Jetsettersblog

One of the best things about travelling to Europe by DFDS Seaways cruise ferry is that you can easily take your own vehicle with you and explore the continent with ease and in the comfort of your own familiar car. You don’t have to pack all your belongings in to your suitcases – simply pack up the vehicle. You can even travel with your campervan or caravan and explore European campsites and the great outdoors.

With DFDS Seaways your holiday truly starts the moment you step on board. Simply check in to your cabin and relax. With shops, restaurants and bars, and live entertainment and cinemas on routes from Newcastle there is so much to see and do. There are even activities and clubs for the children to keep them occupied.

Sail with DFDS Seaways from Newcastle to Ijmuiden in Holland or Harwich to Esbjerg in Denmark and you can easily drive to Germany, Belgium, France or beyond.

Why sit on the British motorways in all the traffic heading down to the South Coast just to get across to France, when you can relax onboard and drive on extensive and clear toll roads throughout Europe.

Driving in Europe is incredibly easy and the RAC has some helpful tips and advice on what you need to do before you leave as well as when you are abroad. -Be Bright, Drive on the Right

-Always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document, motor insurance certificate. If your licence does not include a photograph ensure you carry your passport

-Headlamp converters are compulsory

-If you hold a full UK license the minimum age for driving is 18 in some countries for a car AND a motorcycle -Third party insurance is compulsory and you should advise your insurer of your trip

-Before you set off be sure to pack a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, headlamp beam reflectors and spare lamp bulbs- these are required by law in many countries.

-A Green Card/International Motor Insurance Certificate – is strongly recommended. You can get this from your motor insurer.

-GB Sticker- if your car has the Euro-plates (circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background) you will not normally need a GB sticker, although check this before setting off as this does vary from country to country. If it does not have this plate you will need a GB sticker on the back of our car, caravan, or trailer.

- In Scandinavian countries you need to have your dipped headlights on at all times. -Drink drive laws are very strict in some Scandinavian countries- as a general rule drinking no alcohol if you intend to drive is the best option.DFDS Seaways sails Newcastle – Stavanger – Haugesund – Bergen (Norway), Newcastle –

Take a step back in time to the glamorous, exotic and risqué atmosphere of 1920s Paris onboard a DFDS Seaways Moulin Rouge City Cruise Break to Amsterdam or Bergen.

Immerse yourself in the decadent and dynamic atmosphere onboard, experience mouth-watering culinary delights of French cuisine and enjoy a delicious French wine while watching the pulsating and coquettish stage show.

The Moulin Rouge themed City Cruise Break is the perfect escapism from the moment you step onboard. Start your short break with a sumptuous welcome drink before heading to the Explorer’s Restaurant which has been transformed in to the archetypal 1920’s Parisian atmosphere. Treat yourself to genuine Parisian Cuisine including coq au vin and the ultimate aphrodisiac – fresh oysters. There is even an extensive wine list of exquisite French wines for your taste buds to savour.

So choose between a city cruise break to Amsterdam or Bergen for a coquettish short break with a difference.

Two Night City Cruise Break – Newcastle to Amsterdam

Enjoy the Moulin Rouge theme on your journey over to Amsterdam before you disembark for a day to explore the sights of this equally exotic culture. World renowned for its refreshing atmosphere Amsterdam really is one of Europe’s most relaxed cities.Following your transfer to Amsterdam you will be whisked around this vibrant city on a sightseeing tour before you head off on your own to visit cafes, shops, bars or simply wander along the meandering canals. Prices start from £100 per person and include two nights onboard accommodation in a two berth inside cabin, breakfasts on both the outbound and inbound journey, welcome drink, three course themed meal and after dinner drink on the way to Amsterdam and an impressive buffet dinner on the journey back to Newcastle. The price also includes a sightseeing tour of Amsterdam and transfers to and from the port.

Three Night City Cruise Break – Newcastle to Bergen

After a fun filled day and night on board in 1920s Paris you arrive in Bergen. Depending on your date of travel you either have a day to explore the city or remain onboard to disembark the next morning to sight see.

Bergen is Norway’s second biggest city and is delightfully compact, making it perfect to explore on foot. The infectious energy of this charming city lies in its famous waterfront area, a picturesque old harbour district. Wander around, soak up the atmosphere and also enjoy the wide range of restaurants and bars. Prices start from £105 per person and include three nights onboard accommodation in a two berth inside cabin, breakfasts on both the outbound and inbound journey, welcome drink, three course themed meal and after dinner drink on the way over to Bergen and a Impressive buffet dinner on the return journey to Newcastle.

The Moulin Rouge Themed City Cruise Breaks are available on sailings from the 23rd April – 10th June. Prices stated are based on two people sharing a two berth inside en suite cabin. To be part of the Moulin Rouge experiences book online now at www.dfds.co.uk/moulinrouge  or call 0871 882 0886.

Edinburgh based tour company Wild in Scotland (wildinscotland.com) has launched a new 5-night tour around the island of Orkney departing on Tuesdays from the 26 June 2007 and operating throughout the season until the 2 October 2007. These unique Isles are so far removed from that of the mainland and the Western Isles that it provides a genuine contrast to the more commonly visited Scottish Islands and allows guests the chance to have some truly distinctive experiences.

After the success and enthusiasm of previous longer visits to Orkney, as part of an extended tour the overland tour company has decided to dedicate an entire trip to the stunning islands. The tour will allow visitors to venture into remote areas of Sutherland and the Orkney Isles.

Marketing Manager James Donaldson commented;

“Over the years we have had many people take one of our short tours only to so fall in love with our breathtaking scenery, rich culture and folklore and the laid back, fun yet informative atmosphere of the tours that they have wanted to return for more.”

Departing from and returning to Edinburgh this £125* per person tour includes half board, return transfers in a 16 seater mini coach and services of a tour guide. Bookings can be made by calling 0131 478 6500 or at www.wildinscotland.com

The tour begins with a swift escape from city life into the Highlands allowing visitors to view some of Scotland’s most spectacular attractions. Starting with a gentle walk to stretch the legs through the beautiful Hermitage Forest while, a visit to Pass of Killiecrankie – one of the famous sites of a Jacobite victory and a night stop in the pretty fishing village of Ullapool.

Whilst on Orkney some highlights include:

• Exploring the golden beaches of the far north coast, the Tomb of the Eagles, Maes Howe, Stones of Sterness and Smoo Caves

• World renowned archeological sites the Ring of Brogar and Skara Brae

• Search for coastal puffins (May – July)

• Witnessing local craft and industry with a visit to see the making of Orkney Cheese and jewellery

• Stay in enchanting Carbisdale Castle on the last night of the tour

• Wild in Scotland was established in 1997 and celebrated it’s 10th anniversary in March 2007

• *What’s not included is the kitty, which is £100 per person and is a collective payment which enables the group to have greater flexibility in their choice of locations visited, places to eat out and entry to visitor attractions during their time away.

• The company deliberately caters to small groups of people, with mini coaches accommodating up to 16 people so that visitors get the most out of their tours and ‘feel as if they have been away with a small group of friends’ rather than in a group. • The company offers a selection of over 12 tours varying in length from 3-9 days to locations in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales.

• The company has been awarded a bronze award Green Tourism Business Scheme and Tourism Innovation Development Award for its language journeys tours.

Click photos plears – Just Sardinia (http://www.justsardinia.co.uk/) are delighted to offer a personalised service to plan your dream wedding in Sardinia. Having teamed up with Weddings in Sardinia (www.weddingsinsardinia.com) we can arrange flights and accommodation for both you and your wedding guests. Together we will coordinate all your wedding arrangements and you will be guided all the way through the process by Colleen Piras of Weddings in Sardinia who is based locally in Alghero on the north west coast of the island. Colleen (who is English) will also advise and arrange the necessary legal documentation on your behalf. In collaboration with Just Sardinia, Weddings in Sardinia have been working as wedding planners on the romantic island of Sardinia for the last six years and pride themselves on being totally flexible to all their clients needs and personally taking all the stress out of getting married abroad. Together we are capable of organising the most intimate wedding that consists of just the bride and groom to a full fairytale wedding and to a budget that will suit every client’s pocket.

Weddings in Sardinia officiate your wedding in Alghero and personally supply their own highly trained translator/interpreter so there is no misunderstanding. They also arrange legal processing which may seem very complicated to foreign visitors getting married in Sardinia.

A pre-wedding consultation trip to Sardinia can be arranged by Just Sardinia (Tel 01202 484858) to meet with your wedding planner who will help you organise your reception, flowers, photographer, cake etc. Weddings can be organised all over Sardinia although we specialise in Alghero and the north west of the island.

Our Most Recent Sardinia Wedding

Miss Stefanie Britton and Mr Priyesh Cholera happily married on 31st May 2007.

The bride, groom and over 50 wedding guests flew with Ryanair to Alghero and were transferred to Cannigone in the north east of the island for a week’s holiday and the wedding. Just Sardinia arranged for the couple and their guests to stay in their exclusive villas and some hotel rooms at Cala di Falco http://www.justsardinia.co.uk/

On the big day, Stefanie, accompanied by her father, was driven to the town hall in Palau by friends, whilst Priyesh travelled with his best man and the rest of the wedding party. Stefanie carried a beautiful bouquet made up by her mother who also provided the female guests with their corsages.

Following a lovely ceremony conducted in Italian and English, the newly weds were driven by friends to their wedding reception where they met up with their other guests at L’Ancora Restaurant set up on the hillside above Cannigione enjoying wonderful views. On arrival some photos were taken and everyone enjoyed aperitifs and canapés on the lawn. The wedding speeches took place before the meal, so that the groom, best man and father of the bride could all relax and enjoy the evening.

A delicious menu catered for everyone, from meat and fish lovers, to vegetarians and children. All accompanied with some fine Sardinian wines. The chef, restaurant owner and Colleen the wedding planner were all toasted and thanked to a round of applause.

After the wedding cake, it was time to dance the night away with drinks of the guests choice from the bar which was set up in a private room off the restaurant.

Weddings in Sardinia

For more wedding information and details on how to book call +39 331 261 1672 or visit www.weddingsinsardinia.com For accommodation, flights and honeymoons call Just Sardinia for personal recommendations on 01202 484858 or visit www.justsardinia.co.uk (see Wedding Sardinia and Romantic Sardinia).

Sardinia is not a mainstream Mediterranean destination but a sophisticated island set in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, about 120 miles west of the Italian mainland and south of Corsica, with around 1,800km of coastline. It is renowned for deserted beaches, clear emerald coloured waters and fascinating rock formations. The people are warm and friendly and enjoying themselves is a way of life – yet all this is a mere 2 hour flight from the UK!

JUST SARDINIA

Just Sardinia is an independent company established in 2000 based in Christchurch, Dorset and specialise in selling tailor made and package holidays to Sardinia. Being members of ABTA W6775 ATOL 5994 and AITO (* see below), Just Sardinia gives all customers full financial protection for their holiday and peace of mind when booking.

Just Sardinia pride themselves on in depth local knowledge of the island, the Directors having lived and worked there since 1982. Just Sardinia have personally selected a collection of hotels, villas, apartments and farm accommodation considered to be the very best that the island has to offer in idyllic locations, with excellent facilities and a choice of activities. We believe that we have a choice of holidays to suit everyone’s taste and budget and can offer any day arrival/departure and any length of stay with or without flights for total flexibility. With local representatives in Sardinia, we also offer personal assistance on holiday and an emergency telephone number.

Hargreaves and Nurse Ltd T/a Just Sardinia registered in the UK number 4080294

Royalties House, 4 Fairfield Close, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1QZ

http://www.justsardinia.co.uk/  email holidays@justsardinia.co.uk

Tel 01202 484858 Fax 01202 481144

Sardinia, Italy Travel Map A premier map maker for over 100 years, Michelin maps are a world-class choice for driving adventure! When it comes to traveling by automobile, particularly in Europe, Michelin maps are a useful tool in any glove box. Punctuated by extensive road classification and the attention to detail that today’s drivers demand, Michelin maps also display road numbers and distances. Due to their wide areas of coverage, most maps come with an extensive legend printed in at least four languages. Beyond the outstanding roadwork detail, Michelin maps show political boundaries, regional and national parks, and important sights such as castles, ruins, and churches.

If you are planning a weekend at The Egerton, why not add sparkle to your weekend away and enjoy the tranquil surroundings and exclusivity of The Egerton House Hotel.

The Egerton Sparkle package begins with a special sparkle:

• Champagne on arrival

• Full English Breakfast

For those who choose to stay three consecutive nights or more between 20 July and 2 September 2007, the hotel will include Traditional Afternoon on one day and a one-way taxi ride to Oxford Street for shopping.

The Egerton Sparkle package is from £528.75, based on two nights, two people sharing, subject to availability. Price quoted is exclusive of VAT and gratuities. Minimum stay: two nights. Egerton Sparkle is available during the week at certain times of the year. Standard stay, two nights; additional nights inclusive of English Breakfast.

For bookings contact The Egerton House Hotel, on 44 (0) 207 589 2412 or email bookeg@rchmail.com Visit http://www.egertonshousehotel.com/

EGERTON HOUSE HOTEL: ACCOLADES AND AWARDS

Awarded Five Stars by the AA.

Awarded Silver Award, Small Hotel of the Year category, 2006, by VisitLondon.

The Egerton House Hotel is a member of Preferred-Boutique Hotels

Egerton House Hotel This hotel is ideally situated for visitors to the area. The hotel has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that emphasises friendly and hospitable service. It also has excellent facilities as well as comfortable guest rooms and public areas.

What could be more romantic than a honeymoon in the pastoral setting of Summer Lodge, Evershot, where you and your loved one can build everlasting memories together in pure unadulterated luxury.

Ivy Cottage is a unique and private love nest, on the edge of the grounds of Summer Lodge, affording you all the privacy you require yet close enough to make the most of our beautiful facilities. You will bask in the glow of the cottage’s fireplaces in the downstairs lounge and upstairs bedroom. You will enjoy the luxuriously appointed bathroom with its quaint stand-alone bathtub. Stroll hand in hand in your own private courtyard. Feel the outside world disappear as you delight in the hot tub in your garden’s glasshouse. The cottage even has its own kitchen and butler service to afford you total privacy.

The Honeymoon Heaven in the English Countryside includes:

• Accommodation in Ivy Cottage

• Complimentary Champagne and Truffles upon arrival

• Fresh flowers in the Cottage

• Complimentary photo album to record your memories

• Traditional picnic lunch on one day of your stay

• 15% discount when you return to celebrate your anniversary

The Honeymoon Heaven in the English Countryside package is from £1530 per couple for three nights with room and breakfast to £1710 per couple for three nights half board, including Afternoon Tea. Prices quoted are exclusive of VAT and gratuities. The package is subject to availability.

For bookings contact Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa on 44 (0) 1935 48 2000 or email summer@relaischateaux.com . Visit http://www.summerlodgehotel.com/

`Relax’, the world’s first solar powered, emission free, geothermal swimming pool complex, opens at the world beating eco-friendly water park, hotel and leisure complex at AquaCity Resort, Poprad (www.aquacityresort.com) in northern Slovakia on 30th June 2007. Holidays to the world’s most environmentally friendly resort don’t cost the earth either with a three night half board stay in the 3* AquaCity Seasons hotel available from £289 per person, with return Stansted flights and transfers.

AquaCity’s new luxurious pool centre is housed in a 12m high, architect designed steel, glass and wood structure, powered by electricity generated by photo-cells in the facade, with heating, pool water and showers supplied by geothermal water, in keeping with the entire AquaCity resort, to be ecologically and environmentally sound.

Owner and entrepreneur Mr. Jan Telensky said

“As parents relax in the massage pools watching their kids playing on the slides, tunnels and chutes, electricity is being generated through photo-cells in the triple-glazed façade. For those who care about conserving energy and protecting the earth, it’s a stark and poignant reminder that we’re not saving the planet for ourselves, we’re saving it for our kids”

`Relax’ comprises of an adult pool centre, beautifully tiled with gold, platinum, white and blue ceramic mosaic tiles, with a 35m x 35m central, circular wave pool and four satellite pools equipped with 380 massage jets, adjacent to a children’s water play area. Light effects change the water colour and spectacular, regular laser shows create three dimensional, virtual reality effects, projected onto a 9m high wall of water, cascading at 900 litres per second.

All of the Relax pools are equipped for less able guests, with lifts and ramp access and pool-side hoists to enable even wheel-chair bound visitors to join in the relaxation and fun.

In keeping with the ethos of AquaCity Resort, `Relax’ in no way compromises on luxury or value in delivering an ecologically sound product. Contrary to the high priced, low quality associations of green products, Jan Telensky uses green technology to his and his customers’ advantage, by driving down the cost of powering the world-beating resort through using freely available resources of wind, water and sun, instead of fossil fuels, to enable him to invest in luxurious surroundings and facilities. In 2006 AquaCity saved 2.5 million euros on conventional energy costs which is ploughed back into creating luxurious accommodation and facilities at AquaCity resort.

In terms of its green credentials, AquaCity resort saves up to 30,000 kg of carbon emissions per day, compared with a similar sized Alpine resort, being virtually self-powered, generating 80% of its electricity requirement and supplying its numerous pools and water park with geothermal water, drilled from a vast subterranean lake.

Once the new Relax centre has opened AquaCity’s water park facilities will include two full sized geothermal outdoor pools, a Mayan Pyramid summer water park, a complex of indoor, mineral rich, geothermal pools, a full size Olympic swimming pool and a range of children’s pools and play areas.

Accommodation at AquaCity is offered in a choice of 3* and 4* hotels, it has a restaurant, bars, conference facilities and gyms, a Vital World inhalation, sauna and spa centre, and a Cryotherapy centre and is designed and constructed so that, should they choose not to, guests never have to leave the complex once checked in.

Jan Telensky added “At last politicians and governments are talking about what I’ve been saying for years, which is that we cannot continue destroying the planet at the rate at which we’ve been doing for centuries. But it’s only people like me who are turning talk into reality and I hope that the example I’m setting at AquaCity will be recognised and adopted worldwide. Relax is breaking new ground, setting new standards and saving our planet for our kids and theirs too”.

AQUACITY FACT FILE

Czech Travel, the UK’s official tour operator for AquaCity Resort (www.aquacityresort.com) offers a three night stay in the 3* AquaCity Seasons hotel from £289 per person, based on two sharing and including half board accommodation, return Sky Europe flights from Stansted to Poprad and transfers, and unlimited access to the water park, Vital World spa and saunas. A three night stay in the 4* Hotel Mountain View costs from £309 per person.

Czech Travel ( 01733 327766, http://www.czechtravelonline.com/ 

To guarantee no cries of “what shall we do today”, Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire has introduced a range of pre-bookable activities and adventures.

On offer is everything from adrenalin-rush ideas such as a half-day’s coasteering – leaping off cliffs into the sea – at £40 per child, £55 per adult, or a two-day kite surfing course at £190.

Away from the water are activities such as horse-riding – from £35 for a half-day, or a paintball challenge at £20, while for those with smaller children, how about The Dinosaur Park at Tenby at £5 per day or Oakwood Theme Park from £13.75.

The company offers more than 500 properties throughout Pembrokeshire with, for example prices from £427 in mid-July for a week’s rental of The Lodge, a modern property (sleeps 4) in the seaside town of Saundersfoot.

Cottages and activities are bookable online – www.coastalcottages.co.uk  or on 01437 765 765.

PEMBROKESHIRE COAST PATH DVD AERIAL BRITAIN PEMBROKESHIRE COAST PATH Designed to appeal to tourists and locals alike, this programme comprises aerial photography and narration detailing the history and traditions of the area. starring AERIAL BRITAIN Region: Region 2 (UK / Europe) Special Features

New Airline Opening Up Russia From London Gatwick

As of Sunday June 17 the Russian airline KD avia launched a new route from London Gatwick to their own terminal at Khrabrovo Airport in Kaliningrad, operated on Boeing 737-300 aircraft.

This flight will be the first direct service from the UK to the Baltic seaport of Kaliningrad and a gateway to a further 10 cities in the Russian Federation and one city in Kazakhstan.

As well as flights to popular Moscow and St Petersburg, KD avia provides the fastest, easiest and cheapest way to other destinations in Russia including the interesting and historical cities of: Omsk, Samara, Volgograd, Nizhniy Novgorod, Tyumen, Ufa and Chelyabinsk.

Alexey Leonov, Manager Sales of KD avia says, With the through check in of passengers and their baggage; a convenient schedule and an easy, more convenient transfer within one terminal at Kaliningrad airport this new flight makes KD avia a popular choice with both leisure and business travellers’.

The new service is a great alternative option for routes into Russia with flights departing London Gatwick every Tuesday at 15:15 local, Thursday at 14:30 local and Sunday at 14:30 local. The flying time to Kaliningrad is 2 hours 30 minutes with good connection times for onwards flights to Moscow. The airline is planning to develop these flights into a daily service.

Prices for return flights from Gatwick start at GBP208 to Kaliningrad, GBP 218 to Moscow (Domodedovo) and GBP398 to Astana including taxes and charges. Travellers should be aware that accommodation needs to be pre-booked before entering Russia and they will need to obtain a Russian visa.

In the future KD avia will be working with a number of UK Tour Operators who are looking to utilise this convenient way to offer twin-centre city packages covering both Moscow and St Petersburg.

KD avia operate a fleet of 12 modern Boeing 737-300 aircraft and have ownership of Kaliningrad’s Khaborov Airport.

Reservations may be made through http://www.kdavia.co.uk/  or the UK call centre at 0871 423 5741 or by email at sales@KDavia.co.uk

Discover the delightful variety of experiences that Southern India offers with a tour of Tamil Nadu and Kerala (14-30 November 2007) bookable through Independent luxury tour operator Prestige Holidays (01425 480600).

The holiday costs £2295 per person including: return scheduled flights, all internal travel, accommodation in good hotels with breakfast, entrance fees and guides and is available through tours specialist The Travellers’ Club http://www.thetravellersclub.com/

It caters to those looking to understand the “Real India” and offers the chance to see how Indian people live and work and to learn about their religions and culture. It also takes in some of the great monuments of Indian history and culture and provides access to people and places normally denied ordinary tourists.

Places covered in the tour include Mahabalipuram near Madras featuring a variety of monolithic rock-cut temples, bas-reliefs and a famous shore temple offering a marvellous introduction to Indian art and religion. The next stop is Tanjore with a trip to the World Heritage site of a 10th Century “Big Temple” built in golden sand stone. After this the tour moves to the city of Madurai, into the Cardamom Hills and on to the state of Kerala stopping in the Peryar wildlife sanctuary. The holiday finishes in Cochin (now called Kochi) a thrilling city on the Arabian sea.

The tour will be lead by Wendy Marr, an expert in the art and history of the Indian sub-continent.

She has lived in India, lectured for several universities and Sotheby’s and accompanied numerous tours to India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as Guest Lecturer. She has devised and led several very successful Travellers’ Club tours to the sub-continent. The tour will be accompanied by local guide, Deenanath.

The Travellers’ Club offers imaginative and comfortable holidays taken at a leisurely pace which appeal to the elderly as well as younger people. Also as travellers tend to meet before departure, single travellers have the option of sharing rooms, avoiding the cost of single supplements.

Searching for the cheapairline will yield many results. The blue airline provides charters for group travels. Heading toward east,airlinesindia will take you there.