Jetsettersblog

At Paris-Orly airport, unaccompanied minors with connections of over an hour on an Air France flight within Metropolitan France or to the French Overseas Departments can now use an exclusive new lounge measuring 44 square yards.

Under the watchful eye of Air France staff, children can play in an interactive area equipped with two Playstation3 gaming systems provided by Sony and games which are regularly renewed, whereas manual activities are available for younger children.

In the dedicated relaxation area, young passengers can rest, read or watch DVDs on a flat-screen television provided by Sharp.

Open all year round, this new lounge located at Orly West terminal, hall 2, can accommodate unaccompanied minors between the ages of 4 and 17.

At Paris-Charles de Gaulle, during the school vacation period, another 200-square-meter lounge (located at terminal 2E) accommodates unaccompanied minors with connections of over two hours.

When they have short connections, they are accommodated in a unaccompanied minors’ area at the S3 boarding satellite.

In The North West Highlands

Get your walking boots on and explore some of the finest mountain and coastal landscapes in the whole of Britain whilst learning about the fascinating history of the North Highlands at Scotland’s first ‘Global Geopark.’

Located in the North West of the North Highlands, stretching from Loch Erribol as far north as Cape Wrath, this 2000 sq km area offers a different type of trip for adventurous families, ramblers and outdoor lovers.

The Geopark stands out for its unimaginable age, incredible complexity, world class scenery and the important scientific discoveries.

Some sites date back to 3,000 million years ago, such as Lewisian Gneiss, and with visual evidence of the Big Freeze there is no wonder why geologists from around the world visit this area year after year.

After a day of exploring the coastline, cliffs and mountains, enjoy a meal in a local Scottish restaurant or simply retreat to your B&B for an early night.

Visit www.northwest-highlands-geopark.org.uk for further information on Scotland’s first Geopark

ACCOMODATION

Smoo Cave Hotel, in Durness, offers stunning views over the coastline and a comfy homely feeling. From only £25pp bed and breakfast, this makes for a good, inexpensive retreat after a hard day of walking. Visit www.smoocavehotel.co.uk  for more information.

Eddrachilles Hotel, in Scourie, is ideally located just off Badcall Bay and has some spectacular views of the island-studded bay. From £47pp bed and breakfast or £65 for a 3 course evening meal and bed and breakfast,

The Eddrachilles Hotel is perfect for couples seeking quiet time with unbelievable views. Visit www.eddrachilles.com  for more information.

GETTING HERE

And if you think that the Northern Highlands is inaccessible, think again. Travel by air is easy and there are services from many UK airports to both Inverness and Wick.

Rail services from Fort William and Inverness connect the whole country with the Highlands, and once you arrive, services connect you with Wick and Thurso among other locations.

Why not drive under your own steam and stop where you please, the stunning coastal routes take you through some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable.

Whatever your taste and preferences when you are planning your next break, the Northern Highlands has it all. You can discover more about what the region has to offer, how to get there and how you’re going to spend your time at www.northhighlandsscotland.com

30 % Discount On Five Of Sutherland’s Finest Link Courses

Planning a golfing holiday? Not sure where to go? This summer North Highland Tourism (www.northhighlandsocotland.com) is inviting people to practice their golf swing in the North Highlands with its new Dornoch Firth Golf Pass.

Providing people with a 30% discount on five of the area’s finest links courses, the pass allows people to experience the beauty of Dornoch in Sutherland while enjoying the nation’s historic game.

The pass applies to Golspie golf course, Royal Dornoch’s Championship Course, James Braid Brora Course, the Royal Dornoch Struie Course and the Old Tom Morris Tain course.

Costing just £30, the pass lasts a full 12 months, providing pass holders with a 30% discount on the 5 rounds played.

There are also a range of hotels and other activities in the area and in the wider region of the North Highlands, only 40 minutes away from Inverness.

For a list of accommodation and for more information about the North Highlands, please visit

www.northhighlandscotland.com

To purchase a pass download an application form from one of the member club’s websites.

The latest series of Dr Who may have just come to a thrilling end, but fear not, fans can head to venues where the iconic show is filmed, with the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain.

Experience the actual locations visited by The Doctor and his sidekick Amy Pond, such as the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms in London where the Daleks returned, and the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff where much of the show is filmed.

These are just two of the attractions featured in the new edition of the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain, available FREE to Blue Badge holders.

The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain, supported by Motability Operations, the leading car scheme for disabled people, is available FREE to Blue Badge and Disabled Persons Railcard holders.

To order a FREE copy visit

www.accessibleguide.co.uk  

or call 0800 953 7070.

An audio guide, with a special introduction by Ben Fogle, is also available to download FREE from

www.accessibleguide.co.uk

The popular consumer title said that “Poland is generally one of the cheapest places to visit”, delivering the best–priced five-star hotels and eats out.

The study looked at prices in 12 European cities including Paris, Berlin, Rome and Athens. After comparing the costs of a range of goods from groceries to petrol and car hire it showed that Poland’s place outside of the eurozone means value for money for British tourists.

According to the study a meal at a Pizza Hut in Poland would be half the price you’d have to pay in Spain, while a night in a five-star Warsaw hotel would be a mere third of the cost of a Geneva equivalent.

Acting Director of the Polish National Tourist Office Bogdan Becla said: “Poland is a great holiday choice because you can enjoy top-quality services at budget prices whether that’s a hotel, a meal out or a night at the theatre. A trip to Poland will certainly be kind on your pocket.

“Being outside of the eurozone means prices are low, but Poland isn’t just about a holiday on the cheap. We have lots to offer from the city delights of Krakow and Warsaw, to the wonderful beaches of the Baltic coast and the great skiing in the Tatras.”

The full Which? article appears in July’s edition of the magazine.

To find out more about the Polish National Tourist Office go to: www.poland.travel

Cyclists fed up with fighting through traffic and breathing polluted fumes are being offered the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, natural beauty and unique culture of Jamaica on the ride of a lifetime this autumn.

Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Jamaican Cycle Challenge will follow a five-day, 380km route across the island led by TV fitness guru and proud Jamaican Derrick Evans, better known as Mr Motivator. The Lycra Legend will guide the cycle ride across his homeland offering unique insights – and of course, plenty of motivation.

This magnificent cycle route will give participants a chance to witness and experience all aspects of Jamaica. From the culturally rich capital Kingston, the route heads north to Robin’s Bay and the spectacular white sandy beaches, forested valleys, and winding rivers of Jamaica’s north coast. Riders will cycle between 60 and 100km per day, traversing the northern coastline from east to west via Ocho Rios, the historic port of Falmouth, Montego Bay and finishing on the Island’s most westerly point, Negril.

Those who wish to participate in this fantastic cycle ride are required to pay a £250 registration fee, and raise a minimum of £3,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Once the sponsorship is raised, Marie Curie takes care of all other arrangements for before and during the trip, including return flights from London Gatwick, accommodation, and all cycling requirements whilst in Jamaica.

The Jamaican Cycle Challenge will be a tough but rewarding venture, offering participants an exhilarating opportunity to experience Jamaica’s vibrant culture and spectacular scenery from a unique perspective whilst raising money for a superb cause.

Jamaican Cycle Challenge runs from 30th September – 8th October 2010, including travel days and free time.

For more information on how to sign up visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/events/cycling/jamaica

General information on travelling to Jamaica is available at www.VisitJamaica.com

Due to increased demand, http://www.holiday-velvet.com , a holiday rental agency with over 6,000 short-term rental properties in their portfolio in locations including Rome, Barcelona, Paris and Venice now adds Buenos Aires to their cache.

The number of tourists visiting Buenos Aires on the rise according to Argentina’s Encuesta de Turismo Internacional, which registered 187.412 foreign visitors to the city in March 2010, up 3.7% on the same period last year. Visitors from Brazil made up the largest percentage of this number but it was revealed that Europeans stayed the longest: 23.3 nights on average.

In response to this trend, Holiday Velvet has added almost 200 short-term rental properties in Argentina’s capital its website. These vacation apartments are spread throughout the city, from the trendy Palermo neighborhood to the new Puerto Madero lifestyle district and historic San Telmo and La Boca.

“The relative low-cost of renting holiday apartments in Buenos Aires could be one of its attractions,” says James Burrows, co-director of Holiday Velvet. By booking through the agency, visitors could secure a comfortable studio in the upmarket Recoleta area for as little as US$22 a night or a designer loft for four people in the hip Palermo Soho for US$130.

To support this new area, Holiday Velvet has increased the Buenos Aires-related content on their travel guide pages and will continue to do so in the coming months.

On Holiday-Velvet.com you can view and book 357 Barcelona self-catering apartments!

4 x4 enthusiasts can now take to the ditches, mud banks, rivers and ponds of the Cadiz region with the new 4 x 4 courses offered by the Circuito de Jerez.

This famous track, better known for Grand Prix, Moto GP and Formula 1 has launched the course for experienced drivers to take on some of the real life challenges of off-road driving.

The course teaches a range of techniques for drivers to overcome some tricky driving situations including driving in deep mud, down slopes, round lateral bends and on rocky ground. Drivers will also be taught key safety techniques, essential for situations of high risk and loss of control.
In addition to the 4 x 4 courses, the Circuito de Jerez boasts 100 square metres of track and also offers karting courses, ideal for incentive and group travel.

www.circuitodejerez.com

The Ruta del Cister celebrates 20 years as a tourism brand

The Ruta del Cister consists of 65 municipalities in the counties of Urgell, the Concade Barbera and the Alt Camp, all of which share easy access to the prestigious Cistercian monastery as well as religious monuments Vallbona de les Monges, Poblet and Santes Creus.

As well as religious tourism, the area offers exceptional regional cuisine, festivals, charming villages and ample opportunities for hiking in a perfectly rural setting.

To celebrate 20 years as a recognised tourism brand, for summer 2010, the Ruta del Cister will offer a range of summer concerts at the Monastery of Vallbona de les Monges and in the convent Saint Bartholomew of Bellpuig throughout July and August. In addition, walkers and mountain bikers can gain recognition for their efforts with the launch of the 6T card. Walkers and bikers can negotiate the challenging route GR-175, which links the monasteries of Vallbona de les Monges Poblet and Santes Creus.

Hikers and bikers will receive a stamp each time they pass through one of the six ‘control’ areas which links 26 establishments, five tourist offices and five monasteries.

For those that reach the 105km point, they will gain a certificate for their efforts.

Ontario, Canada boasts 103 wineries spread out across 4 distinct viticultural areas, most of which are easily assessable on the Ontario Wine Route, a popular wine trail that welcomes approximately 1 million visitors each year.

The Ontario Wine Route meanders through some of the most scenic areas in the province. Along the way wine enthusiasts will encounter picturesque towns, stunning vineyards, charming B&B’s, gourmet dining experiences, and award-winning wines to sample. It’s home to some of the best winemakers in the world – the international awards bestowed upon the provinces’ wines year after year are a testament to this fact.

The wine industry in Ontario has grown and matured for nearly two hundred years; however, it is only in the mid-1980’s that the production of wine in the province has gained its reputation for excellence.

Stretching across the southern part of the province, Ontario wineries take advantage of a temperate climate, enhanced by the diversity of glacial soils and the moderating effect of the Great Lakes, to produce mature fruit and complex wines.

Ontario’s winemakers produce wines made from over 60 varieties of classic European blends including best known viniferas: Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The most rare and treasured of Ontario’s wines is the luscious, intensely flavoured Icewine.

Ontario is recognized as producing the world’s finest Icewine consistently and continues to win top awards at prestigious wine competitions.

Winemakers in Ontario adhere to a stringent, “extreme winemaking” process whereby the grapes cannot be harvest until temperatures drop below minus eight degrees Celsius for a sustained period of time. Icewine in Ontario’s is truly the pride of province.

Whether visitors are seasoned wine connoisseurs or new to winery tours, Ontario’s Wine Route promises an unforgettable scenic adventure.

ONTAIRO WINE REGIONS

Prince Edward County

Bordering Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte, The Prince Edward County is one of the newest wine regions to visit in Ontario.

This budding wine region is dominated by stony soils, perfect for grape production. Discover stunning wineries, renowned for their award-winning vintages, perfectly situated throughout the region.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Situated below the crest of the Niagara Escarpment and stretching to the Niagara river and the shores of Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is the heart of Ontario wine culture and a world-renowned wine country destination. This well established wine region, located only 1.5 hours from Toronto, has been attracting wine enthusiasts to its bountiful wineries and charming B&B’s and Inns for decades. The Region benefits from the temperate micro climate (it shares the same latitude as northern California and france’s Bordeaux region), diversity of glacial soils, and moderating lake effect of the Niagara Peninsula and Lake Erie North Shore. The ideal conditions have inspired generations of winemakers in this robust region.

Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island

Stretching along the warm, shallow waters of Lake Erie, this appellation is located on the same latitude as Rome. The region enjoys rich soil, summer heat, and moderating lake breezes that provide excellent ripening conditions for producing full-bodied wines.

Pelee Island, situated just 25 km off the mainland at Canada’s most southerly point, has the longest wine-growing season in the country.

Local attractions include gardens, bike trails, produce stands, B&Bs, and festivals, including the shores of Erie International Wine Festival.

Wineries with Star Quality

Several celebrities own vineyards in Ontario such as Wayne Gretzky (Hockey legend), Mike Weir (Canadian Golf champion and winner of the Augusta in the US), and Dan Ackroyd (Canadian Actor seen in Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters, Driving Miss Daisy).

The Bonsai garden (www.thebonsainursery.com)  hidden away in the pretty hamlet of St Mawgan near Padstow in Cornwall is a very spiritual place with winding paths taking you on a journey which is both physical and sensory.

The garden is an awe inspiring living art form with over 120 varieties of Acer alone. For those who want to explore this secret haven, the VisitBritain four star, Gold Award winning Bro Tref cottage sleeps 8 and is within walking distance of the St Mawgan Japanese Garden and Bonsai Nursery. Cornish Horizons (01841 533 331 www.cornishhorizons.co.uk  ) are offering 20% off seven nights in July for up to 8 people at Bro Tref from £912 saving £228 on the published price!

Full property details and graphics:

www.cornishhorizons.co.uk/properties/array/bro_tref

 St Mawgan Japanese Garden and Bonsai Nursery: www.thebonsainursery.com

CONTACT:
Cathy Osborne, on behalf of Cornish Horizons (Holiday Cottages)

TELEPHONE:
+44 (0) 1841 533 331

FAX:
+44 (0) 1841 533 933

WEB:
www.cornishhorizons.co.uk

EMAIL:
cottages@cornishhorizons.co.uk

WRITE:
Cornish Horizons, The Cottage, 19 New Street, Padstow, Cornwall PL28 8EA