Essential Italy are delighted to offer a 15% discount on this amazing villa which sleeps 6-7 deep in the Tuscan countryside for the Easter week 3rd – 10th April, 2010. A saving of £320.

Casolare de Noattri (sleeps 6-7) - http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/casolare-noattri.php

This private villa offers all the best of Tuscany. With views across the surrounding fields this house is very secluded and yet just a few minutes from the town of Volterra.

With three bedrooms (one en-suite), a lovely living room with fireplace, plus dining room with access to the wonderful terrace which overlooks the pool and fields beyond – this really is a holiday haven. The large pool has plenty of space to spread out and take in the sun and views and a cook can be arranged to prepare meals.

Location: Volterra 8kms, San Gimignano 30kms, coast 35kms, Pisa 60kms, Florence 75kms, nearest restaurant 1.5kms, nearest shop 4 kms

Price: Easter week 3 – 10 April, 2010 just £1810 for the week. Usual price £2130 per week.

Essential Italy are pleased to offer this Easter weekend rate at this beautiful 4 star hotel on the Amalfi Coast.

Offer: 3 Nights / 4 Days, from Friday 2nd April to Monday 5th April, 2010 for just £470 per person

The “Happy Easter” Package includes:

- Welcome drink

- Fruit Basket and a bottle of Spumante in the room

- B&B arrangement in a classic room

- Easter Gift

- Easter Lunch on the Sunday 4th April (drinks excluded)

- Buffet lunch on Monday 5th April (drinks excluded)

- Children 0-12 years old free in parent’s room (lunch and dinner extra)

Hotel Relais Oasi Olimpia, Sant’Agata - http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/oasi_olimpia_relais.php

This lovely building has been in the owner’s family for many years, and just six years ago was restored into a luxurious retreat. The house is located in private gardens and is just a short walk form the charming town of Sant’Agata sui due Golfi, where there are bars, pizzerias and even a Michelin star restaurant (Don Alfonso).

The hotel boasts it’s own wonderful restaurant and in the summer months both breakfast and dinner are served on the terrace. The restaurant kitchen also allows guests to experience ‘hands-on’ cookery lessons.

The 11 rooms are all on the first and second floors and are a mixture of classic, suites and one penthouse suite on the top floor complete with huge private terrace and outdoor jacuzzi pool. The rooms are beautifully decorated and spacious and all have external terraces, with chairs and table, and views across to either the Sorrento or the Positano coastline.

The pool is set in the gardens and is the perfect place to relax after a day out exploring this fascinating area of Italy.

Location: Sant’Agata 1km walking distance, Sorrento 10kms, Positano 20kms, Naples 50kms

The Mum and Baby Experience in Tuscany offers the perfect solution for mums who want to get away but don’t want to leave their babies behind.
Mums and their babies can head to Italy for a relaxing five-night break, staying in a fabulous, private 5-bedroom villa in the stunning Tuscan countryside. Set up by villa owner, Rita Kobrak, The Mum and Baby Experience is the first mum and baby break of its kind and takes place on selected dates in May, June and September 2010.

Many new mothers are reluctant to spend time away from their babies, they may still be breastfeeding or they may simply not be ready to be apart from them. This unique holiday retreat provides the perfect solution. It gives new mums the chance to relax in a beautiful setting with their babies, and enjoy delicious cooking and Tuscan wine. Absolutely no cooking or cleaning involved! Babysitting is provided, so whether they want to read a book; take a walk; swim in the pool; join in an activity or simply take time out in the Italian sun with like-minded mums, they can do so, safe in the knowledge their babies are being looked after near by. And, it’s up to the mums themselves to do as much or as little as they wish.

The Mum and Baby Experience is ideal for friends, mums that have met at antenatal or postnatal groups, single mums or individuals, in fact any mum that wants to get away with their baby. It’s a great way to bond with their babies and make life-long friendships with like-minded mums, in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Vila owner, Rita says “I’m a mum myself and the idea for organising the Mum and Baby Experience at our villa, came from speaking to other mothers. It is evident that new mums would love to get away for a few days, but don’t want to leave their babies behind. We provide the perfect environment for them to relax and recharge their batteries, with their babies. It’s also an excellent way for mums who are suffering from the baby blues to lift their spirits”.

Activities include yoga, swimming, baby Italian, baby Latino and baby massage. For mums wanting a bit of pampering, massages and beauty treatments are available at the villa. There’s also an Italian Cookery class and a pizza night too, and if the mums fancy an evening out, the local bar is not far away. On one of the days, the mums are taken to the nearby medieval town of Anghiari, with lunch at a traditional olive mill. For those in need of some retail therapy, there’s a fabulous Italian shoe outlet nearby.

“Great fun in a stunning setting. Ella, my four month old daughter, and I learnt so much from the trip and made some great friends” says recent guest, Jane Bateman.

The Mum and Baby Experience caters for five mums, babies and toddlers, aged 3-36 months. Dads can come too if they wish! It costs £800 per mother and baby for a room with private bathroom and £700 for a room with shared bathroom, excluding flights.

The villa is also available throughout the year self-catered weekly rentals. The villa can accommodation 10 people and there are two 2 cots. 3 doubles with en-suites, 2 with twin beds. Chef and babysitter available on request.

www.mum-and-baby-experience.co.uk

Booking & information: Call 077855 71292 or 020 7384 2431

Exclusive Offer: 10% off all bookings made through your publication

Essential Italy are pleased to add this charming apartment in the ancient part of Siracusa (Ortigia), Sicily to their portfolio.

Casa Luisa / Ortigia, Sicily http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/casa-luisa.php

(Sleeps 2)

Casa Luisa offers pretty and simple accommodation in the heart of the ancient part of Siracusa. This charming and romantic ground floor apartment will make you feel like you are one of the locals from the moment you arrive.

Casa Luisa is in an impressive sea-facing building with a majestic wooden gate leading into a courtyard. The apartment is found at the back of the building and the more than stylish design and décor makes up for the lack of sea-view. There is a super outside terrace that sits between the tightly packed old “palazzi” of Ortigia where you may enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy the warm air day or night!

The location of the apartment means you will find yourself in the middle of Italian life with an easy stroll to the local bars or to the archeological sites, shops, restaurants and sea-front as well.

Location: Catania airport 65km, Taormina 120km, Ragusa 78km, Porto Palo 60km, Trapani airport 375km, Palermo airport 290km

Prices: From £515 – £630 per week depending on season

Special Offer Valid the weekend of the 30th April through to the 2nd May…….

In honour of the famous and popular festival of Sant’Efisio, patron of Sardinia with a parade of traditional Sardinian costumes and folk dances, this spectacular hotel is offering the following – 2 nights half board £ 145.00 per person. This includes 2 nights in a room facing the park, half board (from dinner on Friday to breakfast on Sunday) with the use of sunbeds and beach umbrellas included. The offer is not inclusive of drinks.

To view:
www.italian-connection.co.uk/italiancollection/details2.asp?propid=433

Casa in Collina / Tuscany (sleeps 12)
http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/casa-in-collina.php

10% discount for stays from 5th – 19th June in this lovely large villa that sleeps 12. Located in the hills above the Val di Chiana and yet close to charming villages and towns, Casa in Collina offers considerable privacy and the accommodation is of a high standard. The views from the pool are wonderful.

Location: Nearest village Vitiano 1kms, Castiglion Fiorentino 5kms, Arezzo 15kms, Cortona 15kms, Florence 90kms. Nearest Restaurant 1km (walkable), nearest supermarket 2kms

Price: From £1490 – £2680 per week

I Limoni / Tuscany (sleeps 10)
http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/i_limoni_10plus.php

10% discount on all weeks booked for stays up to 8th May, and then for weeks 26th June – 3rd July, 10th July – 17th July, 14th August – 21st August.

I Limoni is an old farmhouse which has been restored with great attention-to-detail and skill. It is located within easy access of many towns and villages and offers very comfortable accommodation, with wonderful gardens and a spectacular pool, ideal for families and groups of friends. Beautiful views over the Val di Chiana towards Montepulciano.

Location: nearest village Valiano 5kms, Montepulciano 15kms, Cortona 15kms, Arezzo 30kms, Siena 50kms, Florence 80kms

Price: From £1490 – £2595 per week

Cipressetto / Tuscany (sleeps 10)
http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/villa_cipresseto_10plus.php

10% reduction on any bookings until 28th March and then for weeks 7th April – 1st May and any bookings from 11th September, 2010 onwards

Villa Cipresseto is located within easy access of many towns and villages, offers comfortable accommodation and a wonderful garden and pool, ideal for families. The garden is surrounded by cypress trees and from the pool there are views over the Val di Chiana towards Montepulciano. The grounds are on one level, making it an ideal house for families with young children. The pool enjoys lovely views across the valley and is well equipped with sun loungers and a gazebo. The owners also have a collection of vintage cars available for rent. Nearby is a vineyard open to visitors.

Location: nearest village Valiano 5kms, Montepulciano 15kms, Cortona 15kms, Arezzo 30kms, Siena 50kms, Florence 80kms

Price: From £1240 – £2470 per week

Resort Cala di Falco, Cannigione is ideally situated opposite the beach and within walking distance of town on the beautiful north east coast of Sardinia, close to the Costa Smeralda and just 30km from Olbia airport.

The resort has 2 pools, tennis court, children’s clubs, playground, 2 restaurants, piano bar with some evening entertainment, shuttle bus to some of the beautiful local beaches and boat trips out to the islands offers the choice of self catering villas or apartments and 4 star hotel accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets … the choice is yours.

Cala di Falco Villas: Attractive 2 and 3 bedroom terraced villas with balcony or small garden, some with sea views, and use of the hotel facilities. Prices from £699 for 7 nights per villa (sleeping 4/5).

Hotel Cala di Falco: This very popular 4 star hotel offers stylish guest rooms and suites, some with sea views, with lovely pool and gardens. Prices from £434pp for 7 nights half board.

Residence Cala di Falco: These recently refurbished 1 and 2 bedroom apartments offer a good value self catering option with their own pool and use of some hotel facilities. Prices from £447 for 7 nights per apartment (sleeping up to 4).

SPECIAL OFFERS:
FREE CHILD PLACES are available at Resort Cala di Falco throughout the season!
5% DISCOUNT on a 1 bedroom apartment at Residence Cala di Falco if booked before 31st March (saving up to £88!)

LOYALTY DISCOUNT: Just Sardinia offers a 5% discount on accommodation to repeat customers.

CHOICE OF FLIGHTS: Sardinia is just a 2 hour flight from the UK with a flights from regional ariports throughout the UK.

FLEXIBLE DURATIONS: Just Sardinia offer any day arrival/departure at hotel accommodation subject to availability.

LOCAL REPS: For peace of mind whilst abroad, our reps are there to assist you during your holiday and provide a 24 hour emergency contact number.

Just Sardinia can recommend the perfect location for family holidays, honeymoons and weddings, spa breaks, luxury hotels, tours and multicentre holidays and combinations with Corsica and mainland Italy. Watch JS TV with film footage of coast and countryside, accommodation and activities to really get a taste of this beautiful island.

Spend the longest day of the year- 21 June- onboard Royal Caribbean International’s (www.royalcaribbean.co.uk 0844 493 2061) Adventure of the Seas from just £760 per person for a five-night Western Mediterranean cruise (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Boasting 15 decks of activity including an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, miniature golf course, shopping street and a huge range of restaurants and bars, Adventure of the Seas has plenty to keep guests entertained for all 17 hours of daylight on the longest day of the year, as well as the remaining seven evening hours.

Price includes return flights from London Heathrow to Barcelona, transfers and a five-night cruise departing Barcelona (Spain) and calling at Cannes (Montecarlo, France), Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy), Aiaccio (Corsica) and Malaga (Spain) before returning to Barcelona; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Price is based on 21 June 2010 departure.

For more information or to book see www.royalcaribbean.co.uk, call 0844 493 2061 or talk to your travel agent.

Think Sicily, the market leader in high-end villa rentals in Sicily, has just announced a series of inspiring reductions on the vast majority of its Sicilian properties.

The reductions, offering savings of up to 20%, are available to clients who confirm a 2010 villa booking by 31st March. Examples include Villa San Tommaso near Syracuse. This luxury 3-bedroom villa, with daily service, splendid gardens and a stunning pool, has been reduced by 10% in April and May, with prices falling from £5,330 to £4,530 per week – a saving of £800! Meanwhile, Il Piliere, near Cefal? on the north coast of Sicily has been reduced by up to £350 per week in June and the first half of July.

Huw Beaugié, Managing Director of Think Sicily explained the benefits of the promotion: “These reductions are a great opportunity for both first-time and returning visitors to Sicily, an added incentive for anyone who wish to explore this fascinating island while staying in a stunning villa. Our villas have always offered excellent value for money and these reductions are an added bonus! With Easter just a month away, the UK May half-term holidays on the horizon and the busy summer season not far behind, now is the time to book!”

To take advantage of the reductions, e-mail info@thinksicily.com, call +44 (0)20 7377 8518 or, toll free from US and Canada, 1-800-490-1107 or visit www.thinksicily.com.

MARCH 2010 – Renowned travel writer and editor David Wickers gives nowfly.co.uk an insight into his top 5 travel tips. We have a great selection of city breaks that have, well, never been so sexy. And we’ve found some fantastic Prague picks too.

Here are the edited versions and for full details click on the links below each article:

David Wickers’ travel tips
Hidden Italy
I love Italy and know most parts but my favourite pocket is the relatively little known Marche. In between Umbria and the Adriatic, it’s got everything we go to Italy to find – Renaissance art and architecture, historically intact hill towns, soft and velvety dumpling hills rising to the snow-capped peaks of the Sibillini national park, a seemingly endless stock of palaces, classical gardens, nights at the opera and feasts of seafood and fine wine.

For David’s remaining four travel tips click here:

http://www.nowfly.co.uk/ZipIt/50-David-Wickers-travel-tips.aspx

Top Sexy City Breaks
Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires adult entertainment is full-on to say the least. The term ‘sex sells’ is taken quite literally in this steamy Latino city. Youkali Hotel is one of the most popular hotels for porn sets and glamour magazine shoots – Playboy calls it the most exotic and erotic hotel in the city. But if it’s nightlife you’re after, head to one of the intoxicating nightclubs that the city offers. Here, sweaty dancers rub shoulders with fevour; silicone blondes can be found at Ink, Brazilian prostitutes at Maluco Beleza and polo players at Cuernavaca. Swingers should head to Anchoorena for a Roman-style orgy set over three floors.

For the remaining four Sexy City Break tips, click here:

http://www.nowfly.co.uk/ZipIt/69-top-sexy-city-breaks.aspx

Top Picks for Prague
Eating
Traditional Czech dishes include wild boar, duck, carp or perch, red cabbage and dumplings – so make like the locals and sample them here in Prague. Sauces rich in cream and piled-high portions could play havoc with your health if you’re exposed for long enough, so we recommend Café La Veranda where all the meat is free of fat and the ingredients are fresh.

For the remaining four picks for Prague tips, click here:

http://www.nowfly.co.uk/ZipIt/67-top-picks-for-Prague.aspx