DESTINATIONS October 2013
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Explore the beautiful
city of Cape Town
With a wealth of history, beautiful scenery and a rich culture the Rainbow Nation of South Africa has everything to offer for those looking for a sophisticated winter break. And with summer in Cape Town beginning in November there’s no better time to go. Thomas Cook Ireland is offering hotel packages to Cape Town from as little as €65 per person per night, with flights from €700pp with Turkish Airlines and an optional overnight in Istanbul on return.
Claiming one of the best locations in Cape Town is the elegant 5-star Table Bay Hotel, where you can stay from €190 per person per night (bed & breakfast basis). Relax by the heated saltwater pool, indulge at the Camelot Health Spa and dine at the Atlantic Grill with breathtaking views of the harbour. This award winning hotel makes for an ideal base to explore Cape Town and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with its boutique shops and dining options. Take a trip to the summit of Table Mountain National Park for stunning views of South Africa followed by a visit to the nearby winelands at Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Set on the waterfront of Cape Town, the stunning 4-star Southern Sun Cape Town Hotel is available from €65 per person per night (bed and breakfast basis). The hotel offers a fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, Yizani restaurant and Utopia Beauty Salon and Spa. Nearby attractions include the luxurious Clifton Beach with white sandy beaches, the 18-hole Rondebosch golf course, the exquisite Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and Robben Island.
On return stay a night in Istanbul to sample the delights that the city has to offer with a one-night stay at the 5-star Pera Palace Hotel €115pp per night (bed and breakfast basis) – previous guests include author Ernest Hemingway and Alfred Hitchcock. The 4-star Hotel Radisson Blu is also available from €75 per person per night (bed and breakfast basis). Both hotels are within easy access of the great Grand Bazaar.
“Capetown has something for everyone this winter, and by flying with Turkish Airlines you can spoil yourself by extending your trip with a stop off to Istanbul on your return “ says Sharon Harney of Thomas Cook Ireland. “you can even try a Turkish Bath at the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam that will leave you refreshed for your onward journey”.
To book call Thomas Cook in Dublin on (01) 514 0328,
log onto www.thomascook.ie
or visit your travel agent.
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The award winning documentary Muscle Shoals
is showing in Irish cinemas
from October 25, 2013.
See it in Dublin this week until October 31
Located alongside the Tennessee River, Muscle Shoals, Alabama, USA, is the unlikely breeding ground for some of America's most creative and defiant music. This music is celebrated in the film which includes interviews with music superstars who created some of the most important and resonant songs of all time. Greg Allman, Aretha Franklin, Clarence Carter, Mick Jagger, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Keith Richards, Percy Sledge, John Paul White and others bear witness to Muscle Shoals' magnetism, mystery and why it remains influential today.
Website: muscleshoals.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MuscleShoalsMov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muscleshoalsmov
Further information on Alabama is at www.deep-south-usa.com/alabama
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Last SAS MD-80 flight
from Dublin Airport
On Saturday 26th October, SAS will retire the last of their McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft.
The MD-80 and its predecessor, the DC-9, has been the backbone of SAS operations since the mid 1960's and many will miss the unique & unmistakeable engine sound as this iconic aircraft retires from their fleet.
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| Alan Sparling, Country Manager SAS Ireland with Captain Michael Tornberg in cockpit of the last SAS MD-80 flight from Dublin |
The MD-80 first came into the SAS fleet in 1985 and has seen regular daily operation into Dublin airport since. Now, with the last MD-80 flight into Dublin 24th October, it is with a certain amount of nostalgia that Alan Sparling, Country Manager for SAS in Ireland, says goodbye to this wonder aircraft.
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| Goodbye old friend Photo: Adrian Pingstone |
He said, 'For sure, the MD-80 is an iconic aircraft and anybody who has flown in one knows how unique it is. Although it is with a tinge of sadness that I say goodbye to the MD-80, in its place, we continue to phase in Boeing 737NG and Airbus A320's every month and in less than three years, SAS will be one of the first airlines to use the Airbus 320neo. We are thrilled to receive the new aircraft, which will offer our customers even more comfort onboard'.
SAS recently launched a brand new service concept to create the most modern flight experience for their customers. The customer offer is backed by a comprehensive fleet renewal plan with 65 short haul aircraft already announced and initiated, now complemented with an extensive long haul fleet plan.
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WingsAbroad,
the Turkish holiday specialists:
brand new programme for 2014
The new WingsAbroad preview programme is full of new deals and discounts. Save up to €80pp with early booking discounts on selected dates and properties. When booking online simply click on the box with your chosen date to see the savings. There are also almost 700 free child places up for grabs in 2014 in selected properties throughout the whole season.
A new "Quick Search Free Child Place" tab is on the website - www.wingsabroad.ie - it allows you to see at a glance which properties have free child places available. A low deposit of only €75pp can secure your holiday.
The programme for 2014 is even bigger and still has all of the old favourites such as the Pine Club Apartments and Villas, the Melissa Apartments and, of course, Tripadvisor's top Kusadasi hotel, the Golden Day Wings included.
WingsAbroad have also added some hot new properties for next year including the Charisma de Luxe Hotel, the Golden Moon Apartments and the Diamond of Bodrum.
For all the newest features, prices and properties,
click on www.wingsabroad.ie
They are on Facbeook at www.Facebook.com/WingsAbroad
or call their sales team on 01 - 8719444.
or contact your local travel agent.
WingsAbroad Holidays Ltd is an Irish registered company, fully licensed and bonded by the Commission for Aviation Regulation and holds Tour Operator Licence No. T.O. 252.
WingsAbroad Holidays Ltd is an Irish registered company, fully licensed and bonded by the Commission for Aviation Regulation and holds Tour Operator Licence No. T.O. 252.
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New York or Boston
- Celebrate Halloween
with a city break
For a Halloween city break in New York or Boston, Thomas Cook Ireland have given us a number of hotel + flight options where Irish holidaymakers can tailor a package to suit starting from €702 per person for 3 nights.
New York
Experience a 'fright fest' like no other at the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade on 31st October. Watch from the sidelines as more than 50,000 revellers dressed in the most creative, innovative and outlandish costumes parade down Sixth Avenue. Dress up and participate to be in with the chance of winning the costume contest. Three nights at the 4-star Park Central Hotel in the Central Park District is available from €963 per person or stay at the 3 Star Gershwin Hotel in Chelsea Village East for €829 per person.
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| Central Park New York city |
Boston
While up in North Boston the 32nd Annual Salem Haunted Happenings takes place throughout the month of October. Get into the spirit, get it?, with haunted tours, ghost stories, magic shows, the Haunted Happenings carnival, Zombie prom and much more and for foodies there’s a farmers market with over 30 vendors and cooking demos galore. Salem is 40 minutes from Boston city where you can stay at the 3-star Holiday Inn from €702 per person.
Prices are based on two sharing and include direct flights from Dublin and accommodation (room only) for 3 nights on selected dates in October. Offers subject to availability and prices correct at time of issue.
To book call Thomas Cook in Dublin on (01) 514 0430,
log onto www.thomascook.ie
or visit your travel agent.
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The Canaries
- some winter sun
this November
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Windsurfing in Fuerteventura
|
For those seeking summer-like temperatures in November, the Canary Islands have the answer with average daily temperatures of 24° Celsius and an average 6 hours of sunshine. And Thomas Cook Ireland have sent us a selection of offers, covering a range of properties starting from just €290 per person for 7 nights. Have a look.
Lanzarote, with its unique volcanic rock backdrop and Timanfaya National Park remains a firm favourite with Irish holidaymakers. Stay at the 3-star Plaza Palmeras Apartments in Puerto del Carmen from €399pp on a self catering basis or head to the resort of Matagorda with 7 nights at the 4-star Beatriz Playa Hotel from €599pp on an all inclusive basis.
Both depart Dublin on 3rd and 10th November 2013.
Fuerteventura, is the second largest of the Canary Islands and is a haven for watersports with endless sandy beaches. A 7 night stay at the 3-star Castillo Beach Park Apartments in Caleta de Fuste is available from €309pp on a self catering basis while the 4-star El Cotillo Beach Hotel is on offer from €415pp on a half board basis.
Both depart Dublin on 16th November 2013.
Gran Canaria is ideal for those looking for a diverse holiday offering both relaxed and lively options. Stay at the 3-star Babalu Apartments from €339pp on a self catering basis or take 7 nights at the 4-star Eugenia Victoria Hotel from €559pp on a half board basis. The 3-star Dunas Mirador is also available from €499pp on all inclusive basis based on 2 sharing.
All depart Dublin on 23rd November 2013.
Tenerife, the largest Canary Island, and test your agility by signing up to the TRI Tenerife Sur half endurance triathlon on 30th November during your stay. Thomas Cook has 5 nights at the 3-star Marino Tenerife Hotel in Costa del Silencio from €290 per person on a self catering basis or upgrade to 4-star HG Tenerife Sur Hotel in Los Cristianos from €369pp self-catering.
Both depart Dublin on 28th November 2013.
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Teide National Park, Tenerife
Sharon Harney of Thomas Cook Ireland told us “There’s a great mix of holidays on offer from relaxing to active this November that will suit all tastes and budgets for a pre-Christmas getaway to the sun”
All above prices are based on 2 sharing.
To book or for more information call Thomas Cook in Dublin on (01) 514 0328,
log onto www.thomascook.ie
or visit your travel agent.
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Get More Out of Your Cruise
- for FREE
American Holidays are offering fantastic free extras onboard certain cruise liners. And that applies whether you are looking to explore the sunny Florida coastline or to discover the stunning Alaska or to see the best of Canada.
We're listing below some of these amazing deals:
Carnival Cruises
Spend 4 nights in the 3 star Rosen Inn at Pointe, Orlando and take a mini 3 night Bahamas Cruise on board the Carnival Sensation, from only €819pp.
Book by the 31st October 2013 and get up to $500 free on board spending money on selected sailings between November 2013 to May 2014.
Travel: 26th January 2014 Their ref no. is: 865662
Norwegian Cruise Line
Spend 1 night in the 4 star Sofitel Miami Hotel and take a 7 night Caribbean Cruise on board the Norwegian Getaway, from only €1,325pp.
Book by the 31st October 2013 and get up to $400 free on board spending money selected 2014 Sailings.
Travel:14th February 2014 Their ref no. is: 865760
Celebrity Cruises
Spend 2 nights in the 3 star Century Plaza and Spa Hotel, Vancouver and take a 7 night Alaskan Cruise on board Celebrity Century, from only €1255pp.
Book by the 21st October 2013, stay in Balcony and Suite Staterooms and avail of the free extra drinks.
Travel: 23rd May 2014 Their ref no. is: 866323
Royal Caribbean
Spend 2 nights at the 3 star Milford Plaza Hotel, New York and take a 7 night Bahamas Cruise on board the Explorer of The Seas, from only €999pp.
Book by the 15th October 2013 and get up to $100 free on board spending money when staying in the Balconies and Suite Staterooms.
Travel: 6th February 2014 Their ref no. is: 865639
American Holidays is fully licensed
and bonded by Commission for Aviation Regulation (TO 029).
Call American Holidays to book on 01 673 3804
or call into their office just off Grafton Street - 18-19 Duke Street, Dublin 2
where their staff will gladly help you plan your holiday of a lifetime.
For more information visit www.americanholidays.com.
For more information visit www.americanholidays.com.
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Race Route of the Giro d’Italia Announced
- beginning in Belfast with the Grand Partenza (Big Start) in May 2014.
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| Pictured outside Milan's Palazzo del Ghiaccio: Northern Ireland's
Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster and Riccardo Taranto, CEO of RCS Sport. |
Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland’s Tourism Minister, has told an audience of international and Italian media that Northern Ireland is developing a strong position in the global tourism and sports events industry.
The Minister was in Milan at a media launch announcing the full race route of the Giro d’Italia.
The cycling race, one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles, begins in Belfast with the Grand Partenza or Big Start in May 2014.
The Grand Partenza route will take in iconic locations in Northern Ireland, including Titanic Belfast, Parliament Buildings, the Giants Causeway and the North Coast Road before moving on to the picturesque and historic setting of Armagh and onwards to Dublin.
Minister Foster said “Northern Ireland’s high-quality facilities, infrastructure and hospitality all set against the backdrop of our outstanding scenery is putting us into a strong position in the global tourism and sports events industry. Having hosted this year’s World Police and Fire Games, hailed as the best and friendliest in history, and having held last year’s hugely successful Irish Open golf tournament our reputation for staging world-class sporting events is riding high".
Fiona Cunningham, Northern Ireland Tourist Board Market Manager in the Republic added: “The Giro d ‘Italia 2014 route will give audiences plenty of opportunities to see the action for themselves. Northern Ireland looks forward to being on the world stage once again and with the ‘Big Start’ which includes the Team Presentation on May 8 and the Titanic Time Trial on May 9, cycling enthusiasts will really be part of the action before the road stages even begin.
Fiona continued: “With the Giro starting in Northern Ireland and the fact that there will be a number of unique opportunities to get up close and personal with the best professional riders in the world, it will be the perfect time for visitors from the Republic of Ireland to enjoy a short break and experience everything we have to offer.”
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See the Outstanding
Northern Lights
According to NASA, 2014 is set to be a year of high solar activity and with this comes the possibility to experience the Northern Lights at their best. A direct flight from Belfast to Tromso makes it easier for Irish travellers to get there for an Arctic voyage organised by Thomas Cook Cruises in January 2014.
The 6 day Arctic Highlights package starts with a three night cruise on board Hurtigruten’s MS Trollfjord sailing from Tromso to Kirkenes and back. Seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed, but rest assure that the spectacular scenery on route will make for an unforgettable trip. Optional excursions on route include a visit to the Snow Hotel in Kirkenses, an excursion to Europe’s northernmost point - North Cape, a trip to the Russian boarder or take advantage of this winter wonderland with some snowmobiling and dog sledging. Follow the cruise with a two night stay at a 3-star hotel in Tromso – the capital of the Arctic – giving you time to explore the city known as the Paris of the North. Price is from €1,289 per person with flight departing Belfast on 30th January 2014.
“We want to ensure that Irish travellers have the best possible chance of experiencing natures light display” says Sharon Harney of Thomas Cook Ireland. ”I’d strongly advise to book early as this will surely sell out.”
Price is based on two persons sharing an interior cabin on a half board basis on MS Trollfjord and includes flights, transfers, cruise, hotel accommodation (bed and breakfast basis) and taxes. Full terms and conditions apply.
To book call: Thomas Cook Cruise in Dublin on 01 514 0336,
visit your local travel agent
or log onto www.thomascook.ie/cruise
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Gophop.ie announce
adventurous tour of Laos
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Pha That Luang, Vientiane, Laos
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Here's a way to experience the best of Laos and discover this amazing country. Explore the easygoing capitol Vientiane and see the incredible gold covered Buddhist temple Pha That Luang, the holiest site in Laos. Climb the 328 steps that lead to the top of Mount Phousi, where you will be rewarded with marvellous views of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers.
Take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Kuang Si Waterfalls, located 32 km from Luang Prabang. These waterfalls cascade down a multilevel limestone formation creating a series of turquoise blue pools, perfect for swimming in on a hot day.
And the cost of this 6 day tour with Gohop.ie ? From only €519pp. That price includes: Hotel accommodation, meals as mentioned in the itinerary, tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles, an English speaking local guide and all entrance fees as indicated in itinerary.
Travel: 1st October 2013 - 30th April 2014, from €569pp, or 1st May 2014 - 30th September 2014, from €519pp. Gohop.ie ref No: EXLCTHOL
For a full itinerary click here
GoHop.ie claim the lowest airfares on all airlines out of Ireland.
GoHop.ie is fully bonded and licensed with the IATA.
For more information visit www.gohop.ie or visit our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Gohop.ie.
For more information visit www.gohop.ie or visit our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Gohop.ie.
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The new ‘Sunny Heart’
of Thomas Cook
There is an update to the Thomas Cook
logo announced this week.
and they sent HOLIDAYezine an interesting infographic
on the progression of that logo since 1880.
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| Harriet Green, CEO of Thomas Cook Group and the new logo |
The new ‘Sunny Heart’ will be phased in to replace the existing ‘Globe’ logo for all main stream products on the web, in brochures, in aircraft, in concept hotels, other hotels and in stores in Ireland
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