European city breaks are very popular at this time of the year and two new brochures that I have come across will be of interest to anyone planning a break. Alan Lynch Travel (01 670 8877) started doing theatre weekends in London some years ago and have now expanded to a considerable choice in European cities. All the favourites are there, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Prague, Milan, London, Rome and lots more.
My favourite would be the chance to see two cities in two different countries in one weekend. Yes, it is possible. Paris and London, now linked by Eurostar, dinner in London on Friday and in Paris on Saturday, or you could go to Brussels. There is a great selection of hotels and prices for a weekend in London start at £124.
The other brochure from Nouvelles Frontieres (679 1233) is ideal for anyone who has collected stamps, tokens or travel certificates in the supermarket promotions for discounted flights.
It specialises in city hotels at reasonable prices. In they also have a selection of self-catering apartments from £22 per night per person. Also for Paris you can book tours to Versailles, Seine Cruises, the Moulin Rouge Show or dinner at the Eiffel Tower.
Also featured in the brochure are Venice, Pisa, Cannes, Lisbon, Budapest, Prague, Edinburgh and New York. They also have some great escape bargains for the New Year. Paris for £289 including three night's accommodation and a five-course dinner and dance on New Year's Eve. Or Amsterdam £379, five night's accommodation from December 27th.
If you are in the West Cork area this weekend the International Walking Festival is on. From Friday to Sunday the walks will take in Sheep's Head Way and the Beara Way. Walks are graded for varying abilities. Bantry is headquarter town and you can telephone West Cork Tourism for details (028 22812).
Recently I came across an hotel in that had all the ingredients for a romantic weekend away. On a hill above Nice overlooking the Cote d'Azur, Chateau des Ollieres an eight-bedroom hotel, is the epitome of Belle Epoque style and opulence.
The furnishings include marble statues, silk covered walls, rich paintings and hand-painted ceilings. My favourite room was the Tower Suite which was vast but also had a wonderful terrace, where I pictured myself taking breakfast in the sunshine. Set in three acres of park five minutes from Promenade des Anglais it is the former home of a Russian Prince LobanovRostowsky.
Prices for a room start at about £100 and the Tower Suite from £250 at this time of the year. (00 33 4 92 15 77 99 or fax: 92 15 77 98 or email: ollieres@riviera-isp.com.
When travelling through Dublin Airport with Cityjet why not avail of its new valet parking service. For anyone who has tried to park lately at the airport this is a real time saver. It is complimentary to business class passengers and £15 to economy class.
Drive up to the departures level and leave your car with the uniformed Inflight Car Care valets, who will park it safely in the multi-storey car park. On return your car can be collected from Inflight Car Care in Block A. While you are away you can also have your car valeted details from Inflight Car Care on (01 704 4032) or Cityjet on (01 844 4699).
