wish to combine two holidays into a longer break, or e.g. stay behind Services, 41 High Street, Kibworth, Leicester. LE8 0HS. Tel: 0116 2793929. in your destination country to visit friends, we will try to assist and arrange Fax: 0116 2793214. Email:[email protected]. www.preferredts.com. special light arrangements. Please note that for bookings including special Registered in England No. 4000185. ABTA Membership No. W3692. Atol light arrangements there will be an administration fee of £15 per person, Protected 5537 and the deposit payment (non-refundable) will be £250 per person. ISSUED December 2010 MOBILITY: Please note that in order to get the most from your visits to many of the attractions mentioned, reasonable amounts of walking will be necessary. The terrain of archaeological sites may be uneven, and scenic hill towns are....hilly! Preferred Travel Services 41 High Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leicester LE8 0HS tel: 0116 279 3929 fax: 0116 279 3214 email: [email protected] www.preferredts.com

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 TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR BOOKINGS TAKEN UP TO 31 OCTOBER 2011 This information is subject to change without notice. Travel insurance is a vital aspect to booking a holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen Single trip policy Schedule of Standard Cover circumstances that could otherwise spoil your holiday. It is important that you purchase travel Section Sum insured per person Excess per person insurance that properly covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance from Travel & Cancellation and A Up to £5,000 £50 General Insurance Company plc to meet your needs on your holiday. Should you decide not to purchase curtailment charges our insurance, you must provide us with details of your alternative insurance with your final payment. Emergency medical The schedule of the cover opposite sets out a summary of the cover provided by our insurance. repatriation and Preferred Travel Services is an Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company plc. Up to £5,000,000 £50 associated expenses The cover is underwritten by Travel & General Insurance Company plc, except for Section K (Legal B abroad Expenses), which is underwritten by DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited. Preferred Travel Services, Travel & General Insurance Company plc and DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company are £20 for each 24 hour period to Hospital benefit Nil all authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Details of which can be found at www. a maximum of £500 fsa.gov.uk Emergency assistance C Up to £2,000 £50 THIS SUMMARY APPLIES TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTY YEARS AT THE DATE OF in the UK DEPARTURE. Up to £25,000 (age limits Premiums for persons under the age of 80 years at the time of departure are shown elsewhere in the D Personal accident Nil apply) brochure. Persons between 80 and 85 years will be charged double the premium AND must contact Healthcheck on 0845 408 0585. We regret cover is not available to persons aged over 85 years at the 20 first 12 hours and £10 date of departure. Travel delay each subsequent 12 hours to Nil maximum of £100 These details are correct as at 31/10/2010 and are subject to change without notice. As cover under E the Cancellation section commences immediately the holiday booking has been confirmed, no refund Missed departure Up to £1,000 £50 in premium can be allowed. In the unlikely event that we have to cancel your holiday, any insurance premiums paid to Preferred Travel Services will automatically be refunded. However, we cannot refund Missed connection Up to £1,000 £50 premiums paid to other insurers. If you have arranged your own insurance please check that the Personal possessions Up to £2,500 £50 premium will be refunded in the event of cancellation by us. Delay baggage Walking Holidays. Please check with your insurer if in doubt. Our travel insurance covers you for group F Up to £100 Nil walks up to an altitude of 3000m. Some insurers have lower limits – usually 2000m. Our "Walking in the (after 12 hours) Pyrenees" goes up to 2570m and “Walking in Tenerife” is up to 2550m. If you decide to walk separately Travel documents Up to £500 £50 from our group, or if you have not taken out our insurance please ensure your cover is valid. Important declaration G Personal money Up to £250 £50 £50 for each 24 hour period to An insurance policy can only provide cover in respect of an event/occurrence which is sudden, H Hijack Nil unforeseen and beyond your reasonable control. Therefore any facts known to you, which could a maximum of £500 possibly result in you having to make a claim, must be disclosed otherwise you may not be covered. I Personal liability Up to £2,000,000 £250 In addition, anyone named as insured under this policy must be able to make the following declaration (The legal guardian must make the declaration for anyone under the age of 18 years old): J Legal expenses Up to £25,000 Nil 1 I am not receiving treatment, including regular medication, within the last 12 months for any condition, nor at any time for any heart related or cancerous condition; 7 I do not know of any circumstances that could reasonably be expected to give rise to a claim under 2 I have not been seen by a specialist nor been admitted to a hospital overnight in the last 12 months this policy. (other than for regular check ups); If you cannot make this declaration when you take out the insurance, you must contact Healthcheck 3 I have not been diagnosed by a registered general practitioner as having a terminal condition; on 0845 408 0585. 4 I am not waiting for, nor have the knowledge of, the need for an operation, hospital consultation A policy document that fully defines the cover, conditions and exclusions will be sent to you with your nor any other treatment (including regular medication) nor investigations including the results of a booking confirmation. When you receive your policy, please take the time to read it carefully to ensure routine test; you understand what is and what is not covered, and that all activities that you may wish to participate 5 I do not have any other pre-existing and on-going medical condition(s) that could reasonably be in are included. If it does not meet your requirements, please return the policy, proof of premium and anticipated to give rise to a complication needing medical intervention prior to or during a journey any other relevant documents to us within 14 days of receipt and we will refund the premium in full, (if in doubt check with your general practitioner); provided you have not travelled or made a claim. 6 I am not aware of anybody for whom I would be covered for cancellation and curtailment, such as Failure to comply with the terms & conditions of the policy may result in cover being restricted. immediate family or travelling companions, suffering from any pre-existing medical condition(s) that may cause me to cancel or cut short my journey; BOOKING CONDITIONS – 2011 SEASON These Booking Conditions and the information in the brochure issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, Please see clause 2 for definitions of Group A, B and C. The Date form the basis of your contract with Preferred Travel Services for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will Received is the number of days before the departure date of the (‘we’ and ‘us’). ‘You’ means the person making the booking do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be holiday we receive your cancellation in writing. (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the person who made the booking. You will be asked to pay an 6. Changes and cancellation by us – It is unlikely that we will have 1.Your contract – when you make a booking you guarantee that you administration charge of £15 per person, and any further cost we to make any changes to your travel arrangements, but we do plan have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party incur in making this alteration. You should be aware that these costs the arrangements many months in advance. Occasionally, we may the terms of these booking conditions. A contract will exist as soon could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are have to make changes and we reserve the right to do so at any as we send our confirmation invoice. This contract is made on the made and you should contact us as soon as possible. time. Most of these changes will be minor and we will advise you of terms of these booking conditions, which are governed by English them at the earliest possible date. We also reserve the right in any Law, and the jurisdiction of the English Courts. You may however, Note: Certain travel arrangements (eg. Air Tickets) may not be circumstances to cancel your travel arrangements. For example, choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration if the minimum number of clients required for a particular travel you wish to do so. request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part arrangement is not reached, we may have to cancel it. However, of the arrangements. we will not cancel your travel arrangements after the Balance Due 2. Payment – in order to confirm your holiday, the appropriate Date, except for reasons of force majeure or failure by you to pay deposit must be paid at the time of booking. The balance of the 5. Cancellation by you – should you or a member of your party the final balance. If we are unable to provide the booked travel holiday cost must be received by the Balance Due Date. The need to cancel the holiday once it has been confirmed, you must arrangements, you can either have a refund of all monies paid or Balance Due Date is 8 weeks before departure for Group A Holidays immediately advise us in writing. Notice of cancellation is only accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable (holidays by air), 6 weeks before departure for Group B Holidays effective when it is received in writing at our offices (see Date standard from us, if available (we will refund any price difference (holidays by coach of more than 4 days duration) and 4 weeks Received in the table below). As we incur costs from the time we if the alternative is of a lower value). If it is necessary to cancel before departure for Group C Holidays (holidays by coach of 4 confirm your booking the following cancellation charges will be your travel arrangements, we will pay to you compensation as set days or less). If you are booking after that date full payment must payable (excluding insurance premiums, which are non-refundable). out in this clause. Please note that carriers such as Airlines used in accompany your booking form. Reminders are not sent. If we do the brochure may be subject to change. Such a change is deemed not receive payments due in full, on time, we reserve the right to Date Received Group A Group B Group C to be a minor change. Other examples of minor changes include treat your booking as cancelled by you. In this case the cancellation flight time changes which reduce your stay in resort by less than More than 56 days loss of deposit loss of deposit loss of deposit charges in clause 5 will be payable. 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of accommodation More than 42 days 50% loss of deposi loss of deposit to another of the same standard. If we make a major change to 3. Your holiday price – we reserve the right to alter the prices of your holiday, we will inform you as soon as reasonably possible any of the holidays shown in our brochure. You will be advised 56-29 days 50% 50% loss of deposit if there is time before your departure. You will have the choice of of the current price of the holiday that you wish to book before either accepting the change of arrangements, accepting an offer your contract is confirmed. The price of your travel arrangements 42-29 days 50% 50% loss of deposit of alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us was calculated using exchange rates quoted in the Financial Times if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is Guide to World Currencies on 29/10/10 in relation to the following More than 28 days 50% 50% loss of deposit of a lower value), or cancelling your booked holiday and receiving currencies: £1 = Euro 1.15, Switzerland = 1.57. The price of your a full refund of all monies paid. In all cases, except where the 28-8 days 75% 75% 75% travel arrangements is fully guaranteed and will not be subject to major change arises due to reasons of force majeure, we will pay any surcharges. 7 days or less 100% 100% 100% compensation detailed as follows: 4. Changes by you – if, after our confirmation invoice has been  Number of days before departure Compensation for each reasonable in the circumstances. from us (or via our authorised agent through which you booked) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air we advise you of cancellation full fare paying Customer 9. Complaints and problems – If you have a problem during your Travel Organiser’s Licence number 5537. In the unlikely event holiday, please inform the relevant supplier (e.g. your hotelier) or significant alteration Group A Group B Group C of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded and our resort representative immediately who will endeavour to abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us put things right. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please More than 56 days Nil Nil Nil for an advance booking. For further information visit the ATOL follow this up within 28 days of your return home by writing by website at www.atol.org.uk Security for monies paid for non-air 56-43 days £10 Nil Nil post to our Customer Services Department giving your booking packages offered by us is provided by way of a bond held by ABTA reference and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter (our ABTA membership number is W3692). 42-29 days £20 £10 Nil concise and to the point. This will assist us to quickly identify your concerns and speed up our response to you. 15. Brochure Accuracy – the information and prices shown in this 28-15 days £30 £15 £10 brochure may have changed by the time you come to book. Whilst It is strongly recommended that you communicate any complaint 14-0 days £40 £20 £15 every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the brochure and to the supplier of the services in question as well as to our prices at the time of printing, regrettably errors do occasionally Please see Clause 2 definitions of Group A, B and C. representative without delay and complete a report form whilst occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your in resort. If you fail to follow this simple procedure we will have chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. Force Majeure: This means that we will not pay you compensation been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your This brochure is our sole responsibility. It is not issued on behalf if we have to cancel or change your travel arrangements in any complaint whilst you were in resort and this may affect your rights of and does not commit any other organisation/ carriers whose way because of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond under this contract. We are a member of ABTA (W3692) and are services are featured. our control. These can include, for example, war, riot, industrial obliged to maintain a high standard of service by ABTA’s Code of dispute, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear Conduct (details on www.abta.com). Disputes which cannot be 16. Safety standards – please note, it is the requirements and disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, flights cancelled by resolved amicably may, if you wish, be referred to an arbitration standards of the country in which any services which make up airlines due to unforeseen circumstances. We regret we cannot scheme arranged by ABTA and administered by IDRS, part of the your holiday are provided which apply to those services and pay any expenses, costs or losses incurred by you as a result Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Details on request or from www. not those of the UK. As a general rule, these requirements and of any change or cancellation. No compensation is payable for abta.com. There is a limit of £5000 per person and £25000 per standards will not be the same as the UK and may sometimes minor changes. Very rarely, we may be forced by “force majeure” booking form and the scheme does not apply to claims mainly be lower. to change or terminate your holiday after departure but before related to physical injury or illness. Your application for arbitration the scheduled end of your time away. This is extremely unlikely under the scheme must be received by IDRS within nine months 17. Brochure Information & Timings – all timings given are for but in this situation, we regret we will be unable to make refunds of your return from holiday. general guidance only and are subject to change. Please note that (unless we obtain any refunds from our suppliers), pay you any changes to flight departure times which reduce your stay in resort compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a 10. Behaviour – when you book with us, you accept responsibility by less than 12 hours are not major changes for the purposes of result. Compensation is not payable if we have not received full for any damage or loss caused by you or any member of your clause 6. We reserve the right to withdraw coach departure points payment from you by the Balance Due Date. party. Full payment for any such damage or loss must be paid shown on the booking form and to add departure points outside direct at the time to the accommodation owner or manager or your local area. Precise timings, pick-up routes, hotel name, 7. Our Liability to you – (a) We make every effort to ensure that other supplier. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible for intended order of excursions/visits and joining instructions will be all arrangements are made correctly and efficiently. We accept meeting any claims (including legal costs) subsequently made sent with your tickets approximately ten days before departure. responsibility if any of the services which we have agreed to against us as a result of your actions. We expect all clients to have You are asked to remember that very occasionally resort or other provide for you as part of our contract with you prove deficient consideration for other people. If in our opinion or in the opinion facilities may be withdrawn for maintenance or other reasons or not of a reasonable standard. We also accept responsibility for of any other person in authority, you or any member of your party beyond our control, such as the sudden onset of adverse weather what our employees, agents, suppliers and sub-contractors do behaves in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, conditions. In these unusual circumstances we shall bear no or do not do (providing they were at the time carrying out work annoyance or distress to any third party or damage to property, resulting liability. Please note: the duration/number of days shown authorised by us) except for death, personal injury or illness we are entitled, without prior notice, to terminate the holiday of the in the brochure includes the days of departure and return. Any results (dealt with below). This acceptance of responsibility is, person(s) concerned. In this situation, the person(s) concerned photographs/ illustrations contained in this brochure are purely however, subject to force majeure and the other terms of these will be required to leave the accommodation or other service. We representative of the type of places visited, and do not necessarily Booking Conditions. will have no further responsibility toward such person(s) including depict your exact accommodation/destination. any return travel arrangements. No refunds will be made and we (b) Subject to these Booking Conditions, we accept responsibility will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the 18. Flight Delays and Flights – While we shall try to assist in should you or any member of your party suffer death, personal termination. every way to minimise the effects of any delays we do not accept injury, illness, loss or damage as a result of any failure to perform liability for any delays which occur. Where a delay does occur we or improper performance of any part of our contract with you 11. Conditions of suppliers – many of the services which make shall consult with the airline concerned regarding the provision by any of our employees, agents, suppliers or sub-contractors up your holiday are provided by independent suppliers. Those of appropriate refreshments. Some protection is afforded by our (providing they were at the time carrying out work authorised by suppliers provide these services in accordance with their own recommended travel insurance. Under EU law you have rights in us) except in the following situations. We will not be liable where terms and conditions. Some of these terms and conditions may some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your any failure to perform or improper performance was due to:- the limit or exclude the supplier’s liability to you, usually in accordance airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected; or those of a with applicable International Conventions. Copies of the relevant Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will third party not connected with the provision of your holiday and parts of these terms and conditions are available on request from also be available from airlines. However reimbursement in such which were unforeseeable or unavoidable or an event which either ourselves or the supplier concerned. cases is the responsibility of the airline and will not automatically ourselves or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right have foreseen or avoided even with all due care. 12. Special requests and medical problems – if you have a to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in clause request, you must advise us at time of booking and clearly note it 6. If any payments to you are due from us, any payment made (c) It is a condition of the acceptance of liability set out in clauses on your booking form. Although we will try to pass any reasonable to you by the airline will be deducted from this amount. If your 8(a) and 8(b) of these Booking Conditions that you notify us in requests on to the relevant supplier, we regret we cannot guarantee airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to accordance with the terms of clause 9 of any claim made by any request will be met. Failure to meet any special request will not the Air Transport Users’ Council on 020 7240 6061 www.auc. you or any member of your party. Any person(s) to whom any be a breach of contract; we cannot accept any booking which org.uk. Please note that very occasionally an airline may add a payment is made (and their parent or guardian if that person is is specified to be conditional on the fulfillment of a particular touchdown en route. In this case a flight with an intermediate stop under 18 years of age) must assign to ourselves or our insurers request. All such bookings will be treated as standard bookings not involving a change of aircraft is still considered a direct flight. any rights they may have to pursue any third party in connection subject to the above provisions on special requests. If you or a with the claim. You must provide us and our insurers with all member of your party has a medical problem/disability which may 19. Hotel Ratings, Bedrooms and Meals. We are required by assistance we may reasonably require. affect your holiday, please tell us before you book so that we can law to state the star rating of hotels. All star ratings stated are advise accordingly, also, you must give us full details in writing at those given by the authorities of the country concerned and are (d) In all cases, we limit the maximum amount we may have to the time of booking. Please note that to get the best out of your an indication only of relative standards. Actual standards can vary pay you and/or any member of your party for any or all claims visit to certain places may involve walking on inclines, through between hotels of the same category. Similarly, as the basis for or parts of claims which involve, air, sea, rail or road carriers cobbled streets etc. If we feel unable to accommodate the needs star ratings varies from country to country, hotels with the same and/or hotel keepers and other services they provide as if we of the person concerned, or reasonably feel that the enjoyment of rating but in different countries may not be of the same standard. were carriers/hotel keepers within the applicable international other travellers may be prejudiced, we reserve the right to decline/ Facilities in single rooms may differ from double rooms. Hotels conventions (eg., Warsaw Convention as amended for travel by cancel their reservation. We regret we cannot accept any bookings charge a supplement for single rooms even where there is only air, Athens Convention for travel by sea). Therefore for all claims from wheelchair users unless travelling with a companion able and one single bed as the costs of the upkeep of the room is the same, which result from international carriage, compensation will only willing to take responsibility when boarding coaches, trains etc regardless of how many people occupy it. Triple rooms may be paid for those conditions where the carriers concerned would and on excursions. consist of a double bed and bed-settee or folding bed. Our aim be obliged to pay compensation at the relevant international of providing holidays with interesting and unusual itineraries takes convention were a claim made against that carrier in that particular 13. Passports, visas and health requirements. Your specific us to places away from mass-market tourism. In some cases, situation. You must give credit for all payments received from the passport and visa requirements, and other immigration where dinner is included, it may be on a fixed menu basis with no carrier or other suppliers. requirements are your responsibility and you should confirm choice as opposed to buffet style. Please notify us of any dietary these with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates. We do not (e) This clause 7 is intended to set out our obligations to you as a requirements. Depending on flight timings, dinner may consist of a accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have cold plate on arrival at the hotel if the kitchens are closed. tour operator in the light of the Package Travel, Package Holidays not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements. and Package Tours Regulations 1992. Please note, we regret we 20. Websites – We are not responsible for the contents of websites cannot make any payment to you or any member of your party if Information on health is contained in a leaflet (Health Advice for of hotels or other suppliers and tourist boards etc. included in this the person concerned is not entitled to one from us under these Travellers) available from local Department of Health offices and brochure. Their contents do not form part of our contract with you Regulations. most Post Offices. For holidays outside the UK you should have nor can they be construed as representations by us. a European Health Insurance Card (formerly Form E111) prior 8. Prompt assistance in resort – If the contract we have with you to departure. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of failures possession of all necessary travel and health documents before Preferred Travel Services attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the departure. The Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Advice Unit may is a Trading Name of High Concepts Limited. services, or as a result of failures due to unusual and unforeseeable have issued information about your holiday destination. You are Reg. in England No. 4000185. circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which advised to check this information on the internet under the address Reg. Office: Christopher House, 94B London Road, could not have been avoided even if all due care had been http://www.fco.gov.uk/ Leicester LE2 0QS. exercised, or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall, and you suffer an injury or 14. Your Financial Protection – When you buy an ATOL protected ATOL 5537 ABTA No. W3692 other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is air holiday package from us you will receive a Confirmation invoice

Issued December 2010