Holidays In Kos

Watch Out For The Tourist Trains In Kos

2011-02-24T06:18:00.001-08:00

Regardless of where you go on holiday, you will have plenty of ways to get around once you arrive. Sometimes the best way to see more of somewhere is to hire a car. But it hardly gives you a good way to see everything because you have to have your eyes on the road all the time.

You have a real advantage in Kos though because they have a couple of tourist trains that run on the roads. You can hop on and off these in various places so you get a nice opportunity not only to see more of Kos, you can also get off at the main destinations and attractions the island has to offer.

You should be aware that you have two trains to choose from when you get there, and if you are staying in or near Kos Town you will see the first one pretty soon. It is green in colour and will be ideal for seeing the vast majority of sights in the town. The alternative train is blue in colour, and it offers one major benefit – the chance to go out to Asklepieion to see one of the most famous sights on the island.

The routes taken by the two trains are not very long, but they do provide a good way to see more of the island. Of course you can also explore on foot but a journey on the tourist trains is well worth doing. It is as much a part of Kos as the surroundings and famous ancient sites are, so you will probably be tempted to have a go while you are there.

The trains are easy enough to get on and off and you will also appreciate some shelter from the sun. While they are all quite open all the carriages do have a roof on them, so you can take advantage of relaxing while you enjoy the sightseeing journey they take you on.

You may not initially have thought much about enjoying a land train ride in Kos. But as you can see, it would be crazy not to have a go.

Would You Opt for a Winter Break in Kos?

2011-01-26T06:50:00.001-08:00

Sometimes all we want during the winter months is to go somewhere that is still sunny. The UK is far from sunny during most of the winter, so it might be good to consider some sunnier options that are slightly further afield.

For example Kos can be a good bet for the winter months. It is true that the weather during the winter is wetter than it would be during the summer, but it doesn’t put Kos off limits by any stretch. If you head out to Kos during February or March for example, you are getting towards the time when it has far less in the way of rain anyway.

It can also be more relaxing to visit earlier in the year, before the usual brisk summer gets underway. A short week long break could be just what you need, and you can explore all the usual popular places on Kos that tourists tend to go for. Kos Town has to be one of the most famous, but of course there are many other places you can head for as well.

The beaches may be one of the highlights in Kos but if you are going there during the winter season you may not be as keen to spend all day every day on the sands. Instead you can take advantage of seeing some of the island’s famous sights. It dates back to times when Hippocrates was making big strides ahead in medicine, and so you can expect many ancient sights to be worth a look. Don’t miss Asklepion or the many ancient ruins that are dotted all over the island.

Another advantage you might be able to enjoy is the freedom to explore the island on foot or by bicycle. There are many lovely routes that will take you into and out of villages and other locations, and you can certainly get plenty of fresh air and relaxation this way.

In fact you may enjoy a winter holiday in Kos rather more than you would enjoy a summer one. It all depends on what you are looking for.

It’s Time for Some Shopping in Kos

2010-12-27T05:23:00.001-08:00

It doesn’t really matter where you go to on holiday: if you are having a beach holiday there will come a time when you want to explore the area you have chosen to base yourself in. This means looking forward to a spot of shopping as well as simply wandering around looking for what Kos has to offer.

Most towns and villages in Kos have a nice selection of stores you can look in. Many people make the mistake of heading to the small shops inside whatever hotel they happen to be staying in first. Make sure you don’t do this – by all means have a look but don’t buy anything until you have unearthed the smallest and best quirky stores that are dotted all over the island. You may have to venture into some of the more ‘off the beaten track’ type areas to find the best kept secrets of Kos, but it is well worth putting in the extra effort.

One of the most commonly visited areas of Kos is perhaps unsurprisingly the Old Town. You will find some shops here but they mostly cater to those who are looking for a genuine designer label. If you want to find the more unusual shops – what many would call the ‘one off’ shops for obvious reasons – you need to look a little further into various areas that have lots of side streets to explore. This is where you will find the various locally made items that make perfect souvenirs to take home with you.

If you are going to visit Kos Town the best bit is arguably the indoor market. This is where all the local goods and produce are sold, and if you are staying in self catering accommodation you will doubtless find lots of reasons to explore the market to find some great tastes and foods to cook with. In fact the more you are into your cooking the more likely you are to enjoy this part of Kos. But wherever you go, you will love the eclectic and varied range of shops that are waiting to greet you.

Have You Thought About Turkey?

2010-11-26T06:21:00.001-08:00

Yes it might seem a strange question to pose on a blog that is primarily focused with the island of Kos. But in actual fact it isn’t impossible to take a trip across to Turkey while you are holidaying in Kos. If you look at where Kos is on a map you’ll see it sits directly beneath the bottom end of Turkey. This has opened up the possibility of taking a trip to Bodrum – the most popular spot to visit in Turkey for those staying in Kos – if you are up for a different day out.

Kos is a vibrant and lively island so you might wonder why you would want to leave it behind. But we’re only talking about a day long excursion here, and not a mammoth trip that will take you away from the island for a day. It also has a double barrelled benefit to share with you. You can enjoy exploring Turkey, which is a good thing to do if you want to see it for the first time, and you can also get a superb view of Kos as you leave it on a boat and return again at the end of the day.

You might think going from country to country will take a while, but in fact the slowest method of getting there is via a boat and it takes just an hour to do. The other option (if you are in a hurry) is the so called Flying Dolphin. It’s not exactly what it sounds like; instead it is a much faster type of boat, rather like a hover craft, that is assured to get you over to Turkey in an unbelievable twenty minutes.

If you like the idea of taking some photos of both Kos and Turkey during the trip then the boat may give you the time you need to do so. Otherwise go for speed and enjoy the amazing Flying Dolphin instead.

It’s clear that if you want to go on a day trip away from Kos, Turkey is the best place to head for.

What Type Of Accommodation Should You Stay In?

2010-10-27T06:11:00.001-07:00

Kos is famous for being a lively island. It doesn’t just offer clubbing and great nights out though; it can actually be a respite from your daily life at home as well. There are quiet spots you can stay in and plenty of delightful types of accommodation to think about booking as well.

When it comes to your Kos accommodation, it’s worth thinking about the kind of holiday you want to have before you book anything. For instance if a group of you are planning on having a fun holiday with beach trips during the day and clubbing at night, you might find it cost effective to book into a villa. If you can get one close to the beaches and the nightclubs you’ll be sitting pretty.

Of course a villa can also be ideal for families. It gives you enough space to spread out and relax, spending time indoors as well as outdoors. We all have those afternoons when we want to be out of the sun and just relaxing inside with a book for instance. Wouldn’t you love to stay in a villa in that kind of situation?

Elsewhere you can try out apartments if you are on a budget. Self catering is best in this instance as you can just pay for whatever food you want when you get there. Apartments near the beach are a cost effective and desirable spot, but do remember you’ll very likely pay more for being right on the beach. Depending on how often you want to be there, it could be worth paying that extra bit.

As you can see, location is just as important as the type of accommodation you want in Kos. If the last thing you want to do is join in the clubbing, you won’t want to book into an apartment right next door. There are quieter spots to be found as well in Kos, so watch out for them and then narrow down your accommodation.

All you have to remember is that the right accommodation will be available at the right price on Kos – you just have to be prepared to look for it.

Looking For A Resort In Kos?

2010-09-28T04:15:00.000-07:00

One of the key things about organising a holiday to Kos is deciding whereabouts on the island you are going to stay. Kardamena is a popular choice for many people, partly because it has a lot to offer in many respects.

You’ll find Kardamena along the southern coast of the island, and its nice seaside position gives it a lovely look and feel that many tourists will appreciate. For starters you must realise that it is a key destination for all those who go to Kos for the nightlife. It is still worth seeing if you would rather seek out a family holiday, but you may wish to visit outside of the usual clubbing season for more in the way of peace and quiet.

But if you think that Kardamena is all about clubs and bars and little else, you would be mistaken. There is plenty to do if you want to get out and about and stay active during the daylight hours. Kardamena has a diving centre and of course, since it is on the coast, you can go into the water and explore what’s beneath the surface. Snorkelling, swimming and diving are all popular sports for lots of visitors.

You won’t go hungry in Kardamena either. There are plenty of restaurants of all types in the area, offering food that is inherently Greek in nature. They also offer all kinds of foods that will appeal to the very British among us, who like a taste of home while we are away!

Of course we shouldn’t forget the beach in Kardamena either. It is a beauty in itself, and many tourists will be heading here on a daily basis to enjoy the relaxation it offers. The lovely sands are very appealing and it is a long beach too so you shouldn’t have much trouble staking out a spot of your own.

Kos does offer a wide range of great resorts to head for. But Kardamena has a lot to offer and its closeness to the airport makes it another good bet as one of the top spots on Kos.

Head For A Magic Beach On Kos

2010-08-27T06:08:00.000-07:00

Most people who go to Kos for their holidays will want a nice beach to relax on each day. The island is well suited for this purpose as it has plenty of stunning beaches to try out.

One of them is known as Magic Beach, and the name certainly gives it a charm that makes it an attractive place to visit. But while the name may attract you, it has plenty more to offer that will keep you there.

For starters you will have a full three kilometres of beach to stretch out on, so space shouldn’t be a problem. This is just short of two miles so you can see for a long way on this particular beach.

The beach is on the south western part of Kos, so it is better suited to those who have no desire to visit Kos Town during their stay on the island. If you want a quieter and more relaxing stay this could be just the town for you.

The beach is also quite deep, and since the sand here is fine and pleasant you will have the full length and breadth of the beach to enjoy. Of course you will also be able to venture into the sea for a swim, and you can try out snorkelling and other water sports as well if you wish.

Magic Beach won’t quite have the magic that everyone looks for in a beach, but it certainly has a lot to offer to many people. If the idea of an overcrowded beach puts you off visiting many of the beaches on Kos, this one may just be what you are looking for. There is also a nudist beach nearby so this might give you another reason for visiting Magic Beach and the facilities available there.

As you can see, when you are planning a trip to Kos it might be worthwhile to think about your preferred type of beach before you book anything. Discovering your favourite kind of beach could influence where you make your holiday booking for – and Magic Beach could be the answer.

Time To Head For The Water Park

2010-07-29T04:45:00.003-07:00

What foreign holiday in sunny climes is complete without a visit to the local water park?

You’ve got a great one to look for in Kos too, and it goes by the name of the Lido Waterpark. What better name could there be for a location where you could have some serious fun splashing around in the water out in the open while enjoying the sun at the same time?

So let’s see what is in store for you here. You’ll need to head towards Mastichari to find the Lido, which is about halfway along the northern edge of the island. It is pretty close to the coast too, so you’ll get some superb views as well as enjoying everything the park has to offer.

As you would expect there are lots of slides and rides here to enjoy, including their version of the infamous Black Hole ride. It runs to 130 metres and virtually the whole thing runs in the dark. Hang on and enjoy the ride!

If you would prefer something where you can see where you are going, try out the Giant Slide instead. You won’t need a rubber tube for this one – simply sit down, push off and enjoy the trip to the bottom. If you would rather travel with someone else you can try out the Crazy River, which has two types of inner tubes to choose from. The single is for you alone and the double means you can drag someone else along for the ride as well!

If that all sounds like too much hard work for you (not that it’s hard work at all really) you can opt for the Lazy River instead. Take this as an opportunity to look around the park as you float round it in a huge tyre. It is very relaxing and enjoyable and it gives you a break from the more active rides at the Lido Waterpark.

So if you think you are ready for a great day out on Kos, head for the Lido and try out as many rides as you can.

Visiting Zia

2010-06-29T06:07:00.001-07:00

Let’s face it we’ve all heard about Kos Town. But whether you like this particular part of Kos or not, there are plenty of other locations you should consider visiting as well.

Zia is a classic example so let’s take a look and see what you can expect when you get there. For starters this is not a town, it is actually a village – and it’s a very nice village as well. The word ‘pretty’ really does not describe it. This is a stunningly beautiful town that seems to provide you with a classic photograph opportunity around every corner.

You will find the village on the slopes of a mountain, Mount Dikaion. And the one thing that really stands out is the fact that most of the houses here are very natural in their appearance. Think of how you would imagine traditional Greek houses and dwellings to look and you will get an idea of what to expect from Zia.

The village is also known as being the location of the oldest water mill on the island. There is a Greek taverna nearby as well, so you can combine a walk up to the water mill with a well deserved drink or two as well. What more could you ask for than a nice drink and some amazing scenery to look out on?

But one thing that has to be mentioned about Zia is that it is superb to visit if you happen to be self catering. That might sound like a strange connection to make but when you visit the village you will see why. There are lots of charming local stores that sell all kinds of delightful things to eat including the traditional olive oil of course. Make sure you have enough time to wander round and get all the provisions you need. When you get back to your accommodation you can then set about creating a traditional Greek meal for yourself.

As you can see, Zia in Kos can provide you with far more than a peaceful and relaxing day out. You can see more of Kos, as well as getting some fantastically tasty food.

Driving Around In Kos

2010-05-31T04:45:00.001-07:00

Wherever you go on holiday you have a whole range of places to see and attractions to visit. This applies to Kos as well, but not every town and venue will be within easy walking distance of wherever you happen to be staying. And you wouldn’t want to miss out on the many other great sights the island has to offer, would you?

So the best way to see as much as you can is to hire a car to use during your stay. Depending on the kind of holiday you want you can either hire one for the duration of your trip, or alternatively hire one just for a day or two. Quite often you will find the second option is better, particularly if you love relaxing on the beach a lot.

Kos Town is a good place to start, but be careful when it comes to parking. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with all the relevant road signs and parking do’s and don’ts before you go, so you don’t inadvertently end up parking somewhere you shouldn’t.

But Kos Town is just scraping the surface of what Kos itself has to offer. You’ll be amazed at the vast difference in landscapes you will come across when you get in your hire car and start driving. You’ll be familiar with the beaches and perhaps Kos Town as well, but don’t miss all the ruins and archaeological wonders you can see as you drive round as well. This is where a guide book comes in particularly handy, so you can identify the best spots to visit by car.

To see the best in cultural and archaeological wonders you need to head south on Kos. Head for Kefalos for example - you will find this down in the south western section of the country. There is a lot to discover in this section of Kos, beyond the narrowed part of the island, long after you have passed by the airport.

In short, a car can show you areas of Kos you would never have discovered otherwise. Aren’t you ready to see a different side of the island?

Cycling In Kos

2010-04-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

If you love getting out and about on your bike and you want to carry on doing so when you visit the Greek Islands, make sure you head for Kos. This is one of the best Greek Islands to go for when you want to indulge in pedal power, partly because it doesn’t have much in the way of hills or mountains. It isn’t completely flat as a pancake but if you are a beginner to cycling and you fancy taking part in a cycling holiday this is definitely one of the best islands to choose.

You will be pleased to hear that renting a bike on Kos is exceptionally easy. It helps if you make sure you are staying nice and close to a bike rental place, because you won’t have to travel far to rent the bike you need for your stay. You should be able to happily rent a bike that has a basket on the back or the front; it may not look cool but you will be glad of having somewhere to put your gear for the day, including water and food.

Many people come back from a break in Kos raving about how good the cycling tracks are. Since cycling is very popular here you won’t have any trouble struggling with traffic. Find the cycle tracks and off you go, exploring the island in a much better way than any other form of travel would provide you with.

Remember that hiring a bike for a whole week will be much cheaper than hiring at a day rate. You can explore Kos Town and also cycle to the beaches on the island to see what they are like. You will find it much more pleasant to stay on the edges of the island rather than venturing too far into the centre. This will ensure you have a nice sea breeze and the ground will be fairly flat too.

As you can see, getting around by bike is cheap, easy and enjoyable and it will get you fit too. Why not try it during your next trip to Kos?

The Ancient Site Of Asklepion In Kos

2010-03-31T01:12:00.001-07:00

Kos, like many other areas of Greece including its many islands, has a history which stretches back further than some people realise. There are several major archaeological sites on the island of Kos, but there are none better than Asklepion.

This can be found in the north eastern corner of the island, inland and spread out over quite a significant area. To understand what the location was used for it is first necessary to understand what an asclepion is. Sometimes spelt as an asclepeion, it was a temple used for healing back in ancient Greece. The reason why the site in Kos is the most famous one of all is because Hippocrates was said to have worked there in his day. He is generally considered to be the man who founded modern medicine as we know it today, and he also lent his name to the Hippocratic Oath.

But what can you make of the site itself?

You will find it perched atop a hill and this gives it a unique view over the surrounding area. More than this, it enables the Asklepion to take over several levels, so you can wander from one to the other to see how the ancient Greeks would have used the site.

While many of the buildings are largely in ruins there is enough left to warrant a visit to imagine how things would have looked back then. The biggest ancient structure exists on several levels and you can climb three flights of stairs to the very top to see how good the view is from there.

It is easy to imagine how the ancient Greeks would have used the site to help them heal people who lived nearby. The Greek God Asclepius gave his name to the healing temples of this type, and was revered as the God of Healing. But as you stand on the Asklepion perhaps it will aid you to remember that many of the names and associations with ancient Greece are still with us today in modern medicine. Some things have clearly lasted longer than others.

Which Beaches Should You Be Heading To In Kos?

2010-03-01T00:39:00.001-08:00

Probably most of the people who are heading to Kos on holiday will have every intention of heading straight to one of the beaches there. But which ones are worth visiting and will provide you with one of the undoubted highlights of your holiday?

Kos Town itself is a popular area to visit, so if you are staying near here you will want to know where you can go to enjoy the sun, sand and surf. And you won’t have to travel far either. Lambi Beach is probably the closest, situated as it is at the edge of the town itself. It is also not far from the harbour, if you fancy having the added bonus of sightseeing to look forward to. You won’t run short on amenities either as the beach is very well looked after, and it caters for everything a sunseeker could need.

You’ll find Club Med in Agios Stephanos, but you don’t need to stay there to use the beach they have right outside. It is perfectly legal to use it since there is no such thing as a private beach here. The laws in Greece were obviously thought up by someone who realised just how fortunate the country is to have plenty of delightful beaches – so they made it a requirement to share them!

If you want something a little bit different you can focus on getting to Thermes Beach. The name of this particular offering should give you a clue as to what to expect here. For starters you’ll need to either drive here or catch the bus, but it is well served by good roads so it shouldn’t be much of a problem.

The name comes from the fact that the seas are naturally heated up with the aid of hot springs – hence the name Thermes. The black sand here may look very different from the sand you will see at other beaches in Kos, but it is no less pleasant to walk on or lay your towel on to sunbathe. It has some facilities but is quieter than some of the more crowded beach destinations in Kos.

The Archaeological Museum Of Kos

2010-01-28T00:41:00.001-08:00

Museums typically reveal a lot about the holiday destination you have chosen to visit. And more than that, they reveal a lot about what that place used to be like – sometimes hundreds of years before you ever set foot there.

Kos is no different in this respect. And you can enjoy an amazing insight into the area thanks to its Archaeological Museum. The atrium in particular is quite spectacular as it shows Asklepios arriving in Kos, created in mosaic form. The mosaic uses hundreds of small tiles to depict the scene, and it is thought to date back as far as the second century. The age of the mosaic is amazing in itself, but when you take a close look you will see just how well preserved it has been. It shows very few signs of aging at all and it is undoubtedly one of the finest highlights of the whole museum.

Hippocrates is also depicted in this mosaic, and of course he is commonly thought of as the father of modern medicine. He also came from Kos and so it is not surprising that we should see references to him in the museum.

Not all of the exhibitions and areas of the Archaeological Museum are open to the public for viewing, but there is enough here to warrant a visit. You will find the museum in Eleftherias Square, and it is easy to find since the front of the building is symmetrical and has three solid pillars in the middle. But while the building itself is quite impressive it does not overshadow what you will find inside.

You can see a statue of Hippocrates for example, as well as various other extremely detailed statues of key figures of ancient Greek times. There are also such famous figures as Eros, Hermes and Dionysus, so you can see that this really gives you an amazing window onto ancient times.

Many people come to Kos to enjoy the beaches, the sun, the swimming and of course the nightlife. But make sure you spend a couple of hours exploring this wonderful museum as well.

Explore The Famous Castle Of Kos

2009-12-10T00:24:00.001-08:00

Kos harbour is worth visiting for lots of different reasons. But one of those reasons will be standing waiting to impress you as you enter the area. You simply can’t miss it.

That’s because it is a castle – more properly known as the Castle of the Knights of St John. It’s an impressive name to be sure, but it is also an impressive sight. For starters this castle dates right back to the 14th century, and as such the condition it is in is quite impressive. Ancient 14th century builders certainly knew how to make things last!

The castle is impressive whatever side you see it from. But while you are in town it is worth taking a boat trip at some point, so you can see it from the water as well. This is how all visitors to the area would have seen it, and it certainly makes an impressive sight from this angle.

Of course things have changed since the 14th century. Make sure you locate Finikon Street while you are there – the bridge to the castle runs over it. Furthermore the street is located where the moat used to be, so it gives you an idea of how different things would have looked back then.

The design of the castle has four towers as its four corners. These are all circular and the robust nature of them makes it perfectly possible that the castle will still be standing in hundreds of years from now. There are plenty of signs of life from all those years ago that you can still see in the castle now – such as blazons, which are basically shields that were added to the design of the castle to mark the works of Grand Masters.

There is certainly plenty to see here, and of course you will have the added benefit of being able to take pictures from the castle looking out around you. This makes your holiday in Kos even more memorable, once you have spent a couple of hours wandering around a significant part of the town’s past.

The Most Famous Tree In Kos

2009-10-13T08:52:00.001-07:00

Now you’re not going to head all the way over to the Greek island of Kos just to see a tree. But while you’re in Kos Town you might want to see the place where the ‘father of medicine’, Hippocrates, shared his knowledge with his students.

We’re going back to around 400BC here, which was the time when Hippocrates would have been teaching. And in Kos Town there stands the Tree of Hippocrates, which marks the spot where these formative lessons supposedly took place.

You’ll find other signs of ancient Greek times spread throughout the island as well, but many people are entranced by the idea that modern medicine as we know it could have been started under this very tree. Hippocrates was born on this island and so it has a strong connection with him that will probably never fade.

And we’re sure you won’t have seen a tree this big before either. The circumference is reportedly something in the region of twelve full metres! Small wonder it needs scaffolding to keep it standing nowadays.

The scaffolding may spoil the view slightly, and it’s true that no one is really sure whether this tree is the original. Some say this tree is descended from the one that was planted on that spot by Hippocrates, but it makes for a better story to say that it is the original.

Whatever the truth may be, there is no doubt that there is a real feeling of ancient history on the island of Kos. The town of Kos may be set up with modern nightclubs, bars and restaurants, but the presence of the tree along with other ancient discoveries will remind you that people have been on this island for thousands of years.

If the Tree of Hippocrates piques your need to discover more about those times, don’t miss the Archaeological Museum either. You’ll find it in Eleftherias Square, and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time when you see the number of artefacts you’ll find yourself surrounded with.

In fact you might get a shock when you head back outside and back into the 21st century.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Offers 45 European Voyages In 2007

2006-12-07T05:52:00.000-08:00

FT. LAUDERDALE (October 31, 2006) - Regent Seven Seas Cruises, voted the world's #1 large-ship cruise line by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, will offer 45 European voyages in 2007, introducing two newly refurbished ships and calling on several new and less-visited ports. From the elegant casinos of Monte Carlo, to the Roman and Byzantine monuments of Kotor's medieval streets, to sampling fine vodkas and caviar in St. Petersburg, Regent brings the cultural authenticity of the Old World to the most discerning travelers.

Regent has added several exciting new ports of call for 2007, including Falmouth (England), Cartagena and Valencia (Spain), Golfe de Porto (Corsica), Koper (Slovenia), Korcula (Croatia), Kotor (Montenegro), and Kos (Greece). Regent's intimate smaller and mid-sized luxury ships enable guests to experience smaller ports that many larger ships simply cannot access, such as Monte Carlo, Portofino and Kotor. These are in addition to Regent's other established favorites like St. Petersburg, Copenhagen, Bordeaux, Venice and Istanbul.

Guests on European cruises will enjoy the 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager and the 490-guest all-suite (90% with private balconies) Seven Seas Navigator, both of which will complete multi-million dollar refurbishments this winter. Suites are being re-designed to reflect Regent's rich tradition of world-class hospitality - from exquisite down comforters to pure Egyptian cotton percale Anichini brand linens. Guests will also enjoy technology upgrades including faster wireless Internet access and iPod® players with Bose® speakers in butler suites.

In addition, beginning in 2007, every Regent cruise will be all-inclusive, with complimentary wine and spirits at all on-board restaurants and bars.

The European cruise season begins April 16 with a 15-night transatlantic voyage aboard the Seven Seas Navigator from Ft. Lauderdale to Monte Carlo, and culminates with the November 7 eight-night voyage aboard the Navigator from Funchal in Madeira, Portugal to Ft. Lauderdale. While the Voyager will sail Southern, Western and Northern Europe, the Navigator will make the Mediterranean her home for more than six months in 2007, canvassing nearly the entire region, from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Greek Isles to the Aegean Sea. Sailings range from seven to 19 nights, and per person prices start from $4,157. All fares include shipboard gratuities, all non-alcoholic beverages, select wine and liquor throughout and "What a Fare Deal"* options: a choice of roundtrip economy class air from 86 North American gateways, $499 business class upgrade when an economy class air add-on is purchased, or $1,000 savings off the cruise fare.

For the ultimate in luxury, guests can indulge in the 42-night Grand Europe Discovery, departing Rome on May 26 aboard the Seven Seas Voyager and ending in enchanted Copenhagen on July 7. This remarkable grand voyage explores Europe from the Mediterranean north to the Arctic Circle, with more than 25 ports including Portofino and the Isle of Capri (Italy), Monte Carlo, St. Tropez, Bordeaux (France), Barcelona, London, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, and several stops across Norway's fjordlands and the Arctic Circle.

A season highlight includes an already sold-out 14-night Norway cruise aboard the Seven Seas Voyager to the North Cape and Spitzbergen, hosted by Captain Dag Dvergastein and including a call to his hometown of Nevlunghaven, Norway. In addition, seven-night Baltic sailings between Stockholm and Copenhagen will feature two-day/three-night on board stays in the gilded city of St. Petersburg from July 14 through August 25. The Northern European sailing season culminates with an exclusive British Isles cruise, a return to the area after an interval of several years.

Widest Ever Holiday Destination Choice From Bristol International airport

2006-12-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

Bristol International is today launching its widest ever range of Summer holiday getaways in its brand new Summer 2006 Holiday Guide. With a total of 44 charter destinations now available, passengers can take advantage of the widest choice of holiday and flights from any regional airport. With over 35 tour operators offering an unbeatable selection of destinations, there is something for everyone.

Among the available destinations, Summer 2006 sees the introduction of a great new route to the popular town of Kalamata in Greece, operated by Kosmar Holidays. Kalamata, well known for its olives and honey, offers sandy beaches in the Messinian bay, easy access to the Southern Peleponese region, and is only a short drive away from Ancient Messini and Olympia. For fans of traditional culture, the town also hosts an annual International Dance Festival every July, which attracts participants from all over the world.

Tony Hallwood, Bristol International’s Aviation Development Director said: “Now is the time to book your holidays and flights from Bristol International as many operators are currently offering great discounts, especially at the time of the World Cup. But seats on flights are selling fast, with our new exciting Greek destination of Kalamata already proving incredibly popular, so my advice is to book now to get the best deal.”

3.3 million passengers are expected to fly from Bristol International between May and October this Summer, a rise of 9% on Summer last year. The most popular holiday destinations this year are Greece, Cyprus, Spain and the Balearic Islands including Majorca, Ibiza and Minorca. Advance sales on Continental’s New York service are healthy, with a growing number of people using the service to connect to onward destinations in the USA, including Orlando, Tampa, Las Vegas and Washington.

Anthony Goord of South West-based Peter Goord Travel explained: “There are many fantastic deals around at the moment for Summer holidays from Bristol International. 7 nights in Corfu, Kos and Crete, for example, start from under £200 or just £259 for 14 nights. Alternatively a 14 night break in Naples currently costs from £309 or £239 for the same time in the Costa del Sol.”

The full range of Summer holiday destinations on offer from Bristol International are all included within the airport’s new 'Summer 2006 guide' which is available either online, from the Airport Information desk in the terminal or from travel agents right across Bristol and the South West.