Jetsettersblog

To celebrate Vietnam Airlines introducing the first direct flights from the UK to Vietnam this winter, Imaginative Traveller is offering a £50 discount per person on a selection of trips in 2012.

The twice-weekly routes from Gatwick to Hanoi and Hoi Chi Minh City will start 9 December, making the mysteries of Saigon, scenery of Hue and charms of Hanoi even more easily accessible. Throughout July Imaginative Traveller, the affordable adventure specialist, will be inviting travellers to take advantage of a £50pp discount which will be valid on all of its tours flying into Saigon and out of Hanoi in 2012 when booked by 31 July.

Imaginative Traveller’s Hiedi Hutchinson commented: “The charms of Vietnam have made it a firm favourite with intrepid travellers for years but, with people becoming increasingly adventurous with their holiday choices, these new flights will certainly help put Vietnam firmly on the tourism radar.”

The £50pp discount is valid across the following small group adventures:

Vietnam at a Glance (14 days from £1279pp incl. £50 discount & flights)

- Squeeze some of the country’s best bits into this two week trip full of top locations plus time to slow down and cruise around the islands off Nha Trang – one of Vietnam’s premier beach resorts. The tour takes in Saigon and the Cu Chi Tunnels, Dalat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue and Hanoi.

- Price includes flights with Vietnam Airlines, 13 nights’ accommodation (11 nights hotel & 2 nights train), transport (bike, boat bus & train), some meals (9 breakfasts & 1 lunch) and an experienced local group leader. Tour only available from £590pp.

Vietnam South to North (18 days from £1484pp incl. £50 discount & flights)

- Journey through this country by boat, train, bus and bicycle and experience the hospitality of a Vietnamese family first-hand with a night stay in a family house on an island in the Mekong Delta. Other highlights of the tour include boating in Halong Bay, the floating market of Mekong, the underground network of Cu Chi Tunnels, Nha Trang cruise plus Saigon, Dalat and Hanoi.

- Price includes flights with Vietnam Airlines, 17 nights’ accommodation (2 nights train, 13 nights hotel, 1 night homestay & 1 night boat), transport, some meals (13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners) and an experienced local group leader. Tour only available from £795pp.

Vietnam Encompassed (22 days from £1719pp incl. £50 discount & flights)

- To take in the full Vietnam experience, this trip snakes its way through the whole country taking in its haunting history. The extra days allow for a breathtaking trek through the mountains in the north and the small hill-tribe town of Sapa with a night spent in a village longhouse.

- Price includes flights with Vietnam Airlines, 20 nights’ accommodation (4 nights train, 14 nights hotel, 1 night village hut, 1 night homestay & 1 night boat), transport (boat, bus & train), some meals (15 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 3 dinners) and an experienced local group leader. Tour only available from £1030pp.

Extra Comfort: Glimpse of Vietnam (12 days from £1684pp incl. £50 discount & flights)

- For those that still want the same mix of culture, adventure and relaxation but with a little added comfort, this tour is an ideal way to be introduced to the country’s charms. This trip travels through the historic capitals of Hanoi and Saigon and the former seat of power in Hue to the relaxed tropical beaches of Nha Trang and Mui Ne.

- Price includes flights with Vietnam Airlines, 11 nights’ accommodation (1 night train & 10 nights comfortable hotel), transport (boat, private vehicle & train), some meals (10 breakfasts & 2 lunches) and an experienced local group leader. Tour only available from £995pp.

For more information visit www.imaginative-traveller.com  or call

Imaginative Traveller on 0845 508 2183

Stapleford Park was recently voted one of the Top 50 Wedding Locations in the UK by a panel of 5 independent judges in an article recently published in The Independent, and one of only two from Rutland and Leicestershire.

Charlie Brear, who was one of the panelist and runs the Vintage Wedding Dress Company, commented that “this historic house and stunning grounds offer a truly special location for a wedding and that the ‘elegant and relaxed’ country house hotel caters for most requests, from civil ceremonies in its Orangery, or private rooms, to blessings in the estate’s church”.

“We are delighted with the national accolade from The Independent as we have been working very hard at Stapleford Park to provide an exceptional Wedding experience for any Bride or Groom, while offering flexible Wedding Packages. Now that we also have full access to St Mary Magdalene in the hotel grounds for blessings, it really helps complete the ideal wedding day”. Sarah Smith, Wedding Coordinator, Stapleford Park commented.

Stapleford Park can cater for Weddings of all sizes, from a discreet and intimate blessing in the Morning Room to a larger blessing in the estate’s church for upto 160 guests. For more information contact Sarah Smith on 01572 787000, email weddings@stapleford.co.uk or visit www.staplefordpark.com/weddings

For further information contact Rebecca Collin, PR & Marketing Manager dt:01572 787016 or e: rcollin@stapleford.co.uk

About Stapleford Park (www.staplefordpark.com)

Set in 500 acres of woods, parkland and beautiful gardens, Stapleford Park is one of England’s finest stately homes offering guests an irresistible combination of informal luxury and the best of the English countryside. Each of the 55 bedrooms have been individually designed and reflect the style of their creators; renowned names such as Mulberry, David Hicks, Sanderson, and Crabtree and Evelyn. Guests can also indulge in a game of golf or in a number of country pursuits including, archery, falconry and shooting.

Stapleford Park is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Are you a party of 6 or less? Are you looking for that special self catering accomodation that offers you that little bit extra? Not only in character and charm but also in space? Well here at Cornish Horizons we have just that.

Armsyde, a former sea merchants house is situated in the heart of old Padstow town. This three storey, 18th century town house has ben renovated and decorated to keep the charm alive and has a wonderful spacious interior.

Offering accommodation for 12 on a normal basis this is really a treat for parties of 6 or less. With a 50% reduction on the standard rent means smaller parties can enjoy the spacious communal areas but only pay half the standard price.
This offer appilies for all available weeks in July and August, so being a smaller party does not mean that you have to take smaller accommodation.

Being set in the heart of foodie Padstow, you can enjoy the delights of all the fabulous restaurants it has to offer. Perhaps a night at Rick Steins Flagship restaurant, The Seafood, or lunch at Paul Ainsworths No.6? With Jamie Olivers Fifteen at Watergate only a 20 minute drive away, the choices are endless!

To take advantage of this amazing 50% under occupancy offer contact Cornish Horizons on 01841 533 331, or book online at www.cornishhorizons.co.uk

Please be aware some bedrooms will be locked if this offer is taken.

“Looking For Discounts While You’re Away On Attractions, Activities, Shopping And Eating? Book With Us At Cornish Horizons And Thats Just What You Get!”
05 Jul 11
Cornish Horizons has launched its’ very own Privilege Card scheme to offer FREE to everyone who books one of their 190 self-catering properties. Over the past few months we have been contacting businesses up and down the North Cornwall coast and asking them to offer all our visitors a unique discount in their establishments. We have tried to get a variety of businesses to join to be able to offer something for everyone.

We have been delighted by the response we’ve had and are very proud of the partnerships we’ve made.

So if you’re looking for some surfing lessons we have the highly recommended Harlyn Surf School covering the Padstow, Constantine and Harlyn areas as well as the newly formed Kings Surf School for the Mawgan and Newquay areas.
Fancy a round of golf? Then we have the Merlin Golf Club offering 10% off all course fees.

For all you shopaholics, Saltrock are offering a fantastic discount of 15% and with their Newquay Flagship store having just opened, finding them couldnt be easier.

After your busy day shopping or surfing its’ time for a bite to eat. Perhaps the relaxed atmosphere of Little Italy in Newquay is what you’re looking for where the kids eat free with a full paying adult or maybe the fine dining experience of the Treglos Hotel in Constantine Bay is more what you’re looking for in a dining experience. Whatever your taste and enjoyments are we’re sure our Privilege Card will fit the bill.

To see a full list of participants go to:
www.cornishhorizons.co.uk/privilege  and download our online brochure.
To take advantage of the card all you need to do is choose a Cornish Horizons property for your 2011 holiday.

Cheltenham, 5th July 2011: Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent marks the launch of its new Solo Traveller Programme with a fabulous 5 night trip to Egypt in September 2011.

Accompanied by like-minded travellers, this inaugural solo traveller’s journey encompasses key elements of Cairo and the ancient sites in the vicinity of the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. At £1,999 per person the trip offers excellent value for money, reflecting no single supplements and an itinerary specifically designed to capture Egypt at its most alluring – without the crowds.

Departing on Thursday 22nd September 2011 the 5 night trip, designed specifically with those travelling solo in mind will include 2 nights at the Four Seasons in Cairo followed by 3 nights on board the stylish Nile cruiser, the Sunboat III.

The group will exceed no more that 12 people and will be accompanied by Abercrombie & Kent’s expert guides whose extensive knowledge of the local culture and history is second to none.

Justin Wateridge, Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent said of the bespoke solo trips planned, “we want our clients to be able to travel on their own, but never be alone. As more people like to travel independently and invest in their own particular interests and loves, it is important that our trips offer them the opportunities they seek as an individual but with the comfort of other people around”.

TOP SPAS OUTSIDE OF PRAGUE:

Beethoven’s Year and Speciality Coffee in Teplice

Teplice (www.teplice.cz) is the oldest spa in the Czech Republic opened its 857th spa season this year and also commemorating the 200th anniversary of the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s visit to Teplice. The city prepared special events throughout the season. Visitors coming to Teplice will have an opportunity to stay in recently renovated Beethoven’s room. Clients fancying luxurious amenities would fancy a newly refurbished Imperial suite in the Emperor’s Spa (Císařské lázně). A new treat – the speciality spa coffee prepared exclusively for Teplice visitors who can enjoy the drink with traditional spa wafers.

Film Festival and the Empress “Sisi” in Karlovy Vary

The most famous spa in the Czech Republic, Karlovy Vary (www.karlovy-vary.cz) is currently living with the Karlovy Vary IFF (01 – 09 July) www.mffkv.cz, the most important international film festival of Category A in Central and Eastern Europe.

Once there visitors can check the “Elizabeth Bath” (www.spa5.cz) named after the Austrian empress Sisi and celebrating its 105th anniversary this year. The clients can try Elizabeth’s bath with mineral water, an Indian anti-stress head massage or a Hawaiian relaxation massage.

“Nová Marie” in Mariánské Lázně

Top event of the season in Mariánské Lázně (www.marianskelazne.cz) would be the reopening of a renovated spa house “Nová Marie” (www.marienbad.cz ) that offers comfortable accommodation and wide range of services and spa treatment – natural Mary’s gas CO2 and peat in particular.

The spa hotel “Royal Spa” (www.royalspa.cz ) offers special spa and wellness packages and stays for high-end customers. The guests can enjoy wholesome baths at Balbín’s Spring or massages with herbal sachets.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie in Jáchymov

The first radon spa in the world (www.laznejachymov.cz ) prepared a detoxication wellness package in the “Radium Palace” hotel and the “Běhounek” hotel organises “FIT” weekends – two-day programmes full of physical activities.

Oasis of Peace and Relax in Lázně Mšené

In Lázně Mšené (www.msene.cz ) situated just under one hour from Prague celebrated its 205th season this year with opening of a newly refurbished original interior of the spa restaurant “Dvorana” from 1905. Additionally the small family spa has diversified its treatment and wellness procedures and so everyone will enjoy the spa to the fullest. A new offer includes aerobic or zumba programmes as well as special physiotherapeutic packages for older guests.

Outdoor Exercise in Luhačovice

The Luhačovice spa (www.lazneluhacovice.cz ) offer brand new spa package called the “Traditional Spa Treatment” which includes various procedures of local mineral springs, traditional hydrotherapy and Luhačovice outdoor exercise signaling a return to a traditional type of wholesome exercise dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. Newly renovated luxurious four-star interwar-style Spa&Wellness Hotel Alexandria was opened at the end of the last year.

Pamper Spa near Prague – www.chateaumcely.com

Mcely Spa was created gradually over a period of six years within the sensitive reconstruction of the chateau and its adjacent English park. Its uniqueness consists of the interconnection of interior and exterior spaces such that the entire chateau complex actually becomes a spa. Spacious, creatively-designed, private, therapeutic suites named Honey, Silk and Pearls offer a relaxing and inspiring environment for an exceptional spa experience. You can enjoy your spa therapy in either the chateau, on the highest floor of the tower, or in the chateau’s park near the natural swimming lake. All three suites are adapted so that couples can have their therapies together. At the Spa Reception you will find a relaxation zone where you can calmly sip delicious herbal tea and a boutique where you can purchase items from the Mcely Spa collection including the Mcely Bouquet cosmetic line. The English park also includes an outdoor Jacuzzi, a small sauna building, natural swimming lake, multifunctional sports ground and a specially-designed natural course for cardiovascular and muscular fitnes

TOP SPAS IN PRAGUE:

MANDARIN ORIENTAL 5*

Entirely dedicated to guests’ well being, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Prague offers the ultimate escape in the Golden City. www.mandarinoriental.com/prague

The spa combines harmonious design elements with therapeutic rituals, and is housed in a truly unique venue — a former Renaissance chapel. Guests are greeted in a vast light-filled lobby, the former nave. The glass flooring encases illuminated remnants of a onetime Gothic church which were uncovered during the site’s reconstruction. Spread over two floors, the Spa features seven treatment rooms including two couples’ suites. Each is unique; some are vaulted, others arched, giving guests a true sense of place. An underground passageway links it to the hotel, ensuring in-room guests complete privacy.

A haven of tranquillity within the heart of Prague, the Spa offers an exclusive selection of pampering rituals designed to de-stress, relax and revitalise. Using Mandarin Oriental’s signature collection of luxury spa products developed by Aromatherapy Associates, the Spa at Mandarin Oriental tailors treatments to the specific needs of each guest, acknowledging their individuality.

LE PALAIS HOTEL PRAGUE 5* – Pure Spa & Health Club

Offering well-being massages for relaxation of the body and soul and luxury procedures for ultimate radiance and supplied by the finest natural cosmetic Ligne St. Barth, made in St. Barthélemy – French Caribbean, the spa in Le Palais Hotel offers ultimate spa experience in the Czech Republic.

www.palaishotel.cz

Sylvie Taborova
taborova@czechtourism.com

Cambodia Gives Birth To Its First Luxury Eco-Island Resort
08 Jul 11
In December this year Cambodia will open what is set to be the first of several private island resorts that will combine luxury and conservation. Known as Song Saa, which means ‘The Sweethearts’ in Khymer, the eco-retreat extends to two tiny pristine islands joined together by a footbridge over a marine reserve. Luxury specialist Bridge & Wickers is now taking bookings for this exciting new development, as part of a tailor-made package to Cambodia.

Way off the beaten track in Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago, just off the coast of Sihanoukville, are Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, the two islands that together make up Song Saa Private Island. On one island is the luxury accommodation: an array of 25 stunning overwater, rainforest and beach villas built with sustainable materials including furniture that has been created from restored driftwood on beaches. The other island will house the wellness centre and spa suspended among the rainforest, and a yoga and meditation centre on the eastern shore – ideal for yoga at sunrise. As well as a large infinity edge swimming pool straddling both east and west sides of the island, there are beachside water-sports with sailing, diving, kayaking and snorkeling.

At the heart of the resort is the world-class Vista restaurant and lounge, spectacularly positioned just off the island’s shoreline with a 360 degree view of the sea. Guests can explore the islands’ reefs, wander among virgin rainforest and lie on the pure white sands of Song Saa’s beaches. With more than 20 deserted islands close by, there are plenty of opportunities for offshore adventures.

A major focus for Song Saa is the protection and improvement of the local environment, marine life and communities, according to the Australian owners, Rory and Melita Hunter. The Hunters have been working closely with government and non-governmental organizations, conservation authorities, marine biologists and community leaders to protect the environment, safeguard local livelihoods and responsibly pave the way for future developers who are likely to follow suit. Having established a marine reserve to safeguard the islands’ reefs and marine life – which includes dugongs, seahorses and many species of tropical fish – Song Saa will allow guests to experience the area’s flora and fauna by dipping into its fascinating ecological program.

Combine with Angkor Wat and its newly opened Temple

Flying into Siem Reap, it’s easy to combine a stay at Song Saa with a trip to Angkor Wat where, after four decades of closure, the Baphuon temple has finally re-opened. The £9 million project to restore the 11th century, three-tier step temple began in the 1960s but was disrupted by Cambodia’s civil war. The French-led team pieced together 300,000 sandstone blocks in an archaeological jigsaw and it is now open for all to see.

Price: Bridge & Wickers (www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk  020 7483 6555) offers a 3-night stay at Song Saa Private Island off the Cambodian coast from £1,259 per person based on two sharing a Hilltop Jungle Villa including return private plane transfers from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, speedboat to the island, all meals, most drinks, a foot massage on arrival, mini-bar, laundry, and use of kayaks, snorkelling gear, kite board, wind surfer and sailing boats. International flights are extra and start from £890 per person. The plane from Siem Reap will leave twice a day in each direction and land on a separate island 10 minutes’ away by speedboat from Song Saa.

The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa is offering a special Summer spa break until August 31st August 2011, perfect for a girls getaway in the luxurious surroundings of the hotel & spa.

Check in to your petite double or twin room of if you really want to treat yourself, stay in a spa suite. Spend the afternoon in the Verbena Spa which is a haven of tranquility with a country chic feel. Settle in for some “me time” in the spa lounge and then choose from a selection of 1 hour treatments by Elemis (Full Body Massage, Fruit Active Facial or a Prescriptive Manicure).

Fully relaxed from your treatment you can spend time in the Verbena Spa heat experience which includes saunarium, steam room, salt inhalation room, foot spa, and outdoor hot tub. Alternatively soak up the sun in the spa garden or take a dip in the outdoor heated pool.

Once you have been totally pampered, head down to dinner starting your evening with a glass of pink bubbles in the hotel lounge before feasting upon a sumptuous three course a la carte or five course tasting menu in the hotel restaurant.

And then to a relaxing night’s sleep before waking to a full Yorkshire breakfast delivered to your room, the perfect ending to your Spa Break at the Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa.

Spa Break Includes:

• Three courses a la carte or tasting menu dinner
• Glass of pink champagne before dinner
• Verbena Spa Heat Experience (saunarium, salt inhalation room, aromatherapy room, ice cave, monsoon showers, hot tub and heated outdoor pool)
• An hour treatment by Elemis (Full Body Massage, Fruit Active Facial or a Prescriptive Manicure)
• Yorkshire Breakfast each morning (available as a room service with no extra cost)
• Early Morning Hot Drinks with newspaper

Petite Double – £175 per person (usually £200)
Twin Double – £180 per person (usually £210)
Deluxe Double – £200 per person (usually £245)
Classic Junior Suite – £225 per person (usually £280)
Poolside or Deluxe Suite – £250 per person (usually £320)
Spa Suite – £265 per person (usually £340)

Offer available Sunday – Friday. Valid until 31st August 2011.

All spa treatments are subject to availability and you may be called to confirm the available timings.

Notes

The Feversham Arms sits in the picturesque market town of Helmsley, North Yorkshire. Over the last five years the hotel has undergone considerable development to create a true hideaway hotel. The Feversham Arms has 33 individually designed bedrooms, including 22 suites. The hotel also has a new reception and library, a fine dining restaurant offering dishes that are deeply rooted in the local area, an outdoor heated pool and the Verbena Spa. The Feversham Arms is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the winner of the coveted AA Hotel of The Year 2009-2010.

www.fevershamarmshotel.com

To celebrate the approaching centenary of the ‘rediscovery’ of Machu Picchu, and the approach of its own quarter century celebrations, Tucan Travel is giving away a tour of Peru that includes a visit to this timeless ruin.

On 24 July American historian Hiram Bingham, reportedly on the hunt for a different ruin, was led up the steep slopes of Machu Picchu by a young local Quechua lad, to become the first outsider to witness the inspiring and mystical ruins of the Incas that time had forgotten.

In March 1987, two equally intrepid explorers first took other young travellers to marvel at the wonder of this Lost Inca City and Tucan Travel was born.

For details about the competition and to enter visit www.tucantravel.com/machu-picchu-competition . Winners will be drawn on 15 August.

Ben McIntosh
ben@tucantravel.com

Mountain High With Mallorca Farmhouses – The Sierra De Tramuntana Mountains Win UNESCO Bid
05 Jul 11
Mallorca’s famous Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range was awarded World Heritage status last week by UNESCO. Credited for its magnificent landscape, history and culture, it is a hotspot for walkers and cyclists with pretty villages, colourful flora, thriving fauna, birds of prey and breathtaking sea views. To visit the area, accommodation specialists Mallorca Farmhouses offer a selection of self-catering properties from just £356 per week.

Stretching 90km from Andratx in the south-west of the island to Pollenca in the north, the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountains are an awe-inspiring sight. With high peaks, rocky cliffs and valleys with olive and citrus groves, over 20,000 people signed the local Government’s petition for World Heritage status, including Michael Douglas.

For keen walkers and cyclists, the mountains offer a variety of scenic trails through sheltered woodland and quaint towns, as well as offer sensational views over the eastern coast and rolling countryside.

Award-winning, self-catering specialists, Mallorca Farmhouses offer a selection of exclusive villas, fincas and country cottages located near to and with views of the mountains from £356 per week. All properties include a private pool, welcome pack and maid service. Suggestions include:

C’an Picassa is a charming three-bedroom farmhouse situated in the stunning ‘Son March’ valley in the Pollenca hills that sleeps six. Full of character, it offers sensational views as well as large grounds, sun and covered dining terraces, outdoor BBQ. Prices start from £725 per week in 2012.

For further information contact Mallorca Farmhouses on 0845 800 8080 or visit www.mallorca.co.uk

Just 3 miles from the historic fishing port that is Padstow, lies the idyllic village of Little Petherick. This gorgeous little hamlet offers the Rosehill apartments glorious views over open countryside towards the coast, the Camel estuary and beyond. The apartments are spacious and characterful, and taking pets means the whole family can come.

Having only just been offered to the market means there are key summer weeks still available. With a host of beaches on offer on the North Cornwall coast, what better place to take your summer holiday. Enjoy the foodie heaven of Padstow, the hussle and bussle of Newquay, the traditional town of Wadebridge or even the city of Truro.

With events being held across the country all summer you’ll never be bored of things to do. Perhaps the Eden Project will take your fancy? An evening at the Minack? Or if all you want to do is kick back and relax how about some Steins fish and chips on the beach as the sun goes down?

We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country.

To book the Rosehill apartments contact Cornish Horizons on 01841 533 331 or book online at www.cornishhorizons.co.uk

If you can’t decide whether a beach-side or city break is the one for your family this summer, Eurocamp has the perfect solution – Paris Plage – an unusual event in the Parisian summertime that transforms the city’s most vibrant river banks into sandy beaches from 20 July until 20 August 2011.

Families and couples can witness the transformation of several famous Parisian landmarks into relaxed beaches. From sunning in the sand, to swimming in pools suspended over the Seine, enjoying outdoor games or watching free evening concerts, Paris Plage offers activities that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Eurocamp’s International parc in Paris is a great base from which to enjoy the beachside fun, as it’s beautifully situated on the banks of the Seine, with unsurpassed access to the many attractions of Paris, putting your family right at the heart of the festivities.

Located in the heart of Paris, the parc is also only a short trip away from the city’s famous landmarks, perfectly situated for day trips to the Louvre, family picnics at the Eiffel Tower or even picking out something special at some of the world’s most famous shopping districts.

A seven night stay at Eurocamp’s International parc, in Paris, arriving on 18 July 2011, staying in a 2 bed ‘Superior’ mobile home with decking, (sleeps up to 7, maximum 4 adults) will cost just £616 (saving £350 with Eurocamp’s ‘Hot today, gone tomorrow’ offer) for the whole family, accommodation only.

For those keen to take in more of France, why not hop in the car or take advantage of the great transport links from Paris and spend a few days in the more rural setting of Eurocamp’s Château des Ormes parc in Dol-de-Bretagne, Northern Brittany.

Although very peaceful in setting, this parc is also ideal for families who like the active life, with an impressive range of activities and plenty of facilities for all the family. Golf and horse riding take pride of place on the sporting agenda, as the parc has its own 18 hole course, complete with an exclusive clubhouse for golfers and its horse riding school offers treks for all ages and abilities. Families can also play tennis, ramble through the vast and beautiful estate, or enjoy the splendid water park style 5 pool complex, with new wave pool and covered pool.

A seven night break from 18th July 2011 at Eurocamp’s Château des Ormes parc in Dol-de-Bretagne, costs just £574 (saving £280 with Eurocamp’s ‘Hot today gone tomorrow’ offer) for the whole family, staying in a 2 Bedroom Comfort mobile home (sleeps up to 7, maximum 6 adults), accommodation only.

For further information on Eurocamp, please call 0844 406 0552 or visit www.eurocamp.co.uk

Serbia is currently excavating the archaeological ruins of the major Roman city and military camp of Moesia (now Serbia) dating back to the First century AD. Already attracting in excess of 60,000 visitors a year, Viminacium located 90 miles south-east of Belgrade is already making its mark with tourists.

Covering an expanse of over 450 hectares, the site contains the remains of temples, streets, squares, amphitheatres, palaces, hippodromes and Roman baths and lies on the Roman Road, via Milatris. Having excavated only 2 per cent of the city and military camp, archaeologists have already unearthed roman baths which clearly demonstrate the advance thinking of the Romans with ancient under floor heating and flushing toilets. The Mausoleum has already various graves and visitors can explore under tunnel 4th Century frescoes which have already been revealed. The amphitheatre, which can hold up to 12,000 people and is one of the largest to be found in the Balkans and is still undergoing excavation work, but there is already plenty to see. Next year, in conjunction with the Rome opera House there will be a production of Aida – the first in a series of concerts planned for the Viminacium amphitheatre.

Two years ago, Viminacium discovered a mamouth skeleton dating back some 5 million years and this should be on public view soon.

Viminacium has also recently built a new science and research visitor centre, complete with a library and a restaurant which will, when it opens later this year, serve Roman inspired dishes. There is also a new 15 room hotel for visitors wishing to explore the site for more than a fleeting tour, and accommodation is also being built for archaeology students or visitors who are interested in working with one of the excavation teams on site. The centre will also accommodate a spa centre with two pools for swimming and hydro-massage and a convention hall. The latest development will all be open for business at the end of the summer and will provide the backbone to Viminacium’s financial sustainability.

The excavation is ongoing but Viminacium needs further funds to unveil more of the hidden city however, tourism and site entrance fees are going some way to finance the development of the site. Government grants and even a small donation from a nearby power station have gone some way to help finance the teams. However, Viminacium also hopes to receive further funding from the EU in the future, to speed up the painstaking work of the excavation team.

Staying at Viminacium and working with the on-site team of archaeologists will be available from September from 150-200 Euros per day to include accommodation and all meals. Students will also be able to participate in excavations from 35 Euros a day to include hostel accommodation and all meals.

Viminacium is open February to November and for those wishing to find out more, should visit: www.viminacium.org.rs or call +381 62669013. English speaking guided tours are also available on site.

For general information about travel to Serbia go to: www.serbia.travel