Croatia is tipped to be one of the most popular destinations in 2010 for British holiday-makers with its non-Euro currency, high quality, good value tourist accommodation and excellent flying links from UK airports. Hidden Croatia has come up with its pick of Easter holidays, from a 5* water-front hotel in Dubrovnik to island hotels in locations reminiscent of the Cote d’Azur.

Easter on the cosmopolitan island of Hvar, 4* b&b £735
For travel over Easter 2010 Hidden Croatia has a 7 night b&b stay at the 4* Hotel Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour for £735 per person, based on 2 sharing and including return flights from Gatwick to Split, road and ferry transfers. The hotel is located on the chic harbour front of Hvar island, reminiscent of an upmarket French Riviera resort, and is a member of the Small Leading Hotels of the World, offering contemporary styling in a wonderful location. Contact Hidden Croatia on 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

5* waterfront hotel in Dubrovnik, with complimentary wine
Hidden Croatia is offering a complimentary bottle of wine with dinner each day for guests spending a week at the 5* Grand Villa Argentina, a classic water-front, Dalmatian building made up of three noble villas, renowned as the most exquisite hotel in Dubrovnik. A week’s half board stay costs from £675 per person (child £499) over Easter, including flights from Gatwick to Dubrovnik and airport transfers. Contact Hidden Croatia on 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

Remote island off the tourist track, 3* b&b £599
The remote island of Vis is as impregnable as a Bond villain’s lair and as beautiful as Capri before the tourists. It has no big hotels, no big resorts, and despite its magnificent unspoilt scenery and deserted beaches has only recently opened up to tourism. The island’s Hotel San Giorgio is a charming 10 rooms boutique 3 star hotel and Hidden Croatia offers 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation from £599 per person (April 2010), including flights from London Gatwick to Split and road and ferry transfers, based on 2 sharing. Contact Hidden Croatia on 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

Car free Croatian island, 7 nights £409
Croatia’s Kolocep island, the smallest of the Elafiti islands, is completely car free, has just one hotel, the Hotel Villas Kolocap, and a population of less than 150 inhabitants, which combined with its low-rise, unspoilt landscape makes for very good walking and cycling opportunities. Unusually for Croatia the island has a sandy beach. Hidden Croatia offers 7 nights room and breakfast at the 3* Hotel Villas Kolocep from £385 in April 2010 (children £285), including return flights from Gatwick to Dubrovnik, road and ferry transfers. Contact Hidden Croatia on 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

Croatia’s Makarska Riviera, boutique hotel
80kms south of Split is the tranquil town of Tucepi, with its turquoise fringed golden beaches, where the family-run, delightful boutique style 3* Hotel Villa Andrea offers a friendly and unpretentious welcome right beside the sea. Hidden Croatia offers a 7 night stay from £495 per person in April 2010, including b&b accommodation, return flights from London Gatwick to Split and airport transfers. Contact Hidden Croatia on 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

Hidden Croatia reservations 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers (0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk) has added a new range of exciting `Cities & Sails’ stay-and-cruise holidays for early summer 2010, each combining a stay in one of Europe’s most iconic cities with a relaxing cruise on board a magnificent, fully-crewed square-rigged sailing ship. Prices include all meals on board, accommodation in Lisbon, Rome or Athens, optional excursions, return flights and transfers.

Lisbon Golf and Cruise
Departing on 18th April Star Clippers is offering an unique opportunity to combine three nights at the luxurious Penha Longa Hotel and Golf Resort outside Lisbon with a 10-night voyage on the 170-passenger Star Flyer from Lisbon to Monaco. Penha Longa is one of the most exquisite resorts in Portugal, with a magnificent golf course and the stay-and-cruise offer includes a round of golf at the club (subject to handicap) and the opportunity to explore historic Lisbon, before boarding Star Flyer for a sailing to Portimao, Cadiz, Tangier, Motril on the eastern Costa del Sol, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, St Tropez and Monte Carlo. The golf stay-and-cruise costs from £1,999 per person, including return flights, all non-UK transfers, three nights’ hotel accommodation, full board on the ship for ten nights and port taxes. Contact Star Clippers 0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk

Athens City & Cruise
Departing from Athens on 1st May 2010 Star Clippers is offering free flights, port transfers and a night in the Hotel St George Lycabettus prior to a week’s cruise on the beautiful four-masted Star Clipper. The offer provides the perfect opportunity to explore the nightlife of the hip Greek capital and stay in a hotel overlooking the floodlit Acropolis. The seven-night voyage to Turkish and Greek ports calls at Camilimani in Turkey, Kusadasi, for tours to Ephesus, and some of the less-visited Greek islands, including Patmos, Amorgos, Delos and Tinos, as well as Mykonos for an evening, before returning to Athens.

The new Athens stay-and-cruise itinerary costs from £1,295 per person, including complimentary return flights, transfers in Greece, one night’s B&B hotel accommodation, seven nights’ accommodation with all meals on Star Clipper and port taxes. Contact Star Clippers 0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk

Eternal Rome, Opera & Sails
Star Clippers is offering a two night stay in the heart of Rome, with optional opera tickets for the night of 18th June, followed by a three-night sailing cruise on board the five-masted flagship, Royal Clipper, from Civitavecchia along the Amalfi Coast and taking in the island of Ischia. The stay & cruise `opera & sails’ cruise costs from £999 per person, based on 2 sharing room only hotel accommodation at the three star Hotel Regno, close to the Trevi Fountain, on 17th and 18th June, followed by three nights accommodation with all meals, on board Royal Clipper and including transfers and port taxes. Excludes flights and opera tickets.
Contact Star Clippers 0845 200 6145, www.starclippers.co.uk

For details of Star Clippers’ Caribbean cruises or to book, contact Star Clippers reservations on 0845 200 6145, e-mail star.clippers@fredolsentravel.co.uk, or www.starclippers.co.uk

An advanced new `Infotainment’ system, which even gives passengers free access to a Google map tracing the route of the ship, has been installed by award winning river cruise line AMAWATERWAYS. The new system offers guests free, high speed internet, free WiFi and access to a state-of-the-art video on demand system, with the hottest releases and classic films at no charge, all accessible from their cabins.

The company claims this is the cruise industry’s most advanced guestroom entertainment and is being offered on board AMA ships sailing the Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel rivers.

Fast internet connectivity is the result of a newly-installed 3G high speed internet service across the AMA fleet. In addition, there are computing options that allow guests to post blogs, send and receive emails, track their online account, create documents, follow the ship’s progress via a Google Maps programme and even print boarding cards for their flight home.

Highlights of the Infotainment System include:

New state-of-the-art video on demand system featuring Hollywood’s hottest current releases from top studios including Disney, warner Bros., Universal, Paramount and Sony available on a complimentary basis in staterooms. A regularly changing selection of classic films will also be available for passengers’ enjoyment, as will informative television programmes covering news, sport, current affairs and special interest.

A large selection of music in different styles and genres

Improved internet connectivity fleet-wide via a 3G signal including convenient Wi-Fi access throughout the ship for guests who bring their own laptops

‘Virtual Computer Desktop’; using a specially-designed remote control, passengers can switch the television screen into a ‘computer screen’ allowing them to surf the internet via Microsoft Internet Explorer; send emails; post blogs; and create documents using word processing or spreadsheet programmes. Online check in for return flights is simple, with a printer in the aft lounge dedicated to guests’ use.

The new system will also feature a Google map tracing the route of the ship, and a live billing system so that guests can view their stateroom account – although practically everything is already included in an AMAWATERWAYS cruise.

“Today’s travellers expect a full array of internet and entertainment options and do not want to pay extra for them,” says AMAWATERWAYS president, Rudi Schreiner. “Our new, enhanced complimentary Infotainment System is the best offering in cruising today and adds value to the guest’s experience on AMAWATERWAYS. Exciting no-charge features such as the latest hit movies and high-speed internet access in each stateroom, plus Wi-Fi throughout all areas of the ship continue to set AMAWATERWAYS apart as the true innovator in the world of river cruising.”

- 6,700 British holiday homes available to ‘book direct’ through Holiday Lettings
- Demand for British holidays so far in 2010 accounts for 20 percent of all enquiries
- Demand for UK holidays in 2010 is up 44 per cent year on year, further to the 88 per cent year on year growth experience in 2009 from 2008
- Choice of British holiday homes has doubled year on year
- UK holiday homes offer better value for money compared to hotels, especially for families

With 6,679 British holiday homes currently available for short term rental, holidaylettings.co.uk is an undisputed ambassador for National British Tourism Week, showcasing the largest choice of ‘book direct’ UK holiday homes.

The staycation marketplace accounts for 18 per cent of Holiday Lettings’ current inventory and 20 per cent of booking enquiries sent so far in 2010. The popularity of the staycation in 2009 saw demand for UK holiday homes increase by 88 per cent year on year. Demand for UK holidays in 2010 continues to grow, so far at an increase of 44 per cent on the same period in 2009.

The British homes cater to every budget, taste, holiday type preference and holidaymaker need, and regularly feature special offers to accentuate their affordability.

Most popular British holiday locations with HL holidaymakers:

City breaks in London, brighton, Edinburgh and Bath
Newquay, Cornwall Croyde
Bournemouth
St Ives
Padstow
Penzance
Cowes
Stratford upon Avon
York

UK areas where Holiday Lettings represent the most homes:

The West Country (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset)
Holiday Lettings has more than 2,100 homes in the West Country with Cornwall dominating the landscape with 1,000 homes.

Up and coming areas increasingly popular with Holiday Lettings holidaymakers:

Cirencester
The New Forest
Rye, East Sussex
Brixham
Torquay
Whitby
Matlock
Canterbury

Some typically British holiday homes

BEACHSIDE VIEWS
Porth Beach View Apartment, Porth, Newquay, Cornwall
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/97602
£537 per week, sleeping six, (£89.50 per person)
Porth Beach View is part of an exclusive self catering holiday complex on the outskirts of Newquay town centre and near Watergate Bay. Overlooking Porth Beach, one of the best family beaches around Newquay, this two bedroom apartment is well equipped for up to six people and access to the beach is only a couple of minutes walk away. This apartment benefits from three separate balconies with spectacular coastal views.

BEAUTIFUL brighton
brighton Brunswick Apartment, brighton & Hove, Sussex
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/23119
£425 per week, sleeping four, (£106.25)
Stunning 5 star Visit Britain graded single bedroom flat in a beautiful period property. With floor to ceiling windows and original period features throughout, this property oozes luxury and is ideal for those looking for a stylish stop over to explore brighton. Only a one minute walk from the beach and ten minutes from the heart of town this spacious property also gas a home entertainment system, mini bar and ipod docking station, making it perfect for entertaining.

COTSWOLDS COUNTRY COTTAGE
Cats Abbey, Sherborne, Burford, Oxfordshire
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/26072
£4,419 per week, sleeping 24, (£184.125 per person)
an enchanting Cotswold farmhouse conversion that is located just off the A40, about five miles west of Burford, with spectacular views of Windrush Valley.
The big barn has a magnificent beamed ceiling, a gallery, a stone fireplace, wood-burning stove, and a stone floor with under floor heating. The kitchen is a cooks dream and the dining table can seat 24.

WONDERFUL WINDMILL
Braunston Mill, Braunston, Warwickshire
www.holidaylettings.co.uk/58307
£750 per week, sleeping six, (£125 per person)
A detached, contemporary retreat that features six floors of luxury, including: a very large kitchen, three bedrooms, a spacious lounge, bathroom and whirlpool bath, two en suite bathrooms and four WCs. The top floor offers breathtaking views that stretch across the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire countryside and there is a peaceful balcony area on the 4th floor.

Mother’s Day Delight:
Surprise your mum this Mother’s Day and enjoy a relaxing short break stay surrounded by the wonderful world of Pembrokeshire with all your family.
Your mum deserves to be spoilt this Mother’s Day and Activity Wales have created the perfect getaway. Your self-catering property is popularly situated within the welcoming Ivy Tower Village with it’s onsite facilities of indoor heated pool, sauna, gym and tennis courts to embrace during your four night short break. A bouquet of fresh flowers will be at your property ready for your mum’s arrival as will a tasty hamper complete with delicious chocs and fizz for her to divulge. Your break away in Pembrokeshire will have you discover your wild side and experience the countryside on four legs. Your horse riding session is sure to get you all the family shouting yeeha. After the wind in her hair, mum deserves to relax and so a popular spa pamper package in the comfort of your cottage is a must. A swedish body massage, mini manicure and pedicure is all included for a few hours of chill time. The perfect package to celebrate your mum.

The cost for four night self catering accommodation, flowers, choc’s and fizz hamper, horse riding and a spa pamper package (mum only!) based on a family of four from only: £125 per person

As Chopin 2010 events continue across Poland, a UK company is offering an escorted music tour to Warsaw to celebrate the bicentenary of the famous composer’s birth.

London-based Kirker Holidays has put together a six-day trip escorted by the pianist Andrew Biggs, as the polish capital hosts the Chopin & His Europe Festival in August.

The tour, designed to celebrate what would have been Chopin’s 200th birthday, will take in a number of musical performances including a concert by the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra and several piano recitals. The six days will also include sightseeing trips to Chopin-related sites in Warsaw and Krakow.

Acting Director of the Polish National Tourist Office Bogdan Becla said: “This year will be a great time to visit Poland because of the Chopin 2010 celebrations that are taking place across the country, and visitors will certainly get the chance to see some wonderful performances and hear some beautiful music composed by one of Poland’s favourite sons.

“The escorted musical tour on offer from Kirker Holidays will certainly help to bring Chopin and his music to life.”

* For further information contact Ewa Binkin on 020 8991 7074 or ewa.binkin@poland.travel

Easter traditionally marks the start of the British holiday season, and with the weather showing signs of significant improvement, families throughout the country have got the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy themselves this April.

We know how difficult it can be to keep the whole family entertained on a day out or short break. That’s why we’ve created a superb round-up of special Easter events, exciting activities and astounding attractions to keep everyone busy. We’ve also included a selection of special Easter accommodation offers and attraction discounts, to help visitors make the most of their trip to Bristol without breaking the bank.

Take a look at just a couple of the highlights below, or for more information log on to Bristol’s official visitor information web site www.visitbristol.co.uk.

EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY

2 – 18 APRIL 2010

Easter Eggstravaganza

Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton

Get eggcited this Easter by taking part in the Easter Egg Hunt around the Zoo. The Easter Bunny and Spring Bear will also be making a special appearance (2 – 5 April).

Get Animated

At-Bristol, Harbourside

With lots of models and props to see, including a set from Aardman’s latest Wallace & Gromit animation, A Matter of Loaf and Death, Animate It! at At-Bristol will take you on a journey through animation past, present and future.

Easter at Brunel’s ss Great Britain

Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Harbourside

Explore the fun Easter Animal Trail on board the ship. The best children’s drawings win prizes (2 – 5 April).

Easter Egg Trails

Tyntesfield, Wraxall

Enjoy fun trails and activities throughout the grounds of Tyntesfield Estate. Make spring crafts in the Sawmill and follow Easter egg trails which will be supported by Cadbury (11 am – 3 pm).

Easter Family Activities

Fleet Air Arm Museum, Somerset

Everyday throughout the Easter period there will be a variety of special activities for you and your

family to enjoy, from daily Easter Egg Trails to Family Activity Egg Drops, where you and your family can design and build your own parachute for an egg.

Travel by Train or Coach

Visitors to Bristol who travel on First Great Western trains or National Express coaches can now take advantage of money-saving 2For1 offers and discounts at Bristol attractions, hotels, restaurants and events. Simply pick up a leaflet at the station or log on to http://visitbristol.co.uk/site/things-to-do/easter-in-bristol to find out more.

For more information on any of the events covered, go to the city’s official tourism website www.visitbristol.co.uk or call the Tourist Information Centre on 0333 321 0101.

Summer 2010 will see historic London hotel, Hazlitt’s utilise one of its newest additions, the only London hotel suite to feature a private roof terrace with retractable glass roof – making it an unspoiled location for even the most typical English summer day.

Recognised as Soho’s first boutique hotel, Hazlitt’s has become noted for its subtle take on the established traditions of hotel keeping. Behind its Frith Street exterior lays a refuge from the frantic pace of metropolitan life. At Hazlitt’s each bedroom is named after an historically famous local resident as the décor then reflects the characters of their namesake.

Hazlitt’s has recently been extended by eight rooms. One of the newest of these bedrooms is the distinctive Duke of Monmouth suite which boasts a private roof garden complete with sliding glass roof – possessing views over Soho’s rooftops the suite is an idyllic location for stargazing and entertaining friends.

The Duke of Monmouth suite’s masculine undertones draw on rich hues, oak panelling and voluminous curtains. While guests are not busy spotting London landmarks from the roof they can unwind in the seemingly bottomless rock n roll style bath which invites inhabitants to while away the evening with a long relaxing soak.

The Duke of Monmouth was born James Scott, who was the illegitimate son of Charles II. He was recognised by Charles as his son but the King did not make him his heir, instead bestowing on him the title Duke of Monmouth. He built Monmouth House in Soho Square, the buildings that make up Hazlitt’s were built on part of the site of the house after it was demolished. After the death of his father, the King, Monmouth led a rebellion against his uncle and declared himself King. He lost the battle of Sedgemoor and was then beheaded on Tower Hill. It is said it took eight blows of the axe to sever his head.

Situated in a quiet backwater off Soho Square, the discreet townhouse bolthole is a refuge from modern London. Dating back to 1718, Hazlitt’s has been meticulously restored and crafted to offer guests an overnight stay seen by London’s 18th century aristocracy. Quaint staircases, exquisite antiques and oil colours are subtly married with today’s technology; all rooms benefit from air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat screen television, Blu-ray player, stereo, mini bar, safe, antique desk and REN toiletries.

Enjoy tranquil surroundings and views of the Cumbria countryside, tiptoe through 19th century corridors…and do some good old-fashioned hard work in between.

This is what to expect if you book a place on ‘The Eternal Path at Conishead’, a BTCV conservation holiday taking place in March.

You will be warmly welcomed by the residents at Conishead Priory, home to Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, during a week managing the surrounding woodlands. You’ll receive guidance and training from the holiday leaders and you don’t need to be an experienced conservationist, just enthusiastic.

BTCV has worked with Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre for a number of years, carrying out woodland management and access work in the grounds. This spring the focus will be on improving the access around the beautiful grounds, which currently includes a network of footpaths, steps and bridges.

The 70 acre grounds are open for public use, and are visited by walkers. Stretching down to the shores of Morecambe Bay, the grounds include mature woodland and landscaped gardens, including some very old and special arboretum trees.

From the bay there are scenic views across to Chapel Island and Morecambe, with the Lakeland hills and Yorkshire Dales in the distance.

The Priory provides a peaceful and inspiring environment in which people from all walks of life can learn about Buddhism and meditation. The centre is the site of the first Kadampa Buddhist Temple. This inspiring building is based on traditional Buddhist architecture.

During the week, there will be a variety of activities at the centre which you are welcome to join. These will include workshops, meditation classes, and sessions about Buddhism.

Book today and help keep your part of Britain beautiful.

The holiday takes place Saturday 20 Mar 2010 to Saturday 27 Mar 2010 and costs £190 per person. Minimum age is 16.

For further information on this and other BTCV conservation holidays visit our website www.btcv.org or contact the communications team on 01302 388883.
Places are limited so early booking is advised.

CELEBRATE ST GEORGE’S DAY AT MACDONALD COMPLEAT ANGLER, MARLOW

Celebrate our patron saint with an evening of sheer indulgence at the Macdonald Compleat Angler, Marlow on St George’s Day, Friday 23rd April. Fine English cuisine is being matched with exceptional Champagnes, wines and spirits from the Moet Hennessy Group at a sumptuous four-course wine dinner.

Created by Head Chef, David Smith and his team, the candlelit dinner will be served in the hotel’s two AA rosette Bowaters restaurant overlooking the river; guests can watch passing boats and lights reflect in the water as they dine.

After a welcome glass of champagne, the first course features seared Devon scallops paired with Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. This will be followed by roast medallions of lamb served with Cape Mentelle Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, while for afters there’s a dark chocolate fondant with Terrazas Reserva Malbec and a selection of English cheeses accompanied by Veuve Cliquot Rosé. Coffee and petits fours with a glass of Hennessy Cognac or Glenmorangie complete the evening. A wonderful treat at £95 per person including all the wines.

Bowaters restaurant will also be offering a special lunchtime menu featuring classic English dishes throughout the week from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd April.

To book a table call the Macdonald Compleat Angler on 0844 879 9128 or visit website www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/CompleatAngler. B&B is also available on 23rd April from £116 per room per night for two sharing.