Jetsettersblog

Tour and taste Helsinki with Food Sightseeing
Combining both flavours and architecture from East and West, Food Sightseeing offers a unique way to explore the capital of Finland. Visitors can take a guided tour on one of the city’s iconic trams with stops at major sights or take a slower pace following a specially tailored route, both eventually leading to restaurants offering true local tastes often missed by visitors. Famed Finnish design blends smoothly with Northern delicacies while exploring one of Europe’s cosiest cities in this innovative fashion. A range of tours and menus are available for groups and individuals, starting summer 2011.

For more information:
www.foodsightseeing.fi
Accommodation in Helsinki:
http://www.helsinki.fi/en/index/matkailu/majoitus.html

Ski Club of Great Britain report new snow in Europe. Snow has started falling in European ski resorts after several weeks without any significant fresh snow. This is fantastic news for Alpine resorts as the new snow will freshen up slopes and combined with the cold temperatures, snow conditions will improve as we enter the busiest part of the winter season.

Weather forecasts on the Ski Club of Great Britain website (skiclub.co.uk) report that the heaviest snowfall is expected in Italy and Switzerland, but France and Austria will also benefit from new snow. Most European resorts should receive new snow with Cervinia (46cm forecast), Sauze d’Oulx (22cm forecast), Chamonix (31cm forecast), Saas Fee (54 cm forecast), Zermatt (52cm forecast), Obergurgl (55cm forecast) and Zell am See (33cm forecast) all seeing significant snow over the next nine days.

Ski Club Snow Reports are updated daily and weather forecasts are updated throughout the day. Skiers and snowboarders can also download the Ski Club’s free Snow Report iPhone App from iTunes to find out where snow has been falling.

“Although the recent hard work by European resorts has provided some great skiing, this new snow will be welcomed by everyone. Most of Europe will see new snow this week which comes at the perfect time as the half term holidays begin” said Al Morgan, Information Manager at the Ski Club of Great Britain.

For comprehensive snow information visit the Ski Club of Great Britain website www.skiclub.co.uk

For more information contact:
Betony Garner – betony.garner@skiclub.co.uk 020 8410 2018/ 07740 642 262

Ski Club of Great Britain snow reports
Ski Club Snow Reports are collated by a dedicated snow reporting team at the Ski Club’s headquarters who report on 250 resorts worldwide, including 34 Ski Club resorts where daily snow reports are sent back by Ski Club Leaders all who have skied in the resort that day. Ski Club Snow Reports can be viewed on the Ski Club of Great Britain website – www,skiclub.co.uk

Ski Club of Great Britain
The Ski Club of Great Britain is a not-for-profit snowsports club which offers membership benefits to 33,000 members. Membership costs £56 for an individual, £87 for families and £20 for under 24 members.

Whilst rumors abound about where Prince William and Kate Middleton will honeymoon after their April wedding, one of the favourite destinations being talked about is the Isles of Scilly – lying 28 miles off the Western tip of Lands End.

The cluster of 100 Islands – only five of which are inhabited – are famous for their peace, tranquility and stunning good looks, with wonderful white sand beaches lapped by crystal clear azure waters.

Lying in the Gulf Stream, the temperate climate gives the Islands a sub-tropical feel where exotic plants that would not be able to survive on the mainland, thrive.

Virtually traffic free and with scores of often deserted beaches to enjoy, the Islands make the perfect getaway for couples wanting to enjoy a romantic break.

But if you fancy holidaying like a royal you might need to move fast as interest in the Islands has increased following news of the possible Royal honeymoon there.

“When the story first broke in the national newspapers, we saw an increase in daily visitors to the Simply Scilly website of virtually 200%, which we are very pleased about” said the Islands Economic Development Officer Julian Pearce.

It is still speculation, but the fact that the Isles of Scilly have been highlighted as a possible Royal Honeymoon destination has undoubtedly put the Islands on the national and international radar, with a lot of interest coming from mainland Europe and the USA in particular in addition to the UK.

The profile of the Islands as a perfect place to combine a romantic holiday with a special occasion has definitely been raised. There are a choice of spectacular venues that are licensed for Weddings and Civil Partnership ceremonies. The number of people choosing the Islands for these celebrations has increased steadily over the last few years and the Superintendent Registrar has noted a sharp increase in requests for information about the Islands as a place to hold their ceremony since the Royals rumor started.

On the Islands there is a wide range of accommodation ranging from campsites to high-end luxury hotels and fantastic guesthouses and self-catering properties to suit every budget.

For more information on the range of accommodation available on the Islands and the latest special offers visit www.simplyscilly.co.uk  or call 01720 424031.

Turku 2011
This year Turku is European Capital of Culture sharing the position with nearby capital of Estonia, Tallinn. Turku, the original capital of Finland, will become a hub of creative activity, providing a vibrant setting for hundreds of exciting projects and thousands of individual events throughout the region. Reaching Turku is easy; trains to Turku depart hourly from Helsinki Central Railway Station with a journey time of just two hours and tickets costing around €30 per adult.
For more information:
www.turku2011.fi

Cruise the Baltic to see two Capitals of Culture
Turku and Tallinn are separated by the Baltic Sea but this year brought together by art. Why not see the offerings of both and to top it all, visit another two capitals, Helsinki and Stockholm, through a cruise on the Baltic? The cruise company Viada offers a week-long itinerary exploring Baltic life, arts and culture taking in these four cities where holidaymakers stay in quality accommodation and use the ship as transport between each. All routes are cruised on TallinkSilja vessels. Prices start from €745 per person based two sharing with five night’s accommodation in a hotel and one night in an exterior cabin.
For more information:
www.viada.com

Tom of Finland
Many will be surprised to learn that arguably the most internationally acclaimed Finnish artist comes from Kaarina, a neighbouring town to Turku. Now, Tom of Finland alias Touko Laaksonen (1920-1991) is returning home!

Famous for his blazingly homoerotic illustrations, the works of Tom of Finland have become stereotypical icons for masculine gay men all over the world. Held at Logomo, an old engineering works turned into a cultural space in central Turku, the exhibition is constructed with the help of Los Angeles based Tom of Finland Foundation.
Open every day until December 18th. Tickets cost €12 per adult.
For more information:
www.turku2011.fi/en/tom-finland_en
www.tomoffinlandfoundation.org/

Turku 2011 Events
Eurocultured
The Eurocultured street culture event series will reach its conclusion with a grand festival on the banks of the River Aura in Turku held from May 21st – 22nd. The free public event will introduce as many as 300 artists from over 10 different European countries. The festival celebrates European street culture through live visual art, urban dance, live music, DJ sets, hip hop theatre and various action sports. Additionally, the festival features great food, local arts and crafts and free workshops. Led by top artists, the workshops will allow the participants to test their skills in a range of activities from graffiti art to break dance.
For more information:

http://www.turku2011.fi/en/ohjelmahanke/568/info

Dancing Tower
Taking place on the 14th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 24th, 26th and 30th April
The Dancing Tower will be a truly unique performance full of imagination and inspiration held at Logomo. Nearly 20 daring performers will look danger in the eye as they reach for the skies on top of a ten-metre high steel tower. The performance will bring together dance, physical theatre and musical aspects. It will offer true magic, breathtaking tricks, monsters from faraway lands, amazing ventriloquists and the interplay of the opposite elements of water and fire. Dancing Tower will break all language barriers and is suited to people of all ages.

Official accommodation partner to Turku 2011 is the Sokos Hotel group. Offering quality and value for money accommodation in Turku and throughout Finland the group is offering packages to Turku 2011 including accommodation and ticket prices:
Staying at the centrally located and stylish Sokos Hotel Hamburger Börs costs from €73 per person per night, packages with accommodation at the Sokos City Börs located just across the street cost from €67.50 per person per night.
The package includes accommodation for one night in a double room, breakfast, use of hotel sauna and swimming pool and a ticket to the performance.

Energo
Taking place on the 18th and 19th March
Energo is an all-encompassing work combining sound, light and technology that will take the audience on a spectacular journey that expands to cosmic proportions. Human voices, acoustic and electronic musical instruments and a virtual video background set together with a cappella group Rajaton and UNI band will deliver the performance.

Package prices start at €76.50 per person per night at the Sokos Hotel City Börs with lead in prices at the Sokos Hotel Hamburger Börs starting at €82 per person per night. The package includes accommodation for one night in a double room, breakfast, use of hotel sauna and swimming pool and a ticket to the performance.

For more information:
www.sokoshotels.fi

Turku Cruise and Art
For a totally different perspective of Turku explore Turku and the Åland islands on board the official cruise line of Turku 2011, the Silja Europa line. The Åland islands offer relaxation for body and soul. The unique archipelago features idyllic fishing villages and the town of Mariehamn with its colourful sailing traditions.
In 2011 Silja Europa, the biggest cruise liner in the Baltic Sea, will become an official Culture Cruise ship of Turku!
You can enjoy cultural experiences surrounded by the world’s most beautiful archipelago. An exhibition consisting 18 pieces of art work are placed around the Turku archipelago for the summer season starting on June 18th with some of the art work s visible for cruise passengers when passing by. A lunch cruise taking in the Turku and the archipelago costs from €30 per person, €14 for children aged six to 11 and €18 for young adults aged 12 – 17. Included in the price is the lunch buffet. For those who want a little more authenticity passengers can upgrade to the Turku Menu including Baltic herring tartar and Arctic bramble bavaroise.
For more information:
www.tallinksilja.fi

Spring time is soon upon us, and what better place to spend it than cruising through the orchards and vineyards in the South of France. Our gorgeous Dutch barge ‘Rosa’ immerses passengers in a world of picturesque villages, good food and fine wine. They will sail on the Canal de la Garonne through Gascony towards Bordeaux.

An old friend and one of our most prized barges, she has been a member of the European Waterways fleet for a number of years, and was loved by Celebrity Chef Rick Stein on his hugely successful BBC TV series ‘French Odyssey’.

Newly refurbished, Rosa now presents an exquisite wood panelled saloon, occupied by cosy seating and a bar. Passengers can relax on her deck, as they bask in the French sun and even enjoy her very own spa pool.

The varied itinerary offers passengers the very essence of Southern France. As they visit historic Montauban, experience ancient abbeys, indulge in wine, armagnac and fois gras tasting and even traverse an impressive 1000 foot aqueduct. Eight passengers can enjoy this experience, staying in one of four double cabins, each air conditioned and with en suite facilities, or a party can charter the whole barge.

Rates for a cruise aboard ‘Rosa’ are from £2,250 per person sharing a double cabin and from £15,700 for an exclusive charter of the entire vessel for 8 passengers. This is all-inclusive (excl. travel).

NOTES TO EDITORS
European Waterways is the largest all-inclusive hotel barging company in Europe, offering 6-night/7-day cruises on its fleet of luxury hotel barges in nine European countries.

The hotel barges accommodate between 4 and 20 passengers and are ideal for people looking for either an individual cruise with other like-minded people, or for those wanting a whole barge charter for a family or group of friends.

All the vessels are fully crewed with a Captain, gourmet chef, hostess and tour guide, with a private air-conditioned mini-bus taking passengers on excursions. There are well-planned and interesting daily itineraries that give passengers the opportunity to visit cultural and historical places of interest, vineyards and markets in each region.

Also available are tandem cruises for larger parties and a wide selection of themed cruises, such as wine appreciation, golf and even honeymoon charters.

Get out and about in the French Capital and celebrate the beginning of spring with the Paris Sightseeing Pass. Head to one of the City’s most famous attractions, The Chateau of Versailles, where you can walk around the beautiful gardens and stables situated in its grounds. Then take a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the River Seine with Bateaux Parisiens for a glimpse of some of the City’s most famous attractions. End the day on the open air terrace at the top of the Montparnasse Tower for the most spectacular views over Paris.

The Paris Sightseeing Pass gives access to these and over 60 top attractions including the Arc de Triomphe, the Musée du Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.

Users have priority access at the busiest sights to avoid queues, a free guidebook, and many additional deals, discounts and free offers. A Paris Sightseeing Pass includes a metro pass giving you unlimited travel on the metro, buses and RER within central Paris.
A two-day Paris Sightseeing Pass costs €97 for adults, €54 for teens (between 12 and 17 years) and €29 for a child (between four and 11 years).
A four-day Paris Sightseeing Pass costs €139 for adults (€74 for teens and €38 for children), and a six-day option costs €169 for adults, €84 for teens and €48 for children.
Check out all the activities on offer with the Paris Sightseeing Pass at www.parispass.com. The website includes a map tool to plan visits, details on all the included attractions and full details of exclusive special offers including restaurant deals.
For more information and to buy a Paris Sightseeing Pass visit www.parispass.com , or call +44 (0)1664 485 020.

Every year Outside Magazine selects the very best trips from around the globe for their ‘Trips of the Year’ listing. Chosen from the most creative, affordable and down-right fun selection of trips in years we are delighted that our brand new Africa Big 3 has been picked as one of the Top Ten Trips of the Year for 2011!

Three weeks, three countries and three 16,000 plus foot peaks is an ambitious premise for our brand new ‘Explore More’ expedition. Our Explore More holidays are a range of outstanding adventure holidays which are run in conjunction with our friends at Allibert and Hauser (France and Germany’s leading adventure travel operators). The holidays that are chosen are undoubtedly some of the finest adventures on the planet. They are also ‘specialist’ and will appeal to those who have ‘been there, done that’ in many parts of the world and are now looking for something new. The cosmopolitan nature of the groups is an important part of the Explore More experience!

The ‘Africa Big 3′ starts with four days of acclimatization on the sharp, scree-covered slopes of 16,350-foot Mount Kenya. After summiting, drive to the Tanzania border for a five-day rapid ascent on the wild northern side of 19,340-foot Kilimanjaro. From there fly over Lake Victoria, the largest tropical lake in the world, to Uganda for an eight-day trek up glaciated, 16,750-foot Mount Stanley. Don’t expect posh accommodations: digs are safari tents and base-camp huts, and meals consist of mountaineer fare (porridge, coffee, pasta). Do expect some of the most remarkable views in Africa!

http://www.keadventure.com/trip/ABT/abt-africa-s-big-three.html

Enjoy an explosive half-term in At-Bristol this February. The harbourside science centre has something for everyone with over 300 hands-on exhibits, live science shows and a Planetarium to keep the family entertained for hours on end.

Celebrate the International Year of Chemistry in 2011 with the spectacular Bang and Boom show! Expect flames, fizzes, blasts and whizzes and plenty of audience participation as At-Bristol explores the wonders of chemistry. Watch out for the special ‘slimetastic ending’!

On 19 February, meet Jeroen and Yannan, chemistry research scientists from the University of Bristol. Take part in amazing activities and experiments to explore the colourful world of liquid crystals.

Get Vocal in At-Bristol’s new Live Lab with a special ‘Meet the expert’ session on 24 February. Biologist Jess Godfey, from the University of Cardiff, will be visiting the science centre and sharing her knowledge with you. Watch as she dissects a sheep’s lung, discover how your vocal cords work and test your own lung capacity.

For At-Bristol’s youngest scientists the ‘Little Stars’ show, especially for under fives, takes place in At-Bristol’s Planetarium (daily at 11.45 and 2.00 during half-term). You will be joined by a member of the At-Bristol team and taken on a journey that is out of this world, introducing younger adventurers to the wonders of the night sky.

For those over five years, don’t miss the seasonal Planetarium show, ‘Winter Night Sky’ where you will get star struck! Sit back, relax and discover coloured stars, giant nebulae and how to navigate your way around the Universe. See the sky as you would from your own back gardens and learn how to identify special constellations, including Orion’s Belt, Taurus the Bull and everyone’s favourite – the Seven Sisters! The winter night sky show will run until 14 March when it will be replaced by the ‘Spring Night Sky’.

And, the fun doesn’t end there – let yourself get swept up in a story, with delightful Storytelling sessions set among At-Bristol’s special exhibits for under eights – Jet Set Go and In the Jungle!

Between 21 – 25 February, visitors can have their faces painted too. Whether you want a pretty butterfly, super Spiderman, barking dog or a face decorated by stars and planets – nothing will faze the At-Bristol team.

Animate It! continues to be hugely popular with visitors to the science centre. Join Morph and friends and become an animator for the day, in this special exhibition developed in partnership with Bristol based Aardman Animations. Using props and cameras you can create your own storyboard and then e-mail your animation home to share with others. The exhibition includes a real Wallace & Gromit set from the film ‘A Matter of Loaf and Death’.

Commenting on At-Bristol’s half-term activity, Donna Speed, Operations Director for At-Bristol said: “We are all very excited about half-term… there is already a brilliant buzzing atmosphere in the science centre and we are really looking forward to new families joining us and discovering that science can be absolutely amazing and mind-boggling fun.

Donna adds: “As well as all the half-term events and hands-on activities, visitors will of course have the opportunity to enjoy all our old time favourites too – they can run in the giant hamster wheel, become an animator for the day, play a game of virtual volleyball, walk through a tornado or get creative in the TV studio! These are just some of the experiences awaiting our visitors – I can’t think of a better way to spend a rainy February day with energised children”.

Coming Soon…
Next month At-Bristol will launch its new £1.5 million exhibition ‘All About Us’, which opens to the public on Friday 11 March. Play music on your headbones, get caught in the Super Snapper and even take a look at your own veins in the Vein Ray! Discover how amazing you are with over 50 new hands-on exhibits. Learn about the body and the brain and how we relate to the world around us. The All About Us experience will be a celebration of all things human! To find out more see at-bristol.org.uk/allaboutus

All events and activities are free with a ticket to At-Bristol. For further information or to make a booking see www.at-bristol.org.uk  Alternatively, call the bookings line on 0845 345 1235 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)

The prestigious La Manga Club resort in Spain has launched a range of ‘Summer Comes Early’ packages offering a host of special benefits to those families searching for sunshine this Easter.

With temperatures averaging between 18 and 25˚C in April, UK sun-seekers can take advantage of the extended Easter holiday break – including the royal wedding bank holiday – to spend a week in the early summer sunshine.

Families staying at the five-star La Manga Club Principe Felipe hotel can take advantage of savings of €800 on a week’s stay with one free night, an extended discount of 40 per cent for children occupying their own room and two free activities – golf, selected spa treatments or junior club sessions – per adult.

What’s more, Easter promises a fun time for all the family with the Funlandia family programme in full swing and a number of sport academies on offer for the kids.

Guests staying in the townhouses and apartments at the four-star Las Lomas Village will receive two free nights when staying for a week.

La Manga Club also boasts more than 20 bars and restaurants and all resort guests receive complimentary access to Spa La Manga Club’s fitness centre, indoor pool, saunas and steam rooms.

To receive the free night’s accommodation, bookings need to be made by the end of February and prices for a family of four start from €1,900 at the hotel including breakfast and tax or €1,000 at Las Lomas Village on a self-catering basis

For more information or to book call 00 34 968 17 5577, email reserve@lamangaclub.com  or visit www.lamangaclub.com.

Take a break to South West Wales and enjoy some great golf and a relaxing spa day in serene surroundings! The perfect package for any couple in need of pampering.

Machynys Peninsula is a modern links championship golf course, so test your handicap on this popular and scenic course. For your spa day, relax and indulge in the luxury spa facilities, which include a spa pool, monsoon showers, a specialist aromatherapy room , scented team room, sauna and heated stone chairs.
The treatments included are an Elemis Exotic facial, incorporating a warm lime foot cleanse and relaxing hand and arm massage or a back, neck and shoulder massage.
Your hotel accommodation is located in the city of Swansea and is an excellent base for exploring this stretch of the Welsh coastline.

This package includes Golf, Spa and Hotel Accommodation.

From £245 per person for 2 nights hotel accommodation, a round of golf and a spa day (based on 2 sharing).