Enjoy one of Andalucia’s big cultural festivals or in-the-know fiestas in 2010, while staying at the exciting new “boutique B&B”, CASA OLEA  – half way between Granada and Cordoba and ideal for visits to the Alhambra, Mezquita and much more…

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* JAN: Los Reyes (Three Kings): watch the children go crazy as sweets are thrown from carnival floats in street processions throughout Andalucia (06 Jan).

* FEB: Valentine’s Day: treat your loved one to breakfast-in-bed at Casa Olea, then our “champagne picnic” on a walk through the olive groves to a hill-top medieval watch-tower.

* MAR: the onset of Spring in the Sierras Subbéticas, ideal temperatures for hiking, biking, a day’s skiing in the Sierra Nevada, or visiting the Alhambra (Granada) & Mezquita (Córdoba) nearby. In Baena, an ear-busting 3000+ drummers hit the streets for their “Vispera de San José” fiesta.

* APR: “Viernes Santo” (Good Friday) is the climax of Semana Santa in Priego de Córdoba, with emotive processions day and night and ritual blessing of the hornazos, the lucky pastry chicken!!

* MAY: Patios de Mayo in Córdoba: annual contest of flower-filled patios and balconies. The “Hay Festival Alhambra” comes to Granada, while the MotorGP Spanish Grand Prix takes place in Jerez (02 May).

* JUN: Corpus Christi, observed throughout Andalucia (03 Jun), is especially traditional/fun in Granada. The “Festival de Musica Sefardi” celebrates Córdoba’s ancient Jewish heritage with night-time concerts and food stalls in the Botanical Gardens and Juderia district.

* JUL: escape the World Cup obsession for “Jazz entre Olivos” (Jazz in the Olives) in Jaén, with open-air street concerts; or the “Festival de la Guitarra” (Córdoba Guitar Festival), with flamenco, classical, jazz guitar & Dire Straits legend Mark Knopfler live in the Plaza de Toros.

* AUG: the “Fiesta de la Alcaparra” (Caper Festival) in Fuente Tójar – a very local, small-scale fiesta typical of the summer weekends in Andalucia. Or, experience the crazy Pamplona-style fiesta of “Toro de Cuerda” in Carcabuey, with locals running with “baby bulls” on ropes.

* SEP: sample cheeses from all over Spain at the “Feria de Quesos” (Cheese Festival) in Zuheros; try the fino wines at the “Fiesta de la Vendimia Montilla Moriles”, one of Spain’s oldest wine festivals (since 1816). Or, see U2 in Seville, as part of their U2 360° Tour.

* OCT: sample quince in every form conceivable at the “Fiesta de Membrillo” (Quince Festival) in the white village of Zagrilla, then burn it off with hiking in the Sierras Subbéticas. See Europe’s top golfers (and hopefully recent Ryder Cup winners?!) at the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama, Sotogrande.

* NOV: catch up with the latest releases in European film at the Seville European Film Festival; or enjoy jazz performances throughout Granada at the “International Jazz Festival”, one of Europe’s oldest. Baena’s “Olive & Olive Oil Festival” celebrates the region’s rich olive heritage.

* DEC: all of Spain heads to the campo (countryside) for the popular “Puente de la Inmaculada” long weekend (4-8 Dec); while “Noche Vieja” (New Year’s Eve) is also celebrated throughout Andalucia – with locals eating their 12 lucky grapes on the main square to chimes of midnight.

As the New Year approaches, thoughts are turning to booking a summer holiday in search of some fun in the sun in Summer 2010. Leading holiday companies, Thomson and First Choice are advising people to book early to secure the best deals, and in order to help people bag an even better bargain, have today launched a range of money-saving offers, including thousands of free child places , discounts of up to £200 per booking, low deposits and great savings.

‘We are offering some fantastic deals for those who want to secure their summer holiday now,’ says Dermot Blastland, Managing Director of TUI Travel UK & Ireland. ‘There will be less chance to grab a last-minute deal nearer the summer so if you want to get yourself a bargain and ensure you have the best choice in holiday, now is the best time to book. There are great deals on offer for early bookings with low booking deposits to enable customers to take advantage of guaranteeing a summer holiday for the best price.’

For a dream Thomson holiday, prices start from £769 per couple for a seven night holiday in Tenerife staying at the brand new 5T Sensatori Tenerife on a full board plus basis, departing from London Gatwick on 4th May 2010, or family holidays packed with fun from First Choice start from £1386 for two adults and two children staying for seven nights at the 4 Sun Holiday Village Costa del Sol on a self catering basis, departing from London Gatwick on 16th May 2010, and includes accommodation, flights, transfers and all taxes and surcharges.

Jump on board this year to enjoy a New Year celebration with a difference. City Cruises is offering a choice of exciting New Year packages on the River Thames. Whichever one you choose you will enjoy grandstand views of the fireworks and welcome in the New Year with Big Ben striking midnight in the background.

Celebrate the arrival of 2010 as you dance the night away on the New Year’s Eve Gala and Dinner Dance Cruise. You will be welcomed onboard with a drinks reception and as you cruise down to Greenwich you will enjoy a four-course meal with wine. On the way back to Westminster Pier there will be plenty of time for dancing and at midnight you will be able to toast the arrival of 2010 with a glass of champagne. The price of this very special evening is £215 per person.

Alternatively jump onboard the Restaurant Ship Hispaniola for the special New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance. The ship, which is permanently moored in London, opposite the London Eye, will offer some of the best views in London as you welcome in 2010. An aperitif awaits you when you step onboard and this will be followed by a sumptuous four-course dinner. A digestif will be served to round off the meal. As midnight strikes you can enjoy the fireworks and toast the arrival of 2010 with a glass of champagne. Live entertainment and a disco will also be provided. The price of £210 per person also includes half a bottle of wine.

City Cruises’ boats can also be chartered for private functions. Whichever option you choose you can be sure that by day or night you will be able to see the sights of London from the best vantage point; the River Thames.

Extend that festive feeling with DFDS Seaways this Boxing Day

2 night Boxing Day Mini Cruise to Amsterdam from Newcastle including meals – from £120pp, saving you over £75pp!

After a hectic festive period and a present-packed Christmas Day, take some time out and relax on a great value 2 night Mini Cruise break to Amsterdam, departing on Boxing Day evening.
DFDS Seaways’ Boxing Day Mini Cruise is the perfect escape, and with prices starting from just £120pp including all meals onboard, it is the ideal way to relax with your partner and recharge the batteries before New Year’s Eve!
Plus it is a special offer which means you save a massive £75pp off the usual price for an Amsterdam mini cruise departing on a Saturday in December!
Sailing overnight from Newcastle you can sit back and unwind straight away. Check in to your ensuite cabin and check out the delicious food in the restaurants, enjoy a drink in one of the many bars, catch a movie, indulge in some retail therapy in the shops and watch the live entertainment.

After a good night’s sleep you arrive in Holland just after breakfast and disembark for a day in vibrant Amsterdam.
Use the free Amsterdam Mini Pass included in your package to visit the many museums, galleries and attractions at a discounted price. Or wander along the romantic tree-lined canals, before hitting the sales! Amsterdam is a shopper’s paradise. With everything from multilevel department stores to independent boutiques, antiques to contemporary Dutch design, Amsterdam inspires even the most cultivated shopper.

After the best part of the day in Amsterdam you rejoin the coach to head back the cruise ferry for the overnight journey back to Newcastle.
Prices start from just £120pp and include 2 nights onboard ship in an ensuite cabin, hot buffet breakfasts and all-you-can-eat buffet dinner on both crossings, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam city centre and free optional sightseeing tour, plus live entertainment onboard.

The Boutique Hotel reaches Casares with Luxury in Nature concept

With the recent opening of Hotel Hermitage, Casares, a new boutique hotel concept is born as the first in a series of three hotels planned to embody the same idea of Luxury in Nature.
Opened in November 2009, the Hotel Hermitage, Casares offers a taste of luxury along with 21st century creature comforts in an unspoiled corner of blissful Andalusian countryside.

Commanding magnificent birds eye views across wooded countryside to the Mediterranean, the Rock of Gibraltar and the exotic outline of Morocco’s Atlas mountains beyond, visitors to Hotel Hermitage Casares can enjoy a taste of rustic charm with all the style and service expected of a modern, boutique hotel establishment.

5-Star Service, 3-Star Price Tag

No expense has been spared on the decoration of the recently opened Hotel Hermitage. Respecting the environment, the hotel occupies three buildings, designed around existing trees, the hotel has an ample swimming pool and plenty of places of natural beauty in which to kick back and relax.

With its elegant rustic salons, simply oozing style, an attractive, champagne hued restaurant with panoramic views to the Med, a bijou bodega, and adjacent meeting room – for business coaching or company incentives, Hotel Hermitage offers a range of hotel facilities way beyond those expected of a 3-star establishment.

15 Stylish Suites & Rooms with a View

Behind the discreet, rustic wooden doors are eight suites and seven double rooms, – whose names take inspiration from local species of tree, including the alcornoque, olive and pinsapo – offer comfort and style.

The attractive rooms and suites are unique variations on a unified design theme featuring sumptuous beds, with luxurious monogrammed linens and comfortable sofas and armchairs. Facilities include a built-in safe and well-stocked mini bar with premium brands. Five of
the suites have their own romantic fireplace, and several rooms lead directly out to a small private garden.

Flat screen TV screens, quality furniture and bathrooms befitting 5-star hotels –with branded bathrobes, toiletries and slippers, the rooms at Hotel Hermitage Casares offer exceptional value. Take the Presidential Suite, for example. With two separate bedrooms, a huge terrace and large lounge with fireplace, this top-of-the-range-suite sleeps up to 4 adults and one child at an affordable 295€/night including breakfast.

One of the key features of Hotel Hermitage are the special terraces enjoyed by each and every one of the rooms and suiites. From petite and cosy to spacious and grand, each terrace offers guests a private and peaceful haven from which to appreciate the extraordinary
views and tranquil ambience. Sit back with a good novel and enjoy a chilled fino and a few slivers of jamón, or a full-blown dinner for two. Room service is at your beck and call.

Gourmet’s Delight

The Celima restaurant at Hotel Hermitage is a gastronomic gem. The establishment has secured the services of Gonzalo Gutierrez, a top executive chef whose impressive career has seen him head up the kitchens of the Meliá Hotel group in the Caribbean, as well as the prestigious Casino de Aranjuez.

Gutierrez has devised a tantalizing repertoire of dishes based on the freshest local Mediterranean produce, including fruits, vegetables and herbs from the hotel’s own kitchen garden, and local game specialities. Gourmet evenings, such as the coming New Year’s Eve 8-course gala dinner, wine tastings and special seasonal menus are sure to be a key attraction of this chic, country hideaway. A superb three-course lunch menu is available every day, Monday to Friday for just 14€ per head, including VAT.

Complete with a cosy lounge bar with an open fireplace, a TV room, and all the latest travellers’ must-haves including complimentary wi-fi, and parking and 24- hour room service,
the Hotel Hermitage Casares is already winning over clients with its personalized, bespoke approach.

Catering to All Tastes

Visitors seeking an authentic Andalusian experience can revel in walks and hikes through the unspoiled Casares countryside, go horseback riding or jump on a mountain bike and explore the quaint nearby town, one of the region’s legendary “white villages.”

Beach lovers will find the coast just 12 kilometres away, while golfers have a handful of the best courses in Europe within a few miles’ radius of the Hermitage – Finca Cortesin, new home of the Volvo World Matchplay is just 4 kilometres away, while Sotogrande, Manilva and Casares courses are all close at hand. The delights of the international resort of Marbella are within a twenty-minute drive from the hotel.

Introductory welcome offers include a double room, including a complimentary bottle of cava and breakfast for two for just 85 euros, VAT included.

Quirky, unique and downright eccentric events and experiences in North East England are being sought for entry into a new national award.
The “Where Else but England” award will be part of the annual Enjoy England Awards for Excellence and Regional Development Agency One North East, in conjunction with VisitEngland, is asking people in the region to send their ideas for the regional nominations.

The award will celebrate all those aspects of England that make this country truly unique from the annual Tar Bar’l New Years Eve ceremony in Allendale, Northumberland to the Sedgefield Football Match on Shrove Tuesday.

The region’s favourites will go head-to-head with quirky events and experiences from around the country in a public vote in April before the winner is announced at the national awards, held on St George’s Day (April 23rd) in brighton.

So to help show why this region is so unique submit your ideas at www.mynortheastengland.com marking it “Where else but England” before Friday February 26th 2010.

The new website, which launched in November, encourages people living in the North East and visitors to the region to share their “must-see and do” experiences in the region from the best day out to suggestions of great places to stay and eat.

The website is the first of its kind to be rolled out in the region and is part of a new approach to take advantage of online initiatives to promote North East England to visitors far and wide.

Stacy Hall, Director of Communications & Tourism at One North East said: “North East England has so many interesting and unusual events and experiences that make it a unique and exciting place to visit, and this award is a fantastic way of highlighting those.

“Where else but North East England can you eat in an actual living Treehouse or bungee jump from a landmark like the Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough?

“People in the North East are passionate about the region and by adding their ideas to the mynortheastengland.com website they are helping visitors to have an unforgettable experience.”

Posting your idea is quick and easy to do, you just need to submit your name and address and upload any photos or videos at www.mynortheastengland.com

The Boutique Hotel reaches Casares with Luxury in Nature concept

With the recent opening of Hotel Hermitage, Casares, a new boutique hotel concept is born as the first in a series of three hotels planned to embody the same idea of Luxury in Nature.
Opened in November 2009, the Hotel Hermitage, Casares offers a taste of luxury along with 21st century creature comforts in an unspoiled corner of blissful Andalusian countryside.

Commanding magnificent birds eye views across wooded countryside to the Mediterranean, the Rock of Gibraltar and the exotic outline of Morocco’s Atlas mountains beyond, visitors to Hotel Hermitage Casares can enjoy a taste of rustic charm with all the style and service expected of a modern, boutique hotel establishment.

5-Star Service, 3-Star Price Tag

No expense has been spared on the decoration of the recently opened Hotel Hermitage. Respecting the environment, the hotel occupies three buildings, designed around existing trees, the hotel has an ample swimming pool and plenty of places of natural beauty in which to kick back and relax.

With its elegant rustic salons, simply oozing style, an attractive, champagne hued restaurant with panoramic views to the Med, a bijou bodega, and adjacent meeting room – for business coaching or company incentives, Hotel Hermitage offers a range of hotel facilities way beyond those expected of a 3-star establishment.

15 Stylish Suites & Rooms with a View

Behind the discreet, rustic wooden doors are eight suites and seven double rooms, – whose names take inspiration from local species of tree, including the alcornoque, olive and pinsapo – offer comfort and style.

The attractive rooms and suites are unique variations on a unified design theme featuring sumptuous beds, with luxurious monogrammed linens and comfortable sofas and armchairs. Facilities include a built-in safe and well-stocked mini bar with premium brands. Five of
the suites have their own romantic fireplace, and several rooms lead directly out to a small private garden.

Flat screen TV screens, quality furniture and bathrooms befitting 5-star hotels –with branded bathrobes, toiletries and slippers, the rooms at Hotel Hermitage Casares offer exceptional value. Take the Presidential Suite, for example. With two separate bedrooms, a huge terrace and large lounge with fireplace, this top-of-the-range-suite sleeps up to 4 adults and one child at an affordable 295€/night including breakfast.

One of the key features of Hotel Hermitage are the special terraces enjoyed by each and every one of the rooms and suiites. From petite and cosy to spacious and grand, each terrace offers guests a private and peaceful haven from which to appreciate the extraordinary
views and tranquil ambience. Sit back with a good novel and enjoy a chilled fino and a few slivers of jamón, or a full-blown dinner for two. Room service is at your beck and call.

Gourmet’s Delight

The Celima restaurant at Hotel Hermitage is a gastronomic gem. The establishment has secured the services of Gonzalo Gutierrez, a top executive chef whose impressive career has seen him head up the kitchens of the Meliá Hotel group in the Caribbean, as well as the prestigious Casino de Aranjuez.

Gutierrez has devised a tantalizing repertoire of dishes based on the freshest local Mediterranean produce, including fruits, vegetables and herbs from the hotel’s own kitchen garden, and local game specialities. Gourmet evenings, such as the coming New Year’s Eve 8-course gala dinner, wine tastings and special seasonal menus are sure to be a key attraction of this chic, country hideaway. A superb three-course lunch menu is available every day, Monday to Friday for just 14€ per head, including VAT.

Complete with a cosy lounge bar with an open fireplace, a TV room, and all the latest travellers’ must-haves including complimentary wi-fi, and parking and 24- hour room service,
the Hotel Hermitage Casares is already winning over clients with its personalized, bespoke approach.

Catering to All Tastes

Visitors seeking an authentic Andalusian experience can revel in walks and hikes through the unspoiled Casares countryside, go horseback riding or jump on a mountain bike and explore the quaint nearby town, one of the region’s legendary “white villages.”

Beach lovers will find the coast just 12 kilometres away, while golfers have a handful of the best courses in Europe within a few miles’ radius of the Hermitage – Finca Cortesin, new home of the Volvo World Matchplay is just 4 kilometres away, while Sotogrande, Manilva and Casares courses are all close at hand. The delights of the international resort of Marbella are within a twenty-minute drive from the hotel.

Introductory welcome offers include a double room, including a complimentary bottle of cava and breakfast for two for just 85 euros, VAT included.

Hotel Hermitage Casares, Paraje de la Celima s/n, Ctra de Casares MA8300, km 10, Casares, Spain. Tel: 952 895639

www.hotelhermitage.es

Families looking for some last minute New Year inspiration can still pick up a bargain break from holiday village specialist, Sunparks. The company is offering last minute breaks of five to seven nights to its holiday properties in Holland, Belgium and Germany, with prices starting from as little as £20 per person, per night.

All of the below prices are based on a seven night stay between 28th December 2009 – 4th January 2010 on an accommodation-only basis. Long weekend breaks of five nights from 30th December 2009 – 4th January 2010 are also available. At all properties, a special New Year’s Eve dinner and New Year’s Day breakfast buffet is available at an additional cost. For more details please visit the village “Extras” pages on http://www.sunparks.co.uk

Sunparks De Haan aan zee, Belgium Typical Christmas and New Year prices for a four person standard villa are from €329 (£298) per week per villa Located just 30km from the centre of the UNESCO world heritage site of Bruges where you can enjoy the New Year festivities in the city’s historic centre.

Sunparks De Haan is a great base for exploring the picturesque Belgian coastline and the village itself features a wide array of activities for the whole family including an Aquafun indoor swimming centre and a ‘Kids World’ indoor playground. For the more adventurous, why not head down to the local Groot Strand beach on New Year’s Day for the annual Ostend New Year swim?

http://bit.ly/8RbnAa

Sunparks Zandvoort aan zee, Holland Typical Christmas and New Year prices for a four person select villa are from €429 (£389) per week per villa A forty-minute drive from Amsterdam, Sunparks Zandvoort aan zee offers the best of both worlds – close to the vibrant capital but located in a peaceful setting on the Dutch coast. Take in the firework displays and festivities in Amsterdam or Haarlem on New Year’s Eve before spending a relaxing New Year’s Day cycling the local trails or relaxing in the parks very own ‘aquacinema.’ Children are well looked after with tennis and mini golf facilities, as well as an Aquafun water park on-site.

The local beach at Zandvoort also runs an annual New Year Dive on the 1st January, which is often followed by a number of free family events and activities on the beach. http://bit.ly/5afgUo

Sunparks Eifel, Germany Typical Christmas and New Year prices for a four person select villa are from €399 (£362) per week per villa Lying at the centre of a volcanic region in the German countryside, Sunparks Eifel is a great choice for families looking for an active post-Christmas break. The park is ideally situated just ten minutes away from the infamous Nürburgring formula one circuit where you can have a guided tour or even experience driving around the track yourself.

For those looking for something a little more active the Eifel has some great cross-country skiing (weather permitting) and Nordic walking trails. The local medieval village of Cochem is also nearby boasting a 1,000-year-old castle, fairytale architecture and a bustling village square. On-site facilities include indoor and outdoor tennis courts and a large ‘Aquafun’ water park, complete with water slides for the children. http://bit.ly/4swMOD Ends

About Sunparks Sunparks offers eight comfortable and well-equipped holiday villages in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Sunparks is an all-weather holiday concept, with facilities for all ages and all seasons, including indoor and outdoor sports facilities; ‘Aquafun’ water parks; children’s play areas and numerous restaurants and cafés on-site. Sunparks is part of the Pierre & Vacances Group.

Each village also has a dedicated tourist information centre, the Tourist Guide, where village guests and online visitors can view the best tips and event listings for cultural, gastronomic, shopping and recreational activities in each region. These include hurtling across abandoned railway tracks on a rail bike in the Ardennes, racing in the Nurburgring, or trying beauty creams and sampling liqueurs made from horse milk in De Peel in Limburg. The Tourist Guide also provides a complete overview of special restaurants and cafés in the regions. For further information, please visit: http://www.sunparks.com/touristguide

Further information For further consumer information on Sunparks, please visit: http://www.sunparks.co.uk or call 0904 0110 011

Media information and press trips For media information and images or if you’re interested in a press trip, please contact Rebecca Genin or Laura Crickmore at Surf PR on 020 7928 1600 or email laura.crickmore@surfpr.co.uk or rebecca.genin@surfpr.co.uk

New Year breaks to Holland, Belgium and Germany with Sunparks

London, 14 Dec 09: Families looking for some last minute New Year inspiration can still pick up a bargain break from holiday village specialist, Sunparks. The company is offering last minute breaks of five to seven nights to its properties in Holland, Belgium and Germany, with prices starting from as little as £20 per person, per night.

All of the below prices are based on a seven night stay between 28th December 2009 – 4th January 2010 on an accommodation-only basis. Long weekend breaks of five nights from 30th December 2009 – 4th January 2010 are also available. At all properties, a special New Year’s Eve dinner and New Year’s Day breakfast buffet is available at an additional cost. For more details please visit the village “Extras” pages on http://www.sunparks.co.uk

Sunparks De Haan aan zee, Belgium Typical Christmas and New Year prices for a four person standard villa are from €329 (£298) per week per villa Located just 30km from the centre of the UNESCO world heritage site of Bruges where you can enjoy the New Year festivities in the city’s historic centre.

Sunparks De Haan is a great base for exploring the picturesque Belgian coastline and the village itself features a wide array of activities for the whole family including an Aquafun indoor swimming centre and a ‘Kids World’ indoor playground. For the more adventurous, why not head down to the local Groot Strand beach on New Year’s Day for the annual Ostend New Year swim?

http://bit.ly/8RbnAa

Sunparks Zandvoort aan zee, Holland Typical Christmas and New Year prices for a four person select villa are from €429 (£389) per week per villa A forty-minute drive from Amsterdam, Sunparks Zandvoort aan zee offers the best of both worlds – close to the vibrant capital but located in a peaceful setting on the Dutch coast. Take in the firework displays and festivities in Amsterdam or Haarlem on New Year’s Eve before spending a relaxing New Year’s Day cycling the local trails or relaxing in the parks very own ‘aquacinema.’ Children are well looked after with tennis and mini golf facilities, as well as an Aquafun water park on-site.

The local beach at Zandvoort also runs an annual New Year Dive on the 1st January, which is often followed by a number of free family events and activities on the beach. http://bit.ly/5afgUo

Sunparks Eifel, Germany Typical Christmas and New Year prices for a four person select villa are from €399 (£362) per week per villa Lying at the centre of a volcanic region in the German countryside, Sunparks Eifel is a great choice for families looking for an active post-Christmas break. The park is ideally situated just ten minutes away from the infamous Nürburgring formula one circuit where you can have a guided tour or even experience driving around the track yourself.

For those looking for something a little more active the Eifel has some great cross-country skiing (weather permitting) and Nordic walking trails. The local medieval village of Cochem is also nearby boasting a 1,000-year-old castle, fairytale architecture and a bustling village square. On-site facilities include indoor and outdoor tennis courts and a large ‘Aquafun’ water park, complete with water slides for the children. http://bit.ly/4swMOD

2 night Boxing Day Mini Cruise to Amsterdam from Newcastle including meals – from £99pp, saving you £74pp!

After a hectic festive period and a present-packed Christmas Day, take some time out and relax on a great value 2 night Mini Cruise break to Amsterdam, departing on Boxing Day evening.

DFDS Seaways’ Boxing Day Mini Cruise is the perfect escape, and with prices starting from just £99pp including all meals onboard, it is the ideal way to relax with your partner and recharge the batteries before New Year’s Eve!

Plus it is a special offer which means you save a massive £74pp off the usual price for an Amsterdam mini cruise departing on a Saturday in December!

Sailing overnight from Newcastle you can sit back and unwind straight away. Check in to your ensuite cabin and check out the delicious food in the restaurants, enjoy a drink in one of the many bars, catch a movie, indulge in some retail therapy in the shops and watch the live entertainment.

After a good night’s sleep you arrive in Holland just after breakfast and disembark for a day in vibrant Amsterdam.

Use the free Amsterdam Mini Pass included in your package to visit the many museums, galleries and attractions at a discounted price. Or wander along the romantic tree-lined canals, before hitting the sales! Amsterdam is a shopper’s paradise. With everything from multilevel department stores to independent boutiques, antiques to contemporary Dutch design, Amsterdam inspires even the most cultivated shopper.

After the best part of the day in Amsterdam you rejoin the coach to head back the cruise ferry for the overnight journey back to Newcastle.

Prices start from just £99pp and include 2 nights onboard ship in an ensuite cabin, hot buffet breakfasts and all-you-can-eat buffet dinner on both crossings, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam city centre and free optional sightseeing tour, plus live entertainment onboard.

To book go to www.dfds.co.uk/festive or call 0871 882 0885.

DFDS Seaways has recently been awarded Europe’s Leading Long Sea Ferry Operator 2009 at the World Travel Awards, the industry’s “Oscars”. This is the third successive year that the cruise ferry operator has received this recognition.