DESTINATIONS August 23, 2015• Travel Deals: Belfast, Rugby, Bordeaux River Cruises, Italy, Spain, France, Cycling, Tahiti, Mexico, Caribbean, Oktoberfest Munich, Arsenal Vs Newcastle. • Armchair Travel: Turkey, China Ireland, Scotland, Zambia, India, Tenerife, France, Great Britain, Italy, Greece, Germany.
Travel Deals
Tourism Northern Ireland: Explore the World at Belfast Mela At the
Belfast Mela, a unique global get-together with tens of thousands of people enjoying music, dance, food, fashion, cuisine, on Sunday 30 August in the the city’s
Botanic Gardens. Tickets are available on
www.belfastmela.co.uk.
Make a weekend of it and avail of Tourism Northern Ireland’s special accommodation offer at the 4 star
Malone Lodge Hotel, Belfast which includes 2 nights B&B from only £119 per person sharing.*
More information:
www.discovernorthernireland.com
Aer Lingus stands ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with the Irish rugby team Aer Lingus, the ‘Official Airline of the Irish Rugby Team’, show their support for Joe Schmidt and his players ahead of a vital period for the side, in a new video released today. Staff from all over Ireland stand ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with Aer Lingus ambassadors Tommy Bowe, Robbie Henshaw, Rob Kearney and Conor Murray to perform Ireland’s rugby anthem ‘Ireland’s Call’.
‘Smart Deals’ for Irish rugby fansThese include:
•Dublin to
Cardiff from €24.99 one-way including taxes and charges
•Dublin to
London from €24.99 one-way including taxes and charges
Supporters can find out more at
www.aerlingus.com
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux Though settled by the Romans and formerly ruled by the English,
Aquitaine is profoundly French.
Bordeaux is an oenophile’s paradise. Sail three rivers—the
Garonne, the
Dordogne, and the
Gironde—on one cruise, all aboard your very own floating hotel. The unique heritage of southwest France, from Pauillac, the gateway to the Médoc wine route, on to Bordeaux, the “Pearl of the Aquitaine.”
Discover limestone cliffs and picturesque hamlets on the Route de la Corniche Fleurie. Explore
Saint-Émilion’s 12th-century Monolithic Church, and enjoy the Médoc vineyards from the seat of a bicycle.
Throughout, you’ll taste regional foods, including duck confit, caviar d’Aquitaine, and oysters. And delve deeply into the Bordeaux region’s exalted wines. Taste Médoc vintages; visit the cellars of Premier Grand Cru in
Saint-Émilion, where you’ll savour the world’s most highly rated wines; and embark upon a study of Sauternes, the region’s sweet wines, meeting the winemakers and enjoying a wine-pairing lunch at
Châteaux d’Arche.
Bordeaux to Bordeaux | 8 Days CAT 3 Departs 4th Oct 2015 (other dates available) Was €3,648pps NOW €1,889pps* (Flights not included)All-inclusive Boutique River Cruising: all gratuities for all onboard and onshore services; unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages; shore excursions with local experts as your guide; free Internet and Wi-Fi; and all arrival and departure day transfers.
Travel: 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the majestic River Beatrice
Includes: all transfers on arrival and departure days, All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners . Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions . Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners. Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and mineral water
Explore 4 countries 6 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English- speaking local experts
Guided “Go Active,” “Do as the Locals Do,” “Village Day,” and “Gentle Walking” programs.
4 UNESCO World Heritage sites Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
Crystal Alfresco:2016 offers - just released including:
• €60 deposits
• Early booking offers of up to 30% off
• 2 for the price of 1 mobiles
• Loyalty bonus of up to €120
2016 packages, currently on sale.North Brittany - By Ferry 14 nights packageDepart on 4th June from Cork, includes 12 nights in a 2 bedroom mobile in Chateau De Galinee and an overnight sailing with cabin, based on a family of 4, from just €1075 per family
Italy - Lake Garda PackageDepart on 4th June for 7 nights, in a 2 bedroom mobile in Altominico, from €399pp - includes return flights and transfers,
South of France - RoussillonDepart on 4th July for 7 nights, in a 3 bedroom mobile in La Palmeraie, from €609 per mobile
Spain - Costa DoradaDepart on 21st May for 7 nights, in a 2 bedroom mobile in Sanguli, from €549 per mobile
The Lake Garda package is based on 4 sharing a 2 bedroom Puccini Riviera mobile. Ferry package is based on travelling Cork -Roscoff - Cork with inside 4 berth cabin included. Early booking offers and 2 for 1 mobiles are applicable on selected dates. Loyalty bonus of €120 is based on customers that have traveled 5 times or more. Remainder of €130 deposit is due by the 4th December. Optional extras can be added including linen and air conditioning (where applicable). Subject to availability. Changes and withdrawal at all times.
To book or to order a brochure call (01) 433 1056 or visit
www.crystalalfresco.ieFrancigenaWays.com: Easy cycle from Lucca to Siena - price starting from €773pps for 7 nightsFor beginners and cyclists looking for a relaxing trip, FrancigenaWays.com recommends an easy 8-day cycle from Lucca to Siena. The tour includes 6 cycling days, covering 14-27kms per day. This tour is suitable for all ages and levels. It is also perfect for families.
For itinerary and details: http://francigenaways.com/ways/via-francigena/via-francigena-section-14
For experienced cyclists -price starting from €734pps for 6 nightsStart your Via Francigena cycling adventure in Tuscany, in the valley town of Aulla, cycling between 31-49kms per day from Aulla to Siena.
For itinerary and details:
www.francigenaways.com/ways/via-francigena/via-francigena-section-7-cyclingCycling across Val d'Orcia. Price starting from €722pps for 6 nightsExperienced cyclists can also start in Siena, cycle across the UNESCO listed Val d'Orcia and reach Rome, the eternal city.
For itinerary and details:
www.francigenaways.com/ways/via-francigena/via-francigena-cycling-section-8Special: Get 5% off base price if you book 2 months in advance. Special discounts apply to returning customers and children under 18.
Includes: Standard packages include half-board accommodation (breakfast and dinners), luggage transfers from hotel to hotel and holiday pack with practical information.
Does not include: Flights or insurance.
Optional: Ask our team for hotel upgrades, bike rental.
To book or request a free quote for cycling in Tuscany Visit
www.francigenaways.com or phone 353 (0)1-525-28-86.
Top Tahitian Deals from UK tour operators Austravel is offering an eight night, two island (
Tahiti and
Moorea) holiday from £2,949 per person – including a saving of £355 per couple. The offer includes two nights at the
Le Meridien Tahiti and six nights at the
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort. Return international flights are also included. Travel in March 2016. To book call: 0800 988 4834 or visit:
www.austravel.com.
Turquoise Holidays is offering a ten night, two island (
Moorea and
Bora Bora) holiday from £3,245 per person – including a 35% saving. The price includes five nights in a beach bungalow at the
Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa and five nights in an overwater bungalow at the
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, both on a bed and breakfast basis. Return international flights and internal transfers are also included. Travel between 1 November 2015 to 31 May 2016, and 1 November 2016 to 31 March 2017. To book call: 01494 678 400 or visit:
www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk.
Turquoise Holidays is offering a ten night holiday at
The St Regis Bora Bora from £4,395 per person – including three nights and a saving of over £2,400 per couple. The price includes accommodation, return international flights from Heathrow via Los Angeles and all internal transfers. To book call: 01494 678 400 or visit:
www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk.
Luxury Holidays Direct is offering a seven night, two island (
Moorea and
Bora Bora) family holiday from £6,299 per family – including a 35% saving (based on two adults and one child under 12). The price includes three nights in a garden pool junior suite bungalow at the
InterContinental Moorea and four nights in a beach junior suite bungalow at the I
nterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, both on a bed and breakfast basis. Travel between 1 November 2015 to 20 April 2016. Return international flights and all internal transfers are also included. To book call: 020 8744 7299 or visit:
www.luxuryholidaysdirect.com.
More information on
The Islands of Tahiti www.tahiti-tourisme.co.ukTravelmood: Winter Deals to the CaribbeanSt Lucia 9 nights in
St James Club Morgan Bay in
St Lucia, on an all-inclusive basis, from €2,039pp. Price includes: return flights ex.
Dublin with
Virgin Atlantic, airport transfers and accommodation. Based on two sharing. Travel: November 2015 Ref No: 991279
Mexico 9 nights in the
Riu Cancun in
Mexico, on an all-inclusive basis, from €1,479pp. Price includes: return flights ex.
Dublin with
Virgin Atlantic, airport transfers and accommodation. Based on two sharing. Travel: December 2015 Ref No: 991283
Jamaica 8 nights in
Couples Tower Isle in
Jamaica, on an all-inclusive basis, from €2,489pp.
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin with Virgin Atlantic, airport transfers and accommodation as stated. Based on two sharing. Travel: January 2016 Ref No: 991324
BarbadosSpend 11 nights in the Crystal Cove by Elegant Resorts in Barbados, on an all-inclusive basis, from only €2,359pp. Price includes: return flights ex. Dublin with Virgin Atlantic, airport transfers and accommodation as stated. Based on two sharing. Travel: February 2016 Ref No: 991333
More information: visit
www.travelmood.ie or phone 01 4331063 or visit
Travelmood in Duke Street, (just off Grafton Street) Dublin 2.
Camping at Oktoberfest Munich Known worldwide as a beer festival,
Oktoberfest is actually so much more! From humble beginnings as a royal wedding celebration, the 'Fest has become a party with enough beer, pork, merchandise & amusement park attractions to entertain you for days. Make your own way to Munich & join Contiki there - once you get to Munich, rhea have already pre-set up tents. That's it, just have fun!
Here's the deal: 4 Days camping from 25th or 30th September €235 (Price is per person shared) FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED
Included in Octoberfest: from food to accommodation to exclusive access to the best sights, Contiki offer value & a completely unique travel experience.
Accommodation:• 3 nights twin-share accommodation in large tents with comfy air mattresses (sleeping bag and towel required)
And....• Regular free coach transfers from accommodation to festival site
• Contiki Oktoberfest Souvenir
• An experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver team.
• Sightseeing tours of all major cities plus orientations in all other destinations.
Food• 4 continental & hot breakfasts
Inclusions• Guided walking tour of Munich: See Marienplatz, the Glockenspiel, the Rathaus, Munich Residenz, Frauenkirche & Viktualienmarkt
• Optional trip to the moving Dachau concentration camp memorial.
ITAA: Irish Travel Agents Association: Three Breaks- under €300pp
4 star Club Marthas, Cala D’Or, Majorca, 7 nights, 19th October. €1,102 This mid-term family holiday for two adults and two children is available with
Budget Travel and costs just €275.50pp.
Club Marthas is popular with families thanks to its ‘Molly Club’ which offers daily activities for children, including; nightly shows, a children’s pool, archery and a range of outdoor activities. Nearby families can also enjoy; taking a ride on the mini train, tennis, water sports, biking, rock climbing and much more.
Price includes: 7 nights accommodation at Club Marthas and return flights from Dublin.
More information on this deal available from
Budget Travel visit:
www.itaa.ie/2015/08/20/majorca-family-october-mid-term-specials-7-nights-22-total-price-e1102/Bitacora Apartments, Lanzarote, 7 nights, 15th November, from €299ppsGet some winter sun with this deal from
1StopTravel. A popular spot for couples, the Irish managed
Bitacora Apartments each consist of three rooms, a bedroom, a bathroom and lounge/kitchen. Each room has a TV which even has the RTE channels! The resort has its own pool and pool bar, with regular entertainment and activities including bingo, BBQ’s and pig racing! A hearty full breakfast is available at the pool bar which is alsoopen lunch and snacks.
Price includes: 7 nights accommodation at the Bitacora Apartments, and return flights from Dublin.
More information on this deal available from 1StopTravel visit:
www.itaa.ie/2015/08/19/lanzarote-november/Arsenal Vs Newcastle Game, 5th December, €299ppAll the excitement for your favourite team’s next soccer match with
SportsTours.ie. Staying at either the 3 star
Imperial Hotel or the 3 star
President Hotel on
Russell Square in
Holborn, London, soccer fans will be ideally located for post match celebrations with a range of bars and restaurants nearby. Whether you’re a Gunner or one of the Toon Army – this is the deal for you! Price includes: One night B&B accommodation and a match ticket.
More information on this deal available from SportsTours.ie visit:
www.itaa.ie/2015/08/19/premier-league-packages/
Armchair Travel Silk Roads to Shanghai, RTÉ Two, 8.00pm. Sunday August 23, David Burns and Maghnus Collins travel in the footsteps of explorer Marco Polo, the old silk route from
Istanbul, Turkey to the
Yangtze River into
Shanghai, China. Transport includes bicycles and kayaks.
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Robert the Bruce, played by Clive Russell, and brother Edward Bruce, played by Douglas Russell,
in War of The Three Kings |
War of the Three Kings, BBC2 N Ireland, 9.45pm. Sunday August 23 Conclusion of the two-part documentary of Robert the Bruce's invasion of
Ireland reveals how his forces from
Scotland were affected by the Great European Famine and ends in defeat at the battle of
Faughart, Co.Louth,
Ireland, and where Edward Bruce is buried.
Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys Jones, UTV Ireland, 10.00pm Sunday August 16. Griff begins this leg of his journey in
Kasama, northern
Zambia and on to town of
Mpika. In the capital
Lusaka, he visits the first railways built to access the Zambia's mineral wealth. Griff then reaches
Victoria Falls on his way to the country's second-largest city,
Bulawayo Travel Guides, UTV Ireland, 9.00pm. Monday August 17. This week it is an all-inclusive holiday at
Playa de las Americas in
Tenerife. Johnny Vegas narrates: a family from
Dorset, England have their first experience of a package holiday, excitement turns to unease at the hotel's British-style buffet. and three ladies from Birmingham seek holiday romance. Another couple find it hard to leave the hotel and the free beer on tap, and there is karaoke.
World's Busiest Railway 2015, BBC2 N Ireland, 9.00pm. Tuesday August 25. Dan Snow, Anita Rani and Robert Llewellyn take an inside look at
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and long distance rail travel across
India. The station carries out service on trains, typically, 500 metres long and require a quick turnaround. They process more than 25,000 dirty sheets a day and make sure all on board have enough food and drink, Anita takes a long distance sleeper across India to find out who is travellling and what the conditions are like. And we explore trains that cost £600 per night.
A Brief History of Graffiti, BBC4, 9.00pm. Wednesday August 26. Richard Clay looks at 30,000 year, of graffiti, from the prehistoric cave-paintings in Burgundy, France, to gladiator fan-worship of Roman Lyon, France. Later, messages on the walls of the German Reichstag in 1945 by Russian soldiers. He examines what compels people to scribble and scratch mementos, and reveals how some have become legitimate art.
Building the Ancient City, BBC2 N Ireland, 8.00pm. Thursday August 20, In Italy Andrew Wallace-Hadrill examines how ancient Rome worked, including how more than one million residence were fed, how they lived and got around. He has access to planning details on an 1,800-year-old marble map, showing a street plan of Ancient Rome that mirrors the city of today. Emperor Nero is reassessed, his role in organizing the fire brigade and contributed to the world's first fire regulations … yes, the man who fiddled while Rome burned.
Who Do You Think You Are? BBC1 N Ireland, 10.35pm. Thursday August 20, Actor Jacobi from childhood in Leytonstone, London, England, where his father had a sweet shop and his mother a drapery, but further back on his maternal side he uncovers that his great-grandmother's name was Salome Laplain and that he is descended from a wealthy French Huguenot who fled religious persecution in France - who had connections to Protestant royalty in Britain
Rick Stein: From Venice to Istanbul, BBC2 N Ireland, 9.30pm. Friday August 21, Rick's trip continues to northern Greece and enjoys traditional dishes including veal stiffado and kotopita - which he proclaims to be the best chicken pie he has ever tasted. In
Preveza, at the mouth of the
Ambracian Gulf, he goes prawn fishing and, in the footsteps of poet Lord Byron, visits
Messolonghi in western Greece, where seafood is highly regarded. Rick then cooks his favourite Greek meals- stuffed peppers and tomatoes and souvlaki
Great Canal Journeys, Channel 4, 7.00pm. Saturday August 22. Actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales barge to Llangollen, Denbighshire, Wales, where they spent their honeymoon. They visit the Vale of Llangollen and the Montgomery Canal, and take a horse-drawn barge up the Horseshoe Falls near Llantysilio Hall.
Sicily Unpacked, BBC4, 8.00pm. Saturday August 22, Andrew Graham-Dixon and Giorgio Locatelli check out influences on art and culture of Spanish rule on
Sicily. They join in with Good Friday celebrations in
Enna, before a traditional family lunch near
Modica. They view one of painter Caravaggio's works in
Messina, and then on to
Marsala, where General Giuseppe Garibaldi arrived in 1860, leading to Sicily's union with
Italy.
