Jetsettersblog

The January Trivago Hotel Price Index (tHPI), rating average hotel prices at ski destinations and other hotels in Europe and North America, reports that Romania has the least expensive ski resort prices this winter.

In January, ski resorts in the Romanian town of Predeal are reporting the cheapest prices Europe-wide, at $71 per night in a standard double. In the Polish winter resort of Szczyrk, skiers pay an average of $81, while in Bansko, Bulgaria, rooms are available for $93 per night.

The highest prices in Europe were reported in St. Moritz in Switzerland ($545), and in the U.S., in Beaver Creek, Colo. ($498).

This month, Poiana Brasov, Romania, is offering overnight stays for an average cost of $123 per night, a 36 percent increase from last month.

The Polish ski towns of Szczyrk ($81) and Zakopane ($101), are also reporting price increases between 21 to 22 percent, compared to December 2011, while those headed to Bansko, Bulgaria, will find hotel rooms for an average rate of $93 per night (up 20 percent).

Destinations such as Lake Tahoe ($103, up 5 percent from last month) and Stowe, Vt. ($193, up 23 percent) were among those reporting the lowest winter prices across North America.

Swiss destinations such as Gstaad ($504, up 39 percent compared to last month) and Zermatt ($368, up 24 percent) present the most expensive rooms in winter sports regions this month.

Colorado’s Beaver Creek ($498, up 70 percent) and Aspen ($474, up 83 percent) reported the highest average prices in North America, while the Austrian ski resorts in Kitzbuhel ($470, up 44 percent), Ischgl ($376, up 32 percent) and St. Anthony ($375, up 46 percent) also reported increases over the previous month.

In the French Nobel ski resorts, Val d’Isere ($434, up 47 percent) and Courchevel ($414, up 39 percent), travelers are likewise paying high prices as can also be seen in the German mountain resorts of Oberstdorf ($270) and Garmisch-Partenkirchen ($218), with price increases of 36 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

Although slightly lower than the above, the German town of Winterberg is also reporting a rise in rates — January travelers can expect to pay an average of $180 (up 28 percent).

Compared to last month, European prices have dropped in January by around 3 percent to $136. Athens has dropped to $98 (down 1 percent from last month), the lowest figure since recording the tHPI (May 2008).

With an average of $209, the hotel industry in London reports the lowest price for an overnight stay in a standard double room since February 2011, a 13 percent drop in price compared to last month.

In Barcelona, overnight rates reached their lowest level since December 2009, reporting $124 per night, 7 percent lower than the reported rate in December 2011.

Even Rome ($138, down 7 percent), Istanbul ($123, down 7 percent) and Amsterdam ($153, down 5 percent) recorded their lowest accommodation prices since February 2011.

Following the trend, all major U.K. cities, for the first time since April 2009, are reporting price reductions in the tHPI this month. London ($135), Edinburgh ($89), Cardiff ($71) and the Irish capital of Dublin ($70) are among those reporting decreases in price this month between 11 to 15 percent compared to last month.

Lake Tahoe ($103, up 5 percent from last month) reported having the least expensive rates for a standard double room within a top ski destination this month. Stowe ($193) followed, up 23 percent from last month. Mammoth ($208) reported increasing prices, however only a 7 percent increase from last month, while the Canadian Mont-Tremblant — also up only 3 percent — was close by with $212.

Jackson Hole reported price increases of 34 percent, with an average overnight price of $233. Kicking-off the winter season price jump however, is Whistler, Canada ($299) with a reported 40 percent increase in prices compared to last month.

The most expensive winter sport destinations in the U.S. and Canada can be found in Colorado this January.

Even rivaling prices in European winter destinations Kitzbuhel and Gstaad, Beaver Creek, Colo., is offering standard double rooms for $498 per night — a 70 percent increase compared to last month. Aspen, not far behind, is offering prices reaching $474 per night, 83 percent more expensive than December 2011. Vail also topped the list with $403 (up 43 percent).

European Waterways are launching their ‘Barging and Biking’ options for 2012. Because so many passengers enjoy taking some exercise during their hotel barge cruise – especially after indulging in the gourmet meals served on board – all of the hotel barges carry bicycles.

Biking Plus
For those passengers who would like to be a little more adventurous, a number of thebarges now offer a Biking Plus option. Whilst others are relaxing on deck, or maybe enjoying a stroll, guests can take a bike and follow an interesting, but not too challenging carefully researched route.

They will be given clearly marked maps for each round trip route and a backpack with everything they might need so that, for an hour or two, they can explore the surrounding countryside and villages along the lanes and byways. Then they can just rejoin the barge where they left her – or maybe a little further along the canal. They won’t miss any of the organised excursions or much of the cruising, but will have seen a little more of the people and places around them – and done themselves some good at the same time!

Tandem Biking
Most people haven’t had the chance to ride a tandem bike, but European Waterways now have them on board some of their hotel barges. A romantic and amusing way on a bicycle made for two and not as hard as many people might think.

Biking Charters
Lastly, for more committed cyclists, European Waterways offer biking charters with half day guided itineraries, upgraded bikes and lunch picnics – but still with their usual five star hotel barge service.

Prices for a 6 night Barging and Biking cruise aboard a European Waterways hotel barge start from £2,090pp in a twin/double cabin, including all meals, wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. Full boat charters also available.

Contact European Waterways: 01753 598555 Website: www.gobarging.com

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

The World’s Most Award-Winning River Cruise Line, Viking River Cruises today announced the launch of the second-state-of the art ‘green’ ship, The Viking Prestige.

Building upon the high standard set by Viking Legend the industry’s first “green” river cruise vessel, the Viking Prestige will have the same efficient, hybrid propulsion system. Producing less vibration and using significantly less fuel, this cutting-edge technology offers a quieter, smoother journey than other ships and represents the environmentally responsible future of Viking’s European vessels.

“We take great pride in doing our part to help the environment,” comments Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director Viking River Cruises UK Limited. “With two ‘green’ vessels now in use, we are hoping to set the standard for vessels around the world.”

The new ship will feature Viking’s signature décor: sophisticated, understated elegance across the Prestige’s’ 188-passenger, state-of-the-art river cruise ship. Boasting all-outside staterooms and French balconies on both the Upper and Middle decks, the ship’s public areas, including a single-seating restaurant, observation lounge and bar, and library as well as an expansive sun deck, provide unobstructed panoramic views throughout.

“This is a very exciting time for Viking River Cruises” continues Atkin-Smith. “Viking Prestige will mark the first in our fleet expansion program which is set to roll out over the next three years, setting the bar high for river cruise vessels globally.”

For further information and reservations call 020 8780 7979 or please visit

www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/winners.

About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise company, offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Southeast Asia. The company has been honoured multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveller’s “Gold List” and Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards as well as being recognised as the World’s Leading River Cruise Operator at the World Travel Awards and the “Best River Cruise Line” at the British Travel Awards. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to a fleet of 19 vessels, and provides unique, deluxe holidays to travellers with an interest in geography, culture and history. With a $250 million investment in a fleet development programme, by 2013 Viking will have several refurbishments plus the introduction of 10 new ships beginning with Viking Emerald and Viking Prestige in 2011 and four ships in 2012. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises 020 8780 7979 or visit the company at www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk  Follow Viking River Cruises on Facebook.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will introduce their most extensive collection of itineraries in 2012. They will offer 32 itineraries ranging from 8 to 32 days along Europe and Russia’s great waterways.

Two of their newest programs: Gems of Germany, Belgium & the Netherlands, and Grand Treasures of Europe will include the internationally famous Floriade – a world horticultural exposition presented only once every ten years.

Uniworld will also launch three exciting new programs to make their expertly planned, always-included shore excursions better than ever. These programs are all included in the price of Uniworld’s cruises and will allow travelers the opportunity to customize their travel experience like never before.

Experienced travelers who have already seen some of Europe’s most popular sites can take advantage of Uniworld’s “Choice Is Yours” program, which offers alternate included excursions to the continent’s hidden gems. For travelers who crave a more active adventure, they can try Uniworld’s exclusive “Go Active” program, which lets them explore the great outdoors at their own pace.

And for those who prefer to take a bit more time getting to know the destinations on their itinerary, they can opt for their “Gentle Walking” program, which guarantees a relaxed-pace group with a private guide on many walking tour destinations. In addition, Uniworld has many exclusive excursions only available to Uniworld guests, including special wine tastings in castles with royalty, guided art tours, archeological visits, and so much more.

“Each year, Uniworld actively looks for ways in which to enhance our guests’ experience. With the introduction of these new programs, such as ‘Choice is Yours,’ we are able to deliver a more customized experience to our guests,” states Guy Young, President of Uniworld.

Also in 2012, Uniworld will completely remodel three of their boutique cruise ships, the River Countess, the River Duchess, and the River Royale. “Uniworld continues to invest heavily in the maintenance of our fleet to ensure we are delivering a five-star product to our guests. In 2011, we remodeled three ships completely, River Ambassador, River Baroness, and River Princess, as well as introduced three new ships, including the stunning S.S. Antoinette,” adds Young.

Uniworld ships offer unparalleled luxury in the river cruise arena with the finest of furnishings, inspiring original art, and modern luxuries.

Over the years, Uniworld has worked tirelessly with their sister company, the award-winning Red Carnation Hotels, to elevate the standard in river cruising with an unyielding commitment to quality and service.

“Be assured that when you sail with Uniworld, you will have an unrivaled cruise experience, because no other cruise line in the world has a sister company with over 50 years of expertise in running a collection of five-star luxury hotels,” furthers Young.

Uniworld’s luxury value-packed cruises include the Zagat®-rated staterooms on the river; all meals onboard with complimentary fine wines, choice of beer, and soft drinks served during lunch and dinner onboard Europe company-owned ships; captivating included excursions; Signature Lectures and entertainment onboard; and complimentary transfers on arrival and departure days.

Couples can save up to $2,400 on Uniworld’s 2012 boutique river cruises by paying in full at time of booking by September 30, 2011. “Our goal is to deliver unparalleled luxury at an uncompromising value, so we want to reward those who book early with the greatest possible savings,” states Young.

For more information, please contact your preferred Travel Professional or call Uniworld at 1-800-733-7820 or visit www.uniworld.com

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. It is the only river cruise line named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and has received their Readers’ Choice Award for “World’s Top Small-Ship Line” and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships in the world. Cruise Critic named River Beatrice the “Best New River Ship” and awarded Uniworld their Editors’ Pick for “Best Cruise Line.” Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®; and is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® among the best of the best in the cruise industry.

Uniworld features luxurious boutique cruise ships with an average capacity of 130 guests; expertly planned itineraries with included shore excursions; world-class gourmet cuisine; and award-winning hospitality by an English-speaking staff. Uniworld offers over 500 departures on 40 itineraries sailing on over 13 rivers in over 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Uniworld is a member of CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association

From imperial splendour to fiery food and neon nightlife, Rough Guides brings you the best of Korea’s energetic capital in the ‘Rough Guide to Seoul’. With comprehensive listings spanning everything from the luxurious cafes and designer boutiques of Apgujeong to Hongdae’s best barbeque halls and hole-in-the-wall bars, our resident expert leads you through winding alleyways, dizzying skyscrapers and plunges you into the hidden cultural riches of modern Seoul.

Alternatively, explore a little closer to home with new ‘Rough Guides to the Cotswolds’ and the ‘Rough Guide to Yorkshire’ or go countrywide with ‘Make the Most of Your Time in Britain’. Covering 500 of the best travel experiences from across Blighty, this full colour guide brings together the most inventive, exciting and downright bizarre things to see, do and explore in Britain.

There are also new editions to the Pocket Rough Guide series with Amsterdam, Athens, Lisbon and Venice now available.

See below a preview of travel titles published this quarter. If there are any books that you would like do contact us for review copies.

Rough Guide to Yorkshire
Rough Guide to Las Vegas
Rough Guide to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Rough Guide to France
Rough Guide to LA and Southern California
Rough Guide to Scotland
Pocket Rough Guide to Amsterdam
Pocket Rough Guide to Athens
Pocket Rough Guide to Lisbon
Pocket Rough Guide to Venice
Rough Guide to Taiwan
Rough Guide New York Mini
Rough Guide First Time Africa
Make the Most of your time in Britain
Rough Guide to the Cotswolds
Rough Guide to California
Rough Guide to the Grand Canyon
Rough Guide to the Scottish Highlands & Islands
Rough Guide to Sicily
Rough Guide to Yosemite
Rough Guide to Seoul
Rough Guide Beijing
Rough Guide Belgium and Luxembourg
Rough Guide China
Rough Guide Romania

Black Sea Treasures Cruises from Istanbul to Odessa and Odessa to Istanbul from only $3520 per person twin share visiting Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

Gateway Travel launches new summer Black Sea Cruises into their product range. The 8 day/7 night cruises operate from July to September aboard the Megayacht Pegasus.

Prices include accommodation in a double or twin cabin; full board; filter coffee; tea & water all day; use of fishing equipment; English speaking cruise escort and VAT. Port taxes of Aud 378 per person are additional.

Contact Gateway Travel on (02) 9748-3333 or www.gatewaytravel.com.au  for the full itinerary and price details.

with Songlines Music Travel
August 11-16, 2011
Tour price: £495 pp
Flights from £275 pp

Balkan madness and brass bands like you’ve never heard them. Every year 300,000 people descend on the village of Guča, home to just 3,000 inhabitants, for the Brass Band Festival and its famous Golden Trumpet competition. Songlines Music Travel’’s six-day trip includes three evenings at the wild festival with accommodation right in the heart of the village. There’s also a chance to get a taste of Belgrade nightlife. It’s an unrivalled opportunity to experience the biggest, brassiest and Balkanist festival in Europe.

Meet your tour leader: Vlad Jankovic

“After a great meal in Belgrade under the wing of tour guide Vlad, it was soon apparent that we were in for something amazing. Namely Vlad. No quick sketch can do him justice. A man physically halfway between Borat and Brüno, his razor-sharp humour with a definite camp edge had us crying with laughter the whole week.”
Joe Walker, on last year’s trip

For information and reservations, call Songlines Music Travel on 020 8505 2582 or songlines@thegroupscompany.com  or visit www.songlinesmusictravel.com

Songlines Music Travel tours are operated by The Tailor Made Groups Company ATOL 9349
The cost of the tour is per person based on two sharing and includes:
Tickets to excursions, events or festivals as detailed in the itinerary
Accommodation and meals as detailed in the itinerary
The services of a Songlines Travel Leader and services of local guides

Flights can be booked through Songlines Music Travel (costs shown) and include transfers from and to the airport at each destination.
The cost does NOT include:
Vaccinations
Visa fees
Optional tours and excursions
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, phone calls, laundry and room service charges
Tipping
Songlines is the leading magazine covering world music. Established in 1999, it is published eight times a year and as well as covering new CD releases, artists on tour, and international music stories, it publishes regular festival profiles and worldwide city music guides. More than 30 of these profiles and guides are archived on the website www.songlines.co.uk
The Tailor-Made Groups Company specialises in organising bespoke group tours for organisations such as Songlines. Derek Moore is the chairman of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and has 35 years experience in the travel market. www.thegroupscompany.com

Auto Europe has expanded its prestige and sports car services in addition to offering a large selection of hybrids from Toyota and Honda, and low CO2 models from Volkswagen, Citroen, Mercedes and BMW.

Auto Europe offers the largest selection of luxury vehicles including the latest models from Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari including the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Jaguar, Lotus, Mercedes, Maserati, Porsche, Range Rover and others. New additions to their selection of models including the Porsche Panamera, Mercedes SLS AMG, Ferrari California, Rolls Royce Phantom, Mercedes Benz S Class hybrid and the Rolls Royce Ghost.