Jetsettersblog

Windstar Cruises, which operates a fleet of three luxury sailing yachts, is introducing three new Baltic itineraries this summer on the 312-guest Wind Surf. All three itineraries feature two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights in embarkation or disembarkation port cities.

“Capitals of Scandinavia” allows guests to experience the beauty, culture and city life of Scandinavia. They can explore Oslo’s parks and architecture; the palaces, canals and copper spires of Copenhagen; and the contrast of minimalist design and spice-colored buildings of Stockholm. Seven-day sailings between Oslo, Norway and Stockholm, Sweden visit Stromstad, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark (overnight); Rugen, Germany; and Bornholm, Denmark, and depart July 27 and August 19, 2012. Two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Oslo or Stockholm, are priced from $2,799 per person.

“Best of the Baltic” features an overnight in St. Petersburg. Wind Surf docks close to the center of each port—just steps away from the grand capitals and hamlets. Guests can explore the treasures of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage and the city’s charming cafes.

Seven-day sailings roundtrip from Stockholm, Sweden visit Mariehamn, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (overnight); Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; and Sandhamn, Sweden, with departures Aug. 3 and 11, 2012.

Cruises, including two free hotel nights per cabin in Stockholm, start from $3,699 per person.

“Treasures of Northern Europe” features three sailing days, plus the best of Northern Europe and overnights in Oslo and Amsterdam.

Guests can explore Northern Europe’s legendary cities and stand in the presence of some of the world’s great art masterpieces.

Eleven-day sailings between Lisbon, Portugal and Oslo, Norway visit Le Havre, France; Dover, Great Britain; Antwerp, Belgium; and Amsterdam, Netherlands (overnight), with departures July 16 and Aug. 26, 2012.

Cruises with two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Lisbon or Oslo, start from $2,499 per person. Seven-day sailings, LeHavre to Oslo or reverse, are also available from $2,199, with two-for-one savings fares plus two free hotel nights per cabin in Oslo.

All fares are per person cruise only, based on double occupancy in category B and include non-discountable amounts. Government fees and taxes are additional ($35-$300 per person).

Two-for-one cruise fares are based on 50 percent of published full cruise fares as shown on select sailings. The two-night complimentary hotel offer is available per booked cabin, is applicable on select sailings and includes one complimentary transfer to or from the yacht, all tips, gratuities, taxes and luggage-handling fees.

BOZEMAN, Mont—This spectacular, brand new women’s only culture and cooking tour offers 8 memorable days of learning about Poland’s fascinating culinary and cultural scene plus a myriad of cultural and outdoor adventures. This tour is one of many that is being offered in 2012 to help commemorate the 30th anniversary of AdventureWomen, Inc., the leader in adventure travel for women worldwide, since 1982. This girlfriend getaway includes hands-on and demonstration-style Polish cooking lessons, highlighting delicious regional cuisine including freshly made meals and breads, plus wine, beer, and vodka tastings. Other highlights include excursions into the famous cities and towns in Poland, hiking in Eastern Europe’s Tatra Mountains, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites to experience the art and architecture of the region. Other highlights include visits to local markets and agritourism farms in the countryside, opportunities to learn crafts from local markets, elegant accommodations at two luxurious 4-star hotel-spas in Zakopane and Krakow, optional tour extensions, and much more. Dates: September 5-18th, 2012. Cost: $3,895 from Krakow, Poland ($800 deposit). www.adventurewomen.com

Austrian Airlines’ Off-season Vacation Packages Include Air and Hotel, Start at $999

Krakow, Poland’s 1,000-year-old cultural capital and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, continues to draw visitors from all over the world. This stunningly beautiful city, one of the few Polish cities not destroyed during World War II, easily takes visitors from the 13th century to the present – and back again.

Krakow’s growing popularity as a tourist destination has prompted Austrian Airlines Vacation Center to create a number of vacation packages that feature the historic city by itself or in combination with either Warsaw (Poland) or Vienna (Austria). This winter, the Krakow City Steal starts at $999 per person double occupancy from New York or Newark and includes roundtrip economy class air transportation, three nights in Hotel PTTK Wyspianski (superior tourist class) in the heart of Krakow, daily buffet breakfast, hotel service charges and hotel taxes.

Off-season travelers can also combine three nights in Krakow with three nights in Warsaw @ $1,289 per person in three-star hotels, including first class rail transportation from Krakow to Warsaw. Finally, travelers who prefer to visit two cities in two different countries may want to check out the six-night Krakow-Vienna combination, starting at $1,219 per person. These packages are all valid for travel between now and December 14, 2011 and again from January 8-March 28, 2012, any day of the week, subject to availability. Weekend surcharges apply. Single supplements, upgrades, additional combinations and extensions are available upon request.

“Poland is full of treasures,” notes Bram Majtlis, president of Austrian Airlines Vacation Center. “Personally, I go crazy over Krakow, home of my favorite composers Chopin and Paderewski. It offers culture, history and architecture around every corner.”

Further details may be found on austrianair-vacations.com. For additional information or to make reservations, contact Austrian Airlines Vacation Center at (800) 790-4682, or info@austrianair-vacations.com

Fine Print:
All packages need to be booked at least 14 days in advance. Payment in full is required within 24 hours of confirmation. Once confirmed, the packages are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be changed. Packages will be booked in economy class and are subject to schedule and space availability. Your minimum stay is 3 nights or one Saturday overnight, and your maximum stay in Europe is 30 days. The Austrian Airlines Vacation Center package prices include fuel surcharges but do not include US Customs / INS / Aphis fees / International Transportation Tax / Passenger Facility Charges / Civil Aviation Security Fee / domestic and foreign Security and Airport Charges of approximately USD $185 – $260 per passenger, depending on the itinerary. Additional taxes and fees may be collected by foreign governments. All taxes / fees / surcharges are subject to change and exchange rate fluctuations and may vary on the day of booking.

About IMTC: Austrian Airlines Vacation Center is a division of IMTC (International Marketing & Travel Concepts, Inc.) and specializes in individual vacation packages from the USA to European destinations on Austrian Air. IMTC was founded in 1992 by Bram Majtlis, President, and the privately-held company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Other IMTC divisions include: IMTC/Pegasus, IMTC Concerts, Gold Concepts Public Relations and EdiTour.

Austrian Airlines Vacation Center, 3025 Maple Drive, Suite 5, Atlanta, Georgia 30305

Brendan Vacations is offering several new itineraries for Europe in 2012, including the 12-day Crossroads of Cultures and Contrasts: Bosnia, Croatia & Slovenia; the 11-day Discovering the Balkans; the 17-day From Greece to Dalmatia; the eight-day Highlights of Slovenia; and the 15-day Fabled Cities of Europe: Zagreb to Venice. All are being offers as Definite Departures. They include first class accommodations, breakfast daily and some lunches and dinners.

Also new, but not offered as definite departures are The Best of Russia, Baltic States and Warsaw, 14, 16 or 18 days; Dalmatian Sunshine, Dubrovnik to Zagreb, 10 days; Imperial Cities Showcase, Vienna to Warsaw, 10 days; From Bohemia to Transylvania, Prague to Bucharest, 14 days; The Best of Ukraine, Poland and Hungary, 12 days; Belgrade to Zagreb, 12 days; and Glimpse of Italy, nine or 12 days.

General Tours World Traveler is offering two new Small Group Journeys to Eastern Europe. The Small Group Journey product line is distinguished by having never more than 16 guests to a group, with boutique hotel stays, quality meals and activities not possible in a larger group. They are designed to provide a deeper and more authentic look into the culturally diverse destinations.

New for 2012, Grand Capitals of Eastern Europe is a 10-day trip to Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow and Budapest featuring distinguished hotels like the Regent Berlin, deemed one of the best places to stay in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, and the Sofitel Chain Bridge overlooking the Danube in the heart of Budapest. Activities include a visit to the Schindler Factory Museum in Krakow, dinner with a Polish family in the charming town of Lowicz and a countryside excursion to Szentendre, an ancient Hungarian town and now-thriving artists’ colony in the Danube Bend. A pre-trip extension to Prague and Dresden features five-star city-center hotels, complete sightseeing and all on-tour transportation including first class rail from Dresden to Berlin to join the Grand Capitals tour.

Also new in 2012, Journey through Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, features landmark hotels and resorts such as the Grand Hotel Toplice, overlooking Lake Bled, and Zagreb’s Regent Esplanade, originally built for passengers of the Orient-Express train. The itinerary includes Munich, Salzburg and Vienna, as well as destinations rarely featured on traditional large-group escorted tours, such as the Salzburg Lake District; Graz, Ljubljana, often called “Little Prague,” and the sixteen cascading lakes of Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through Dec 30, General Tours is offering savings of $500 per person on bookings paid in full at the time of booking for either of the new trips to Eastern Europe.

Now in its 65th year, General Tours World Traveler offers Small Group, Privately Guided and Small Ship journeys to Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Specifically designed for never more than 16 guests, the company’s programs promise immersive cultural encounters and authentic travel experiences not possible in a larger group. For more information, call 800-221-2216 or visit www.generaltours.com

From traditional ski chalets and rustic country houses to high-end villas and cosy cottages

As winter approaches, make the most of cosy evenings in and festive time with family with a short break to a snug cottage or chalet, where you can kick back, relax and curl up in front of a roaring log fire while sipping a comforting mug of hot chocolate or tea. Holiday homes with open fireplaces are always a favourite, especially during winter time, so to provide some inspiration for this season, HomeAway.co.uk, the UK’s number one holiday rentals website, has put together a list of the Top 10 most stylish and comfortable rental homes with wood burning stoves and fires.

Rent a traditional Swiss chalet for a ski break with friends and enjoy your own games room and open plan living room with log fire. Celebrate Halloween in a rustic mountain chalet with brick fireplace near Dracula’s castle in Transylvania, Romania, or head to Croatia for a relaxing stay in a rustic stone villa with wood burning stove in a peaceful countryside location in Central Istria. Alternatively, closer to home, stay in a cosy cottage in Cumbria, or a seaside house with three open fires and spectacular views in Scotland. Whatever type of fire-side setting you fancy, you can be sure to find it on www.HomeAway.co.uk

Choose from one of the properties below or browse more than 82,000 holiday homes with fireplaces available to rent worldwide.

Prices quoted are per property per week and correct at the time of going to press. Properties are arranged in order of price, from highest to lowest.

Top 10 homes with log fires on HomeAway.co.uk

IRELAND
Elegant period home in County Clare
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £1,840 per week
Inchiquin House is an elegant period home in County Clare, romantically tucked away in the west of Ireland not far from the Atlantic. Over 200 years old, the house stands in its own peaceful wooded private estate of over 100 acres, reached by its own half-mile long avenue. Both inside and outside, the house exudes atmosphere and an old country charm, featuring an imposing entrance hall, a large kitchen and breakfast area and a drawing room with black marble fireplace, decorated with period blue tiles, that burns on coal, wood and pleasantly-scented local turf.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p455496

SWITZERLAND
Traditional Swiss ski chalet with spectacular views in the village of Leysin
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £1,774 per week
Chalet Le Houx has four floors, as well as a garage for two cars and a ski room. The basement has an entrance hall, laundry, boot room, games/play room and a twin bedroom with en-suite shower. The first floor has a spacious, cosy open plan living room with log fire, dining area and well-equipped kitchen.

French doors open onto a terrace with magnificent views of the mountains and the meadow below. The second floor has three bedrooms all with access to the main balcony and the master bedroom is on the top floor with a private balcony and luxurious en-suite bathroom. The chalet is located a five minute walk to the ski lifts and ten minutes to the village centre, shops and restaurants.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p445034

FRANCE
Ski- in/ski out chalet in the heart of the Three Valleys
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8. From £1,577 per week

This is a stunning high-end log and stone ski chalet located within easy access to the famous Three Valleys ski area. The chalet has traditional alpine decks and beautiful exposed beams throughout and offers stunning views across the valley. It has four bedrooms with luxury bathrooms, a spacious living area with a beautiful log fire as its centrepiece, and an outdoor hot tub ideal for relaxing after a day on the slopes.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p861501

CROATIA
Beautiful villa with cosy fireplace, private pool and outdoor Jacuzzi, Central Istria
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £1,490 per week
This rustic, stone villa is situated in a peaceful countryside location and is ideal as a romantic retreat for couples or for family holidays. In complete harmony with the landscape, the property has been built with local stone and natural materials and features a large outdoor area with sun loungers and Jacuzzi, a beautiful fully equipped kitchen, as well as a cosy living room with fireplace and exposed wood beams.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p476494

ITALY
Rustic trullo with swimming pool and log fire, Puglia
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 9. From £1,402 per week

Surrounded by four acres of olive and other types of fruit trees, Trullo Genna provides outstanding self-catering accommodation and is ideally suited to one or two families or a group of friends. The property features a cosy snug area with log fire, a living area with leather sofas, a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, as well as beautifully restored stonework. The salt water swimming pool and large patio with stone gazebo for shade, pizza oven and BBQ provide the perfect environment for al-fresco dining.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p442001

MOROCCO
Beautiful and peaceful villa with private pool outside Marrakech
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6. £875 per week

Just a 20 minute drive away from the ancient Medina, this is a chic property set in a prestigious development designed by acclaimed architect, Charles Boccara. Surrounded by unspoilt farmland and with spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains, the villa sleeps up to six people in three elegant double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Available to rent throughout the year, it also features a beautiful open fireplace, a private swimming-pool, beautiful walled-gardens and the convenience of a discreet staff and personal cook.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p809220

POLAND
Historic farmhouse with design furniture close to the beach, Gdansk
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8. From £701 per week

The house lies in a fruit grove, in a secluded position between Gdansk, the Malbork Castle and Masuria. The lodge dates back to 1789, but it has been lovingly restored between 2005 and 2007. The house features a mix of antique furniture and modern design and boasts an entrance with sitting corner and window to the kitchen, a living and sleeping area with fireplace and a fruit grove with endless panoramic views.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p500631

ROMANIA
Rustic mountain chalet near Dracula’s castle in Transylvania
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8. From £701 per week

In a secluded position in the mountains around Sirnea, the highest village in Romania, sits this large, rustic mountain chalet. The impressive living space includes an open-plan lounge/dining area with a large brick fireplace and galleried, wood-beamed ceiling with hanging candelabra. The four separate bedrooms can easily accommodate up to eight, and there is a fully equipped kitchen and two bathrooms. It is the perfect retreat for nature lovers, hikers and bikers, and other peace-loving people looking for solitude.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p465673

SCOTLAND
Seaside house with three open fires and spectacular views, Northern Scottish Highlands
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12. From £550 per week

Keiss Harbour House is a stunning, contemporary house located on the edge of the Caithness village of Keiss, some 12 miles south of John O’Groats. The five bedrooms and spacious reception rooms make it ideal for entertaining groups of friends or family gatherings. The house is arranged over two floors and boasts a spectacular ‘great hall’ style living/dining room with handmade wooden table, two seating areas with sofas and armchairs, with an open fire and a wood burning stove hall with open fire and small dining table. The living/dining room, kitchen and hall all benefit from spectacular sea views.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p733207

ENGLAND
Stylish, antique cottage in Cumbria
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6. From £420 per week

This stylish cottage is full of charm and character and is furnished and equipped to a very high standard. Grange End Cottage is beautifully presented with every modern convenience and lots of thoughtful extras. Converted from a 19th century barn by a local craftsman, the property is lavishly furnished using a mixture of contemporary and antique furniture and has thick stone walls, a large, inglenook fireplace, many original features including owl holes (now glassed in) and oak beams. The cottage is located at the top of a cobbled lane in the picturesque village of Cark-in-Cartmel away from any roads, but only a minute’s walk to the centre of the village.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p1955

From award winning contemporary houses and traditional country manors to catered ski chalets and stunning city apartments

With thoughts already turning to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, if you’re hoping to go away with a group of friends or family this year, be sure to book well advance. On HomeAway.co.uk, the UK’s number one holiday rentals website, there are around 250 UK properties that can sleep 10 or more still available to rent for Christmas and New Year. There’s plenty of choice for those in search of a non-UK trip too, with more than 33,000 large private homes available to rent worldwide for the festive season.

Renting a private holiday home is the ideal way to spend some relaxing, quality time together, particularly around Christmas and New Year. Play games and watch films around the fire, ski or go for invigorating walks, or simply enjoy long lazy meals together. With individual bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens and spacious living and dining areas, as well as luxurious extras such as games rooms, saunas or even home cinemas and pools, holiday homes provide the ideal setting for a group getaway.

If you team up with family and friends renting a luxury home can be very reasonable, so why not treat yourselves to an incredible festive getaway this year. Choose some of the best rentals from the Top 10 below or browse www.HomeAway.co.uk  for more.

Prices quoted are per property per week for Christmas 2011 and New Year’s Eve and were correct at the time of going to press.

Top 10 large houses for Christmas and New Year’s Eve on HomeAway.co.uk

UK

Award winning contemporary house, set in 6 acres on the Isle of Wight
6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 11. £6,495 per week

SeaGlass is situated in an outstanding location above Gurnard bay, near the famous sailing town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight. With 180 degree sea views towards the New Forest this discreet property enjoys one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets. Its layout and interior design suggest a wonderful 21st century twist on ’60s Californian chic. The main glass room measures 55ft x 25ft with an expansive teak deck on one side and the sheltered white granite courtyard on the other. The grounds include a number of terraces and eating areas, with a swimming pool and BBQ area.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p832530

Beautiful large period property in Suffolk
6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12. £4,000 per week

The Cedars is a large period property of over 5000 sqft with large reception rooms enabling everyone to find a quiet space to unwind. The house caters for both adults and children with its play room and climbing frames to keep the children occupied whilst the adults relax or play pool. The house features drawing and sitting rooms with log burners, a large dining room seating 12, as well as a separate kitchen dining table in the conservatory that seats six. The conservatory has a seating area, television and a snooker table. Catering and pampering packages can be arranged on request.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p497692

Contemporary house with sea views in North Cornwall
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £2,750 per week
Atlantic Reach is a modern house, just a stone’s throw from the Widemouth Beach. Equipped to a very high standard, the house features two king bedrooms and three twin bedrooms, a large kitchen/dining room leading on to a spacious lounge with leather sofas and log burner and a large dining table seating 10. The garden, with its great views of the bay, is accessed through the lounge’s French doors and has a terraced patio area with large table and chairs, gas barbecue and an outside tap for swilling off those wetsuits after a day on the sand.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p437947

Luxurious Victorian villa ideal for large family gatherings in Scotland
7 Bedrooms, Sleeps 14. £2,100 per week

Situated in one of Stirling’s most picturesque Victorian suburbs amid broad tree lined avenues with views to the Old Town skyline, Castleview, a Victorian villa, was recently refurbished, but still retains its original, stylish character. The original billiard room provides a great room equipped with billiard table, board games, books and a separate downstairs television room has Freeview TV and a selection of DVDs and videos. The rear south facing garden contains a climbing frame with swings, various outdoor toys and a large south facing terrace with BBQ and garden furniture.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p864341

Detached country house in a tranquil rural setting, Northumberland
5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. £2,050 per week

This is an elegant, stone-built, detached, country house with the main house dating back to 1584. Situated in the tranquil hamlet of Eltringham, home to Thomas Bewick the world renowned lithographer, the house stands in an acre of mature, gated and private gardens, with unrestricted views along the Tyne Valley. Since 2001, the house has been extensively refurbished and modernised while retaining and restoring many of its period features. The house is centrally heated throughout and has a wood burning fireplace and two gas operated open grate fires. The stone-flagged entrance hall leads to a drawing room and dining room, each with marble fireplaces and bay windows. There is parking for up to ten cars on the gated gravel drive.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p499114

ABROAD

Switzerland
Authentic late 19th century chalet in Valais
6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 15. £7,369 per week

This is a magnificent and typical full timber chalet built on four levels in 1902, totally renovated yet keeping its authentic charm. The property features a fully equipped kitchen, a main living room for 15 people, a second living room with library and games, a third living room with piano and a spa area on the ground floor as well as a carnotzet and bar for your own private après ski.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p839265

France
Fully catered ski chalet in Haute-Savoie

6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 15. From £596 per person for a fully catered week
Chalet Shufu has an ideal location in the massive ‘Portes du Soleil’ ski area. This purpose-built ski chalet is close to Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets, an easy walk to the village resort centre of St. Jean d’Aulps and only just over one hour from Geneva in the French Alps. All bedrooms are en-suite and the chalet has a bar and dining area, as well as a cosy living area with log fire.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p55855

Caribbean
Exceptional villa with pool, games room and stunning views in St Vincent & Grenadines

4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 9. £5,183 per week
This sophisticated property is situated in beautiful tropical gardens at the top of Spring, offering panoramic views to the coconut groves and the bay and ocean towards the other Grenadine Islands. Cool and comfortable, the living and entertaining spaces have been designed to offer the highest level of accommodation. The property consists of one main house, an outhouse and separate games building, all connected via a stunning pool and tropical gardens, as well as a private swimming pool, and impressive snooker table and an elegant terrace providing the perfect venue for alfresco dining.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p389156

Poland
Rustic, sophisticated apartment in Krakow
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. From £863 per week
A rustic, elegant apartment with private sauna located between the two main social nightlife attractions in Krakow, the Old Town and Kazimierz. Entering it from the hall, the living room has a massive door entrance designed to look as a stylish frame of a rustic picture. The decorative wall across the room features unusual brick design and creates a stunning picture in picture effect. The dining area features handmade ceramic lamps hanging over a beautiful oak table. The apartment neighbours two other apartments that can be rented out, which means that a group of up to 22 people can be accommodated in one location.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p68453

Spain
Stunning apartment by the sea in Barcelona
4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 10. £255 per person per week

This is a magnificent luxury duplex penthouse of 180 sqm located in a residential area of Barcelona’s most fashionable district. The property gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day and offers spectacular views of the sea and the city from the living and dining areas, as well as from the large terrace.
www.HomeAway.co.uk/p451791

Cruise Baltic has added Gdansk, Poland, as a member, bringing its total number of destinations to 25. “Gdansk’s location lends itself to being a strategic port on the coast of the Baltic Sea,” said Cruise Baltic Director Bo Larsen. “The port is the largest in Poland and the historic, medieval city of Gdansk is an extremely popular tourist destination with its diverse culture, museums, galleries, its reputation as the world capital of amber and also the nearby scenic beaches.”

The announcement was made at the Seatrade Europe industry meeting, where Cruise Baltic also gave the first Cruise Baltic Crown Award to Nigel Lingard, marketing director of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.“Nigel Lingard is the first recipient of our Crown Award. He is the ultimate cruise industry professional who has been a key and loyal supporter of our network in his role at Fred Olsen; his advice and experience have contributed greatly to the development of our region,” Larsen said. “The Baltic itineraries operated by Fred Olsen are renowned and prove tremendously popular with cruise guests.”

On receiving the award, Lingard said, “I first fell in love with the Baltic region when I worked with Silja Line back in the ’70s. The opportunity to help to develop the cruise business has been a real joy, and I have worked with some 30 ports in the Baltic over the years. What they all have in common is that they deliver customer satisfaction and that’s what will ensure their continued success.”

“One of the main reasons for introducing the Cruise Baltic Crown Award scheme is to thank and acknowledge our cruise industry partners for their co-operation and support,” Larsen explained. “The award will be given to either a person, or organization, who/which has made a significant contribution towards promoting and growing the Baltic Sea Region as a cruise destination.”

Cruise Baltic is a network of cruise destinations in the Baltic Sea made up of 10 countries. The association started in 2004 with 12 destinations and has grown to 25 destinations. For more information, visit www.cruisebaltic.com

Get ready for our craziest systemwide fare sale ever – up to 50% off when you book and ticket your clients this Wednesday or Thursday on LOT.

Sale period: October 26 & 27, 2011 instant purchase
Travel period: November 1 – December 15, 2011 all travel completed by Dec. 15, 2011
Minimum stay: Saturday night or 3 days
Cancellation: non-refundable
Changes: not permitted
Fare basis: LCRAZY

All fares are point-to-point and are combinable. Find great fares to most LOT destinations.

- Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, France, Switzerland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Poland and Sweden -

Europe’s Christmas markets are a lovely way to get into the festive spirit by combining a city break with a shopping trip to stock up on hand-made decorations, foodie goodies such as Lebkuchen ginger bread and unique Christmas presents. Specialist tour operator, Dertour, has a range of short break packages to Christmas market destinations, and has hand-picked the following ‘off-the-beaten-track’ markets which are perfect whether you are looking for a gourmet, romantic or pure shopping experience.

These are just a few examples, as Dertour offers Christmas markets to 14 countries including Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, France and Switzerland, as well as, for the first time for 2011, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Poland and Sweden. Overall prices start from just £128 per person for a two night trip to Prague.

Best for Romance (and Gingerbread!) – Nuremberg – from £330pp – Nuremberg is picture-perfect, with a castle over-looking the city giving the perfect romantic backdrop. It also happens to be where the famous Christmas gingerbread, Lebkuchen, was invented! Depart Gatwick on 2nd December for a two night break in Nuremberg to experience its Christmas Market, set in the heart of the city’s Old Town, and consisting of 180 festive wooden stalls decorating Nuremberg’s twinkling Market Square. This weekend break is priced from £330 per person (based on two sharing) to include two nights accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four star Arvena Park hotel and return flights from Gatwick.

Best for Hand-Made Gifts – Dresden – from £219pp – Christmastime transforms the city on the River Elbe into a winter wonderland. Dresden’s Christmas market, traditionally called Striezelmarkt, is one of Germany’s largest and oldest markets, dating all the way back to 1434. Nowadays over 230 lovingly decorated stalls of Dresden’s Striezelmarkt offer a wealth of festive regional arts and crafts; from wooden ornaments made by skilled wood carvers of the Erzgebirge mountain villages to Indigo-printed textiles and pottery from Lusatia, and from wickerwork and Plauen lace to sought-after paper Advent stars from Herrnhut. Dertour’s weekend packages to Dresden include return flights from Heathrow to Düsseldorf and two nights accommodation on bed and breakfast basis in the four star Madison Hotel situated in the heart of the city. Based on two people sharing. Departures between 25 November and 24 December.

Best for Gourmet-lovers – Freiburg from £259pp – Close to the Swiss and French border and located on the western edge of the Southern Black Forest, one of Germany’s most popular holiday regions, Freiburg is a lively university city with a very charming atmosphere during Christmas time. And because of its location, it offers an excellent choice of wine from the region, plus the famous ‘Black Forest Gateaux’ which adorn every café window! Dertour’s weekend packages include return flights from Gatwick to Basel, rail transfer and two nights accommodation on bed and breakfast basis in the three star InterCity Hotel. Based on two people sharing. Departures between 21 November and 23 December.

Best for Culture – Heidelberg from £319pp – The university town of Heidelberg offers some interesting museums as well as an ice-skating rink at the foot of Castle Hill plus six different Christmas markets with more than 140 beautifully decorated stalls. Prices start from £319 per person, to include return flights from Heathrow, rail transfers, two nights bed and breakfast accommodation in the four star Leonardo Hotel. Based on two people sharing. Departures between 23 November and 22 December.

Best for A Christmas Market With a Difference – Tallinn from £255 per person – Tallinn in Estonia is actually home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, and is also home of the world’s first Christmas tree (first recorded public display of a Christmas tree was in 1441). It now offers a great Christmas markets experience in a UNESCO world heritage site, with this year’s market being ‘fairytale’ themed, with Santa Claus wondering the market greeting visitors.A two night Christmas Market packages to Tallinn starting from £255 per person to include return flights from Gatwick and accommodation on bed and breakfast basis in the four star hotel Sokos Hotel Viru. Departures between 25 November and 22 December.

Best for Super-Shoppers – Wiesbaden from £265 per person – If you are into shopping, then the combination of designer shops and the unique gift stalls of Wiesbaden’s ‘Twinkling Stars‘ market (its officially named this, rather than a Christmas market because of the amounts of international visitors the town attracts) is for you. Prices start from £265 per person, to include return flights from London Heathrow, two nights bed and breakfast accommodation in the four star NH Aukamm Wiesbaden. Based on two people sharing. Departures between 22 November and 23 December.

For bookings call Dertour on 0207 290 1111 or visit www.dertour.co.ukfor further information