Specialist tour operator, Just Slovenia, has teamed up with a company of award-winning professional photographers to offer short breaks including two-day photographic workshops and excursions.

Based in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s fascinating and highly photogenic capital, participants benefit from expert photographer guides and small groups, which allow flexibility to adjust itineraries according to weather and lighting conditions.

A guided tour of the capital with plenty of opportunity to take photographs, dinner with the photographer and time to discuss and view images, plus a half-day excursion are all part of the itinerary.

Prices start from £549 per person based on two people sharing and include flights from Stansted, three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Central Hotel in Ljubljana, one evening meal, plus airport transfers.

For further information, telephone 01373 814230 or visit www.justslovenia.co.uk.

- Icelandic economic situation puts Iceland as a value destination in the spotlight

Iceland’s leading airline, Icelandair, has seen an increase in UK sales over the past year since the Icelandic economic situation has brought increased attention to the destination.

Travellers are flocking to Iceland due to the favourable currency exchange rate for UK visitors which has also been confirmed by the Lonely Planet World Travel Guide choosing Iceland as the 2010 best value destination for 2010.

“It seems that in the middle of the media interest we have been able to communicate the fact that this is a great time to visit Iceland, because as a traveller you simply get more for your money than ever before”, says Birkir Holm Gudnason, CEO of Icelandair.

Hjorvar Saeberg Hognason, General Manager UK, added, “If you compare what a pound got you on 1st February 2008 to 1st February 2010, you see an increase of 57%, so you can see why UK passengers are heading to Iceland in droves to experience the breathtaking nature and enjoy activities like searching for the northern lights. Whale watching season is just around the corner so we hope to see many travellers heading over to see the whales and amazing birdlife.”

Last week Icelandair added another three percent to its flight schedule, which was already ten percent up from last year, as a reaction to the rising interest in Iceland tourism.

Icelandair is one of Iceland’s longest established companies, connecting the world and Iceland for over 70 years.
For more information on Icelandair and to book flights visit www.icelandair.com

Travel the Unknown (tel: 0845 053 0352) has launched tours to Serbia, one of Europe’s truly undiscovered destinations.

Once in the news for the wrong reasons, Serbia is looking forward to a new era, but the country still sees little in the way of tourists. Situated in the heart of the Balkans, Serbia stretches across two geographic and cultural regions of Europe. As a result the Serbian lands formed the crossroads for various past civilizations – Roman, Medieval, Hungarian, Austrian, Ottoman – meaning the country has a vast architectural, religious and artistic heritage. No less than 26 nationalities are present here, each of them preserving their customs and folklore.

Visitors will discover an unbelievable wealth of historical monuments, churches and Orthodox monasteries. The north of the country is characterized by Central-European lowlands with fields and meadows, while the south and central parts are mostly mountainous. Cutting a swathe through the middle is the mighty Danube River.

Travel the Unknown’s seven-night Devils Town & The Danube tour starts in Belgrade and takes in southern Serbia. Explore the bizarre landscape of red steep peaks in Devil’s Town, drink with locals in the rustic wine cellars of Rajac, discover the café culture of Belgrade, take a dip in the Danube, stay overnight in a Studenica monastery and experience a homestay in Tekija. The tour costs £1,400 including return flights to Belgrade, accommodation, ground transport, some meals, entrance fees to sites and a contribution to Climate Care to offset emissions.

Alternatively the operator’s four-day Serbia’s Secret North tour journeys through Serbia’s semi-autonomous northern province of Vojvodina which is vastly different from the south. Explore wide flatlands and plains, visit picturesque villages, discover the fairytale city Novi Stad and admire the architectural and cultural influences of the Austro-Hungarian Empire throughout this region. Price is £900 including return flights to Belgrade, accommodation, ground transport, some meals, entrance fees to sites and a contribution to Climate Care to offset emissions

For further information visit www.traveltheunknown.com, tel: 0845 053 0352

Think Austria, think towering peaks, expansive skies and alpine meadows. Think hot sun, cool breeze and outdoor adventure. Think crashing waterfalls, serendipitous lakes and fresh spring water. Think glistening spires, mediaeval villages and the charms of an ancient Europe.

Think again: modern day Austria has all this and much, much more, it is a land of hidden treasures. Think wellbeing, think eco-chic, think nature by design. Think cutting edge contemporary architecture, think modern art meets the mountains, think spectacular cuisine. Think spas, think sports, and, above all, think about having the time and space to let your spirits soar.

For summer 2010, Austria’s focus is on providing a wide range of new experiences which lead to self-fulfilment. An inspiring holiday is achieved by staying active, sharing outdoor experiences, meeting and interacting with locals- simply experiencing the Austrian way of life.

Austria is the perfect combination of culture, nature and cuisine. Discover Austria’s Hidden Treasures. If you are interested in a press trip, it would be a pleasure for me to propose a story idea to suit.

- Flights, 3 Nights Accommodations + Free Blue Lagoon Visit from £269*

If the cold weather has you singing the blues, Icelandair has the perfect city break to help you warm up in… Iceland, naturally! For the month of February, those who book the popular Iceland City Break will receive a free visit to the Blue Lagoon. This package starting from £269* provides a huge savings of over £200 versus booking the components separately and includes flights from Glasgow, London or Manchester to Iceland, 3 nights accommodations and a free visit to the Blue Lagoon.

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa located in the middle of a moonscape lava field on Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula. Visitors enjoy bathing in warm soothing waters of a surreal blue hue and can relax in one of the facilities saunas. The visit to the Blue Lagoon includes transportation to and from the site and entrance into the facility. While at the spa, visitors can take advantage of the favourable exchange rate and book a massage or skin treatment for a low additional cost.

Icelandair is one of Iceland’s longest established companies, connecting the world and Iceland for over 70 years. Icelandair’s offer is valid for booking online at www.icelandair.co.uk until 28th February. Visit www.icelandair.co.uk or further information on this package. Visit www.bluelagoon.com for information on the Blue Lagoon.

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels has recently launched ‘Crystal Clear’, an exclusive M&E programme designed for those looking to book a meeting, event, conference or training course at any of the UK hotels. Book your meeting or event by 30th June 2010 and Millennium & Copthorne Hotels will offer:

• Exclusive Day Delegate rates from £25 and 24hr Delegate rates from £99

• Price Match Guarantee

• No Cancellation Fees

• No penalty applies – for a shortfall in delegates

• Special Delegate Offer – 30% off Leisure Breaks

(Terms & Conditions apply to this offer)

Mark Halliday, VP Sales & Marketing for Europe, commented: “We are delighted to introduce this brand-new programme. We have listened to the needs of our valued corporate customers and believe that these exclusive benefits best reflect their requirements, whilst providing them with the reassurance and flexibility when booking a meeting or event.”

With the flexibility of ‘Crystal Clear’ Millennium & Copthorne Hotels guarantees that no penalty applies if a booking decreases to a minimum of 10 delegates, which reduces the worry of booking external meetings or events. Furthermore, there are no cancellation fees if a meeting or event is cancelled within the Zero Penalty Period.

Along with the exclusive delegate rates and offers, ‘Crystal Clear’ is the ultimate programme in flexibility for booking meetings and events space in 2010.

Poland has been named as ‘destination of the decade’ by the Guardian.

The newspaper describes Poland as a “country with a rich political past, fantastic culture and beautiful countryside” – something that will be familiar to the millions of people who’ve already visited us.

The article, in the broadsheet’s travel section, goes on to say that “cheap beer and accommodation and the rise of budget airlines fuelled popularity as a short-break destination”.

But a trip to Poland isn’t all about tightening purse strings and traveling on a budget, and the newspaper singles out “Warsaw’s chic shopping and nightlife”, the seaside spa town of Sopot, and the cultural capital of Krakow for praise.

Acting Director of the Polish National Tourist Office Bogdan Becla said: “Poland really is a wonderful choice for a holiday, whether that’s a weekend city break or a longer two-week holiday.

“We have lots to offer from great shopping, beautiful beaches and wonderful countryside to vibrant cities, a rich culture and some sensational food. Poland isn’t just a destination of the past decade, but it will be a destination of choice for years to come.”

Poland has been named as ‘destination of the decade’ by the Guardian.

The newspaper describes Poland as a “country with a rich political past, fantastic culture and beautiful countryside” – something that will be familiar to the millions of people who’ve already visited us.

The article, in the broadsheet’s travel section, goes on to say that “cheap beer and accommodation and the rise of budget airlines fuelled popularity as a short-break destination”.

But a trip to Poland isn’t all about tightening purse strings and traveling on a budget, and the newspaper singles out “Warsaw’s chic shopping and nightlife”, the seaside spa town of Sopot, and the cultural capital of Krakow for praise.

Acting Director of the Polish National Tourist Office Bogdan Becla said: “Poland really is a wonderful choice for a holiday, whether that’s a weekend city break or a longer two-week holiday.

“We have lots to offer from great shopping, beautiful beaches and wonderful countryside to vibrant cities, a rich culture and some sensational food. Poland isn’t just a destination of the past decade, but it will be a destination of choice for years to come.”

Blaze a trail through Slovenia’s glorious alpine countryside on a world-famous Lipizzaner horse, which originated in this central-European country.

Situated on a picturesque plateau overlooking the valley of the Soca River in the north west of Slovenia with the Julian Alps acting as a magnificent backdrop, Pristava Lepena, a holiday village built in the traditional style of the region, offers an idyllic natural setting in which to ride Lipizzaner horses.

Novices who have no riding experience are given the chance to get acquainted with the horses and learn about their character and habits, as well as grooming and saddling practices, and are taught basic riding skills in a calm and reassuring manner. When they are ready they may join a guided trek through surrounding forests and pastures. Friendly ponies are also available for children.

Accommodation is in a group of wooden cottages where the charm of traditional architecture is combined with the comfort of contemporary living. Features include a fireplace in addition to conventional heating, a kitchenette for preparation of warm drinks, a refrigerator/mini-bar, a bathroom with shower and hair dryer, a direct telephone line and, if desired, a TV.

Guests may choose to dine in the restaurant where daily specialities and local delicacies include home-made spirits, lamb on a spit, grilled trout, home-made bread and delicious local desserts.

Prices based on two sharing, including return flights, car hire, seven nights’ b&b accommodation and 10 hours of riding lessons or trails, start from £914 per adult and from £718 per child (age six to 12 years) in May. August prices start from £970 and £759 respectively.

With the new year less than a week old, the Polish city of Cz?stochowa is getting ready for the opening concert of Chopin 2010.

The next 12 months will be a celebration of the composer Frederic Chopin, as Poland honours his genius with concerts, events, educational programmes, exhibitions and workshops. This year marks Chopin’s bi-centenary and would have been his 200th birthday.

The inaugural concert of Chopin 2010 in Cz?stochowa – famous for its Black Madonna – gets underway at 7pm on Friday 15 January with a performance of Chopin’s music by the Cz?stochowa Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra.

Just half an hour later the Warsaw Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra will strike up a chord as the capital pays its own homage to one of Poland’s favourite sons.

Acting Director of the Polish National Tourist Office Bogdan Becla said: “Poland is a wonderful country to visit at any time, but this year it will be extra special as the whole county honours the world-renowned Chopin. His talent and creativity certainly echo down the ages, and what better way to celebrate the man and his music than by joining the celebrations in his native Poland?”