Jetsettersblog

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.

Working in conjunction with Uniworld, one of the world’s most respected, award winning river cruise operators, Titan HiTours 2011 Elegant River Cruises brochure (0800 988 5873 http://www.titanhitours.co.uk/rivercruises ) features the new ‘Super Ship’ SS Antoinette for its 8 day ‘Castles Along the Rhine’ itinerary.

When the ship is launched this month, the new addition to Uniworld’s fleet of boutique river cruise vessels will raise the bar on the standards of luxury and innovation with many ‘first-of-a-kind’ features not found on any other river cruise ships.

These innovative features include top deck suites and staterooms with full open-air private balconies, which convert to enclosed conservatories; and a 20-seat cinema with state-of-the-art flat-screen Dolby surround sound and comfy seats for movie viewing.

Guests boarding the S.S. Antoinette will immediately feel as if they have stepped into France’s Château de Versailles during the late 18th century with the character of the past thoughtfully blended with unusual elements, creating luxurious elegance with welcoming warmth.

A blue Strauss 10-foot Baccarat chandelier with huge sapphires that had originally hung in New York’s famed Tavern on the Green graces the two-story lobby.

The finest Brazilian marble adorns the walls and floors and a sparkling 19th-century Venetian glass mirror rests high above the reception desk.

The S.S. Antoinette is Uniworld’s largest ship length-wise at 443 ft. and width-wise at 37.5 ft. According to Guy Young, President of Uniworld,

“We decided to use the additional space to create extra spacious staterooms and suites for our guests, so there is minimal capacity increase.” Most of the 73 staterooms measure 196 sq. ft.; 20 staterooms are 163 sq. ft. There are eight junior suites measuring 294 sq. ft. and the “Royal Suite” is 391 sq. ft.

The spirit of the French ‘Salon’ continues in the main lounge and bar ‘Bar Malmaison’ where guest will find fine antiques along with inspirational paintings in carved gilt frames from different periods and windows dressed in Figueroa striped silk taffeta by GP and Baker and floors that are covered in rich custom-made carpets.

The sun deck will feature the Leopard Lounge, a famous feature of many Red Carnation Hotels, with its jungle-like touches such as leopard print carpeting and elephant-head bar rails.

In addition there is a heated swimming pool with mosaic ocean blue tiles by the famous South African mosaic tile artist, Jane du Rand. Du Rand’s intricate mosaic mural work can also be seen in the restaurant, ‘Restaurant le Versailles’, where she has captured the essence of the great gardens of Versailles.

Throughout the ship there is an assortment of carefully selected original art from personal collections. Sketches in black and white, colour lithographs, and oil on canvas paintings from a range of great artists, including Humphrey Jennings, John Bellany, and an extensive selection of work by Russian painters Yuri Matushevski and Viktor Templi.

“There is no doubt in my mind that S.S. Antoinette will be the most spectacular river cruise ship in Europe. We are very fortunate to have owners who are so invested, personally and financially, in making Uniworld the very best river cruise company,” adds Young.

The 8 day ‘Castles along the Rhine’ cruise operates between April and November 2011 and costs from £1,899 per person. It meanders along the scenic Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel taking in walking tours of Cologne, Koblenz and Speyer; a canal cruise in Strasbourg and an opportunity to sample the wines along the way at the picturesque Castle Vollrads near Koblenz and along the Alsatian Wine Road at Colmar. Cost includes return flights, 7 nights full board cruise, transfers, excursions and the VIP Home Departure Service.

For details or to book call Titan HiTours on 0800 988 5873 or visit the dedicated website www.titanhitours.co.uk/rivercruises

Prices quoted are based on two sharing.

French Riviera on Foot 8 days
Launch: February
This self-guided trip explores the relaxed charm of this eternally panoramic part of Provence. Follow paths to hilltops and across plateaus, taking in the sweeping views to the coast and beyond. Visit Gourdon, rated the most beautiful village in France, explore the tunnels of the Gorges du Loup, and be enchanted by Vence with its lovely setting, colourful flowers and markets, which have inspired many famous artists, painters and sculptors such as Matisse and Dufy.
Price: £770 per person

Crete: Mountains and Coast 8 days
Launch: May

Explore the southwest coast of Crete, with its spectacular White Mountains, deep gorges and coastal trails that lead visitors to charming fishing villages and quiet beaches, accessible only by boat. Packed with highlights such as a walk through Samaria, the largest gorge in Europe, the self-guided trip will appeal to lovers of coastal landscapes, history and traditional Greek culture. Whilst the focus is on walking, there is ample time to swim at unspoilt beaches and explore picturesque coastal villages.
Price: £650 per person

The Francigena Way 9 days
Launch: March

From Canterbury in England to Rome in Italy, the 1,900km ‘Francigena Way’ dates back to the 11th Century when pilgrims travelled across Europe on foot to visit the site of Martyrdom of St Peter and St Paul in Rome. This trip takes in the section of the trail from Orvieto in Umbria through the region of Lazio to Rome, passing by ancient relics and hill top towns.
Price: £850 per person

Best of Algarve 8 days
Launch: March

The Algarve has long been known for its picturesque beaches, lively towns and laid back lifestyle – but away from the tourist centres there is a huge interior that sees very few visitors and a spectacular coastline that remains unspoilt! This self-guided walking route offers a wide variety of walking terrain, from mountains and cliff tops to valleys and coastal ridges.

En route visitors can view the wonderful diverse flora and fauna and experience first hand the friendliness of the local people.
Price: £690 per person

Highlights of the Pyrenees 8 days
Launch: May

The Pyrenees mountain range is home to some of the most remote and interesting hiking terrain in Europe.

Based in the traditional village of Bareges, visitors will discover the numerous trails through the Pyrenees National Park, including to the famous ‘Cirque de Gavarnie’, Pont d’ Espagne and the Vignemale. In the company of a qualified mountain guide, hikers will discover the history, language and culture of the region as well as the geology and birdlife.

These guided walks range from introductory (on ‘gentle’ weeks) to more demanding (‘intermediate’ weeks), on alternate weeks throughout the walking season.
Price: £790 per person

Mount Olympus Walk 8 days
Launch: May

Mount Olympus’ high summits are allegedly saturated by the nectar of the ancient Greek gods and is also known as the seat of Zeus. This ancient image of the infamous peak, with its uncounted natural treasures is protected by the Mt. Olympus National Park. Trekking to the various peaks of the mountain, experiencing the spectacular views and absorbing the vast legacy of ancient civilizations on the high mountain plateaus is the essence of this rewarding guided walking holiday.
Price: £850 per person

To order UTracks’ new brochure for 2011 please call 0845 241 7599 or go to www.UTracks.com  Quoted prices are inclusive of accommodation, most meals, equipment rental, experienced guides, luggage transfers between hotels (where applicable) and clear maps with images. Flights from the UK are not included but can be booked on request.

European Waterways announced the completion of refurbishment projects on several luxury hotel barges for 2011. The 12-passenger hotel barge in Burgundy, La Belle Epoque, now has new bathrooms in two cabins, new air conditioning, heating and dehumidifying systems, and new or improved electrics, soundproofing and plumbing. The cabins have been redecorated and now feature new wood paneling, beds and bed linen. The barge also has new carpets, curtains and brass lighting throughout.

Its sister ship, L’Impressionniste, now has one new bathroom, new beds in all the cabins, new seating in the saloon and new lighting throughout. Anjodi, European Waterways’ most barge on the Canal du Midi, has four newly fitted bathrooms and new bedding and soft furnishings. European Waters offers 10 percent commission to travel agents on all bookings. For more information, visit www.gobarging.com

River cruising through Europe’s waterways offers the perfect way to enjoy some of Europe’s most iconic sights and events, without having to check into and out of hotels; you only unpack once and your luxurious accommodation moves with you. Here is award-winning cruise operator, AwaWaterways’ top ten selection of places and events to see within striking distance of a river cruiser.

1. See the Dutch bulb fields in bloom in spring time on a trip to the Keukenhof Gardens with millions of tulips creating a dazzling carpet of colour.

A seven-night Tulip Time cruise round-trip from Amsterdam costs from £1,376 per person, departing in March and April.

2. Germany’s top horticultural show (BUGA 2011) runs from April 15 to October 16.will take over the riverside town of Koblenz all summer long, filling the squares and streets with floral displays. Entry to the show will be included as one of a range of complimentary excursions on the many AMAWATERWAYS river cruise itineraries that call throughout the summer.

A seven-night Enchanting Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel costs from £1,569 per person.

3. Cruise Russia’s waterways in June, when the days are at their longest, enjoying balmy summer evenings sailing slowly through the Russian countryside. In St Petersburg, attend a magnificent ballet performance at the famous Hermitage.

An 11-night Russian Waterways cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg on AmaKatarina, AMAWATERWAYS’ newly-designed ship, costs from £2,314 per person.

4. Visit Austria’s capital, Vienna, with its superb museums and galleries, as the city prepares for the 150th anniversary in 2012 of the birth of artist Gustav Klimt, one of its most famous sons; some of the AMA ships even feature Gustav Klimt prints.

A seven-night Legendary Danube cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest, departing July 10, costs from £1,763 per person.

5. In the beautiful Provencal town of Avignon, take a stroll to the Place du Palais, in the shadow of the awe-inspiring Palais des Papes, in the early evening. The atmosphere when the crowds of day visitors have gone is magical.

A seven-night Provence Cruise from Arles to Lyon on Swiss Pearl, departing July 9, costs from £1,763 per person.

6. Explore the fascinating Romanian capital, Bucharest, famed for its Belle Epoque era buildings dating from the 19th century as well as the world’s largest palace.

A seven-night Black Sea Voyage from Rousse to Budapest departing October 23 costs from £1,634 per person.

7. Take a walking tour of historic Regensburg, visit the magnificent Thurn und Taxis Palace, one of the most lavish in the whole of Europe, its rooms filled with antiques and gilded objets d’art and the brewery, beer hall and gardens in the grounds of the palace.

A seven-night Blue Danube Discovery cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg, via Regensburg, departing September 11, costs from £1,806 per person;

8. Learn about iconic wines on AMAWATERWAYS’ Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle cruise from Remich, Luxembourg to Amsterdam, which includes a wine-tasting in the village of Rudesheim, in the heart of the wine-growing area of the Rhine valley.

A seven-night Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle cruise costs from £1,376 per person, departing November 13.

9. Trace the Jewish heritage of the Danube by visiting important sites along the Danube, including the Jewish Museum in Bratislava, the Jewish Quarter and Sigmund Freud’s house in Vienna, Schindler’s house in Regensburg and the site of important Synagogues in Regensburg and Nuremberg.

A 7-night `Jewish Heritage’ Blue Danube cruise between Nuremberg to and Budapest, departing November 18th 2011, costs from £1376 per person.

10. Get into the Christmas spirit by visiting Europe’s spectacular and atmospheric Christmas markets, including medieval German towns where the aromas of gingerbread, sizzling sausages and spicy mulled wine scent the chilly air and wooden stalls are piled high with tasteful gifts and decorations.

A seven-night Christmas Time cruise on Amalyra from Nuremberg to Budapest, departing November 27, costs from £1,375 per person.

All AMAWATERWAYS cruises include full board during the cruise; free-flowing selected wines with dinner every night; bottled water; a full daily programme of guided excursions; onboard cultural entertainment; and port taxes. Cruises in Europe on all AMA ships on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers also include use of the line’s revolutionary Infotainment system in every stateroom; which included complimentary Internet and WiFi Connection, and bicycles to use in port. Flights are extra.

To book, contact AMAWATERWAYS on Freephone 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk

About AMAWATERWAYS

AMAWATERWAYS has redefined European river cruising since its founding in 2002 by river cruise industry pioneer, Rudi Schreiner, cruise industry executive Kristin Karst, and former owner of Brendan Worldwide Vacations, Jimmy Murphy. In 2009, two brand-new 148-passenger vessels, MS AMALYRA and MS AMADOLCE, joined the luxurious AMAWATERWAYS fleet in Europe, which consists of the MS AMACELLO and MS AMADANTE (2008), MS AMALEGRO (2007) and MS AMADAGIO (2006). Each of these ‘AMA’ ships includes luxurious balcony cabins, open seating dining, free-flowing wine with dinner, shore excursions, free internet in every cabin and free WiFi in the lounges, and use of a fleet of bicycles carried on board.

AMAWATERWAYS also offers popular itineraries on the Rhône in France, Volga-Baltic waterways in Russia and the Mekong in Asia, also including shore excursions and drinks with dinner.

Contact AMAWATERWAYS on 0808 223 5009, www.amawaterways.co.uk
Follow AMAWATERWAYS on Twitter: twitter.com/AMA_WaterWays

Rail Europe is encouraging travelers to traverse the French country by rail this year. France has expanded rail routes and Rail Europe has added new French travel products. All major French cities are connected by the TGV. Traveling at speeds up to 200 mph, the TGV allows passengers to see more of France in less time.

The expanded TGV Est (East) line cuts travel time by almost 50 percent between Paris and the eastern regions of France and also offers greater train frequency.

TGV travels east to provide day trips from Paris to Reims, capital of the Champagne region. Paris to Reims takes 45 minutes with ticket prices starting from $47 (economy class). TGV also travels to the southeast, bringing travelers to the foothills of the Alps and into the city of Lyon, a center of French culinary culture.

Paris to Lyon takes one hour and 57 minutes with ticket prices starting from $68 (economy class).

TGV travels westwards towards the Bordeaux wine region. Paris to Bordeaux takes three hours and seven minutes with ticket prices starting from $74 (economy class). TGV travels southwest toward the port city of Marseille. Paris to Marseille takes three hours and two minutes with ticket prices starting from $87 (economy class)

Connecting France with the rest of Europe are the expanded Thalys and Eurostar train networks, which provide high-speed service to 17 major cities with more than 80 roundtrips per day and faster point-to-point service than ever before.

There is newly added direct service from Paris to Moscow on the Overnight Train and direct service is now also available on the Nice to Moscow route.

Travel is faster than ever before on many routes, including Paris-Amsterdam, three hours and 18 minutes, 51 minutes faster; Paris-Cologne, three hours and 14 minutes, 36 minutes faster; Paris-Lille, 58 minutes; and Paris-London: two hours and 15 minutes.

Soon Rail France will offer the France Rail Pass Premium which includes the benefits of a France Rail Pass plus the services of a personal concierge who will assist travelers with booking ahead for restaurants, theaters, art exhibits and more.

The France Rail Pass offers first or second class unlimited travel on the national rail network of France with a choice of three to nine travel days within a one-month period.

The France Rail ‘n Drive offers two days of unlimited first class travel on the national rail network of France and a two-day Avis or Hertz car rental with unlimited mileage within a one-month period. The France Day Pass allows first or second class unlimited travel on the national rail network of France for one day to explore the French countryside.

Rail Europe also offers sightseeing and tour packages in France, such as the Paris Pass, a smart chip card, that provides extensive travel on the city’s public transportation system and priority entry to museums and attractions, starting from $137 per two-day pass.

The Paris Historic Tour includes transport in an air-conditioned coach to historic locations all over Paris including a guided visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral and a ticket for boat ride between Marina de Paris and Notre Dame Cathedral, starting from $83.

The Paris Museum Pass allows priority admission and free access to 60 museums, castles, gardens, cathedrals and monuments in and around Paris, including multiple visits at no extra charge, starting from $59.

The CityRama Paris L’Open Tour Pass allows over 50 stops and four open-air bus routes allow visitors to choose the sights worth seeing, starting from $45 per one-day pass.

The French Wine Discovery offers a beginning course on French regional wines without ever leaving Paris, starting from $47. A Guided Visit of the Louvre Museum starts from $69; a Paris Dinner Cruise in a glass-sided boat, and a meal from $143; the Paris Visite offers unlimited travel to sites in and around Paris on the RER, bus or Metro, starting from $31.

The Lyon Le Grand Tour, Hop on Hop off bus tours start from $27. Loire Valley Day Tours come in one of three distinct tours around Villandry, Chambord or Chenonceau and Amboise, all coupled with a taste of the local wine, starting from $211.

The Marseille Le Grand Tour, Hop on Hop off bus tours start from $28. The Marseille City Card offers visitors free public transportation in Marseille and free entry to more than 15 of Marseille’s finest museums and monuments.

The Nice le Grand Tour starts from $31. The French Wine Master Class is a two-hour advanced wine tasting class that includes the tastes of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Côtes du Rhône & Champagne, starting from $77.

Treat your loved one this Valentines with a superb weekend break in
Cornwall at the 5* The Nooke. This charming stone cottage with its own
parking and garden is situated in a tranquil position on part of a working
farm. The luxurious accommodation is beautifully furnished and tastefully
decorated and includes a spacious bathroom with separate power shower and
whirlpool bath. The Farm is a short distance from Padstow, about 3 miles,
with its beautiful harbour and host of shops and galleries.

Dining out couldn’t be made easier with the huge selection of delicious
restaurants including the famous Rick Steins Seafood restaurant
www.rickstein.com. Or perhaps eating in is more your style.
www.food4myholiday.com will deliver locally sourced and organic groceries
right to your door.

For a three night break for 2 from 12th to 15th February at £169.00 why not
spoil the one you love. Book now with Cornish Horizons on 01841 533 331
(www.cornishhorizons.co.uk).  This is the perfect treat for a couple alone
or with baby.

EUROPEAN WATERWAYS LAUNCHES NEW SEASON OF LUXURY

New Venice Barge “La Bella Vita” Offers $5,000 Discount on all April and May Whole Boat Charters

European Waterways, Europe’s largest luxury hotel barge cruise company, announced the launch of its 2011 season with a bounty of spring specials that offer savings of up to $5,000 for whole-boat charters, $1,000 off per cabin, and a host of other great values on some of the most popular barging routes in Europe. The discounts are valid for many April and May 2011 departures and booking deadlines vary.

In addition to discounts for many Burgundy cruises, specials include $5,000 off the charter price for the newest member of the fleet, La Bella Vita, which cruises Venice to Mantua. Additional spring specials include cruises on the Canal du Midi, which translates as the Canal of the Two Seas. A UNESCO Word Heritage Site, the picturesque canal connects the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean. European Waterways also offers $3,000 off whole boat charter prices for cruises in Scotland and England, as well as a Holland Tulip cruise with April departures at 25% off full charter price for 10 to 12 passengers.

Vessels accommodate from 8 to 12 passengers, with up to 20 passengers for La Bella Vita. Cabin rates are based on double occupancy and all rates are subject to certain restrictions. Complete information is available at www.gobarging.com

“The more passengers aboard a charter cruise, the greater the value,” noted European Waterways President Derek Banks.

“Barge cruising is rapidly becoming one of the most popular vacation options in Europe, and with higher demands for this unique vacation experience, travelers are booking early to ensure they get the best departures dates and itineraries.”

Hello Beautiful

The latest addition to European Waterways’ extensive fleet, La Bella Vita is a wonder of modern comfort and convenience.

The vessel, whose name is Italian for “the beautiful life,” truly lives up to its name, offering a unique itinerary that spans the Venetian Lagoon and the River Po Valley to the Renaissance city of Mantua, a name derived from the Etruscan god Mantus of Hades. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mantua traces its roots to the Roman period and features many medieval buildings such as the magnificent 14th century Ducal Palace.

Onboard La Bella Vita, guests truly enjoy the good life, with gourmet dining, fine wines and unforgettable tours of famous cultural and historic attractions – all while being catered to by a friendly and knowledgeable, English-speaking crew.

The vessel accommodates from 12 to 20 passengers and European Waterways is offering $5,000 off the charter price if booked by February 25.

“When Frank Sinatra sang ‘to the good life,’ he could have been talking about a cruise on La Bella Vita,” said Banks. “The scenery is magnificent from its spacious, sun-drenched deck, the accommodations are superb, the food is sumptuous, and the company is unbeatable.”

Rosa’s Sweet Savings

Rejoining European Waterways’ extensive fleet, the 8-passenger Rosa offers an unforgettable cruise through Gascony or the Canal du Midi, depending on departure date.

An old Dutch “Clipper” barge, it was completely renovated in 2010 to meet European Waterways’ high standards of luxury.

Its Gascony cruise offers guests wine, Armagnac and foie gras tastings, a visit to Moissac and the ancient abbey, a gourmet dinner ashore, as well as the opportunity to explore the wines of Bordeaux.

Rosa’s classic Canal du Midi cruise includes a visit to La Cité de Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Gallo-Roman era and features the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today.

It also includes an excursion to the wineries of the Limoux region, which offer the famous “blanquette,” wines, which are made from the white grapes of the region.

European Waterways offers $3,000 off the whole boat charter for all April and May departures if booked by February 25.

Log on to www.gobarging.com for additional spring specials, including 50% off companion price for select cruises in April & May.

About European Waterways

European Waterways is Europe’s largest all-inclusive luxury hotel barging company, offering vacations in nine countries and carrying nearly 2,000 passengers a year. Founded nearly 40 years ago, the company designs, builds, owns and operates a private fleet of luxury barges with cruises in France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg.

Pioneers in hotel barging, they were the first company to operate a hotel barge on the Upper Nivernais in Burgundy, and the “real” Loire Valley.

They are also the only cruise company offering barge cruises in Scotland and in the Venetian lagoon and River Po valley, as well as the first company to offer an Avignon-to-Amsterdam 6-week trans-Europe cruise, a 1,000 mile journey along Western Europe’s inland waterways.

For more information, pricing, cruise schedules, and a copy of their new brochure, contact European Waterways at 1-877-879-8808, by email at sales@gobarging.com , or visit their website at www.gobarging.com

Auto Europe is offering savings on hotel and car packages with its tour division, FlyInternational.com.

For instance, packages begin at $47 per person, per night at the three-star Bily Lev located directly in Prague’s city center. Rome packages start at $69 per person per night at the four-star Hotel Princess.

Stay in Paris at the three-star Bristol Republic Hotel at just $77 per person, per night. Visit Las Ramblas in Barcelona with package rates beginning at $79 per person, per night at the three-star Barcelona House.

You can then travel over to Madrid to the three-star Hotel Regente in the heart of the city with pricing starting at $69 per person, per night.

For additional packages, visit www.flyinternational.com/showspecial.cfm?specid=1323.

In addition to the hotel stay, the rates above also include one day of an economy class, manual transmission, car rental with unlimited mileage and VAT. Travelers can also combine hotel and car package with savings on airfare.

FlyInternational.com offers savings up to 40 percent off published fares on over 30 carriers.

For more information, visit www.flyinternational.com

Europcar’s new Roadside Gastro Guide takes motorists from roadside stands to converted cowsheds and stately homes to reveal Britain’s hidden foodie gems.

Europcar survey* reveals 95% of motorists believe the choice, price and quality of roadside food is unacceptable – with 80% saying they have previously gone hungry rather than eat from the selection on offer.

To escape the tyranny of the motorway service food offering and celebrate the diversity of Britain’s local, independently owned eateries, Europcar, the UK’s leading car hire company, has teamed up with The Guild of Food Writers to produce a free-to-download Roadside Gastro Guide.

Instead of offering yet another list of renowned, Michelin-starred, celebrity chef restaurants, The Roadside Gastro Guide tapped into the knowledge of some of the UKs finest food writers and broadcasters – including Anthony Worrall Thompson and Valentine Warner – to reveal 20 of Britain’s hidden culinary gems.

Stretching from the Scottish Highlands to the Dorset coast, the Europcar guide includes everything from country inns, to tea shops and stately homes, and all specialise in offering locally sourced, fresh, home-cooked fare.

A far cry yet a short distance from the motorway services, the guide reveals a foodie world of individual character, spectacular views, friendly service, converted barns, quirky decor, old-fashioned bone china and quirkily named dishes such as the Wortley Wedge – ‘a beast of a sandwich made from the roast of the day’.

According to Richard Ehrlich of the Guild of Food Writers; “Motorway catering may mostly be the pits for pit stops, but outstanding food can be found just a short detour from many main roads.

“The establishments here cover a fantastic range.

They cover much of the country, and include both celebrated restaurants and little gems known largely to locals.

I hope they convey the message that being in the car doesn’t mean giving up on good food.

You just need to know where to look – and downloading a free copy of the Roadside Gastro Guide is the perfect place to start.”

Catriona Kempston of Europcar added: “Whether it’s delivering a car to their door or simply helping them to avoid soggy chips and overpriced pies, we’re always looking for new ways for motorists to get maximum pleasure out of their driving experience”.

The full version of the Roadside Gastro Guide contains detailed, individual recommendations by Guild of Food Writers members, including background information, personal insights, recommended dishes, contact details, opening times and, most importantly, directions from major roads.