Long Haul Family Holidays

An experience of Portugal can be many things, whether you prefer beachside idyll, historical exploration or cultural immersion, there’s a Portugal holiday for you. Portugal is a country set to delight the culture lovers, beach lovers, food and wine lovers and everything in between. History, great food and idyllic scenery are just the beginning. From its characterful cities alive with modern bohemian buzz and historical charm to its golden beaches that seem to stretch for miles. Although known for its reliable weather, beautiful beaches and world-renowned golf, Portugal is also a foodie’s paradise. With succulent steaks and freshly caught seafood taking centre stage as well as a thrilling presence of fine dining restaurants, pop-up food stalls, artisan markets and more. Here is an overview of some of the hotels in Portugal that stand out for the Greenstar team. Tivoli Marina Vilamoura We like the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura for its unrivalled location: right next to the Vilamoura yacht marina and golden sandy beach. The hotel enjoys close proximity to a wide range of shops, restaurants and bars as well as landscapes of outstanding natural beauty. Newly renovated rooms and suites gleam with light and contemporary elegance and offer sweeping views of the marina or ocean. The leisure facilities at Tivola Marina Vilamoura are extensive and aimed at all types of travellers: four indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the Tivoli Spa, the state of the art Tivoli Shape gym and dedicated family-friendly services and spaces. Spend the days relaxing on a sun lounger on the golden sands of Praia de Vilamoura or hidden away by the side of the pool amidst lush gardens. Dining at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura is equally as indulgent – an eclectic gastronomic selection features premium steaks at Pepper's Steakhouse, signature cocktails overlooking the marina at The Argo Cocktail Bar and much more. Vilamoura has become one of the most famous and popular destinations on the Algarve. We love the location for world-renowned golf courses, beautiful sandy beaches, an International Casino and the largest Marina in Portugal. The combination of Vilamoura and Tivoli Marina is a winning one. Pine Cliffs The renowned Pine Cliffs, formerly known as the Sheraton Algarve Hotel, is superbly located on a clifftop surrounded by pine trees, overlooking miles of pristine beaches and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. The interiors of the hotel are elegant and airy offering complete comfort. We like the dining options, from fine dining to themed buffets, offering plenty of variety. For the active, the nine-hole golf course, Annabel Croft Tennis Academy and indoor and outdoor pools are there to enjoy. If relaxation is your thing, head to the resort spa for a spot of pampering and for the younger members of the family, 7,000 square metres of fun is available at the Porto Pirata children’s club. The Grand House, Vila Real, Santo Antonio Martyn stayed at The Grand House during his recent trip to Portugal. The hotel is about 90 minutes’ drive from Lisbon and 50 minutes’ drive from Faro airport. This Relais and Chateaux hotel is located on the promenade of Vila Real – it is suitably grand and also a slightly quirky. Just 2km from the hotel is its own beach club for guest use with a restaurant and sunbeds. The 18th century town of Vila Real itself is an interesting town to explore and has more laid back feel than the usually busy Algarve. It sits on the bank of the River Guadiana which separates Portugal and Spain. Nearby is Castro Marim with its mediaeval castle and salt pans. Herdade Malhadinha da Quinta Nova Martyn also visited Herdade Malhadinha da Quinta Nova. The hotel sits on its own wine estate, 2 hours from Lisbon and 90 minutes from Faro. The hotel offers a combination of rooms and suites to suit couples and family groups. There are 2 pools, a wine bar, library and spa. Sustainability is at the heart of the running of Herdade Malhadinha da Quinta Nova – they use their own produce from the expertly managed vegetable garden. A multitude of activities are on offer for guests staying for 2 nights or more, which we can book for you before you arrive. Portugal Two Centre In conjunction with Kirker we have put together a 7 night tour, staying in the hotels we experienced, based on travelling between 8th and 15th October. Temperatures will be around 15-23ºC – perfect for escaping rainy October in the UK. Day One London Heathrow to Lisbon with British Airways in Economy Depart 10:00, Arrive 12:50 One checked bag per person (23kg) and buy onboard service Arrival transfer by private vehicle to the hotel Hotel Bairro Alto (5*0 Lisbon for three nights Accommodation with breakfast staying in a Classic Chiado double room Complimentary Lisbon Card – includes entrance to over 25 of the city’s best museums and monuments and free use of the bus, tram and metro network. Private four-hour guided walking tour of Lisbon Day Four Private vehicle transfer to Lisbon airport Five day Avis car hire – Category E, Renault Captur or similar Drive for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to the Malhadinha da Quinta Nova (5*) Alentejo for two nights. Accommodation with breakfast staying in a Monte de Peceguina double room Day Six Drive for approximately 2 hours Stay at the Grand House (5* star deluxe) Vila Real for two nights Accommodation with breakfast staying in a medium double room with town view Day Eight Car hire return to Faro airport Faro to London Heathrow with British Airways in Economy Depart 15:40, Arrive 18:25 One checked bag per person (23kg) and buy onboard service Price from £2,899 per person including flights and transfers Total holiday price based on a party of two is £5,798 total Optional supplement: Upgrade to British Airways Club Europe Class for £225 per person for both directions. Non-refundable deposit per person required to secure your booking: £600 per person Total non-refundable deposit required to secure your booking: £1,200 total Pop in and see us in Claygate or get in touch for more information.

Karen recently visited the beautiful Balearic Islands with Kirker Holidays and loved it. Here is what she had to say about her trip: I went to the Balearics but felt like I was in Italy! I would never have thought Majorca and Menorca could be so magical. Majorca We were so fortunate to stay at the beautiful 5* deluxe Son Bunyola hotel on Majorca. Sir Richard Branson's newest hotel sits high up on the dramatic west coast, close to the quaint villages of Valdemossa, Deia and Banyabulfar. The hotel is nestled within a 1300 acre sprawling estate and has just 26 rooms. With nothing else around, the hotel is a haven of peace and tranquillity; just the sound of the sheep and the sea. There are plenty of activities on offer such as hiking, cycling, yoga, Pilates, an amazing spa, wine tasting and even art classes. It really is an escape from reality. All rooms are sumptuously furnished, and no expense is spared. If you want to experience Majorca as it should be then this is the place to stay. Menorca After 3 days exploring Majorca’s hidden wonders, we moved onto it’s smaller sister, Menorca. Having been here a few times before I thought I knew the island well but I was so out of touch! There are a few new 5* elegant properties opening which Menorca has been crying out for. Previously the island has just offered family resort type properties but I discovered a whole new side to this little beautiful rural island. Our home for the night was the 5* Son Vell and oh my goodness it’s didn’t disappoint! We felt like we had come to a stunning Tuscan villa. The hotel is on a privately owned 200-hectare estate with landscaped gardens, citrus trees and olive groves with just a corn field between us and the sea. Following a complete renovation of this old manor house, the Son Vell offers 34 rooms and suites in the main house and the old barns. (The old barns are noting like old barns; they are stunning!) With plenty of low-key activities such as nature walks, cookery workshops, yoga and cycling on offer there is plenty to do if you can tear yourself away from the lovely oval pool and gardens - being here feels like you are in the Bogart era! We took some bikes and cycled 5 minutes through the fields to the shore and couldn’t believe how inviting the turquoise sea looked. With no-one else around we decided to take a refreshing dip, it had to be done. Such great memories. Menorca offers some lovely, unexpected surprises. The beautiful old town of Cuitadella, just 20 minutes’ drive from Son Vell and the port capital of Mahon with some lovely boutique shops and gastronomic restaurants are both worth a visit. The island has such pretty , secluded coves and beaches and the most amazing turquoise sea. Now with a few 4 and 5* elegant properties on offer, Menorca is certainly the Balearics' best kept secret. For more information on these islands and hotels, pop into the office or give Karen a ring on 01372 462226.

Did you know we can help with travel extras too? You have booked your holiday with us, your passport is packed and you’re ready to escape the norm for two weeks. What about the little extras that make things easier such as airport parking and booking excursions? Click here to see how we can help or get in touch for further information.

Valentina Harris is a chef, author and broadcaster on the subject of Italian cuisine. She has published more than 30 books including Risotto! Risotto!, The Italian Regional Cookbook and Food and Cooking of Milan and Bologna. Born in Tuscany, Valentina studied at cooking school in Rome and has spent much time in Emilia-Romagna, the source of many of Italy's finest culinary ingredients. She is the perfect companion to a 'foodie' tour to Italy. Kirker have put together some tours to Rome and Bologna this year on which Valentina will accompany discovering restaurants and food producers off the tourist trail. Below is information on both tours. Roman Cuisine with Valentina Harris 5 nights – departs 22 April 2024 Valentina learned her cooking skills in Rome, a city which has an extraordinary culinary tradition dating back two millennia. This carefully-crafted new itinerary will take you beyond the “Menu Turistico” of the Eternal City to discover the traditional dishes and authentic restaurants which embody the city’s food history. There is also an opportunity to explore the surrounding Castelli Romani. Dine in style during your trip, from local markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, and meet some of the best local food producers and winemakers. Price from £3,178 per person (single supp. £639) What's Included • Return flights • Five nights accommodation with breakfast • Three dinners and two lunches • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described • The company of Italian culinary expert, chef and food writer Valentina Harris Bologna – Italy’s Gastronomic Heart 5 nights - departs 8 October 2024 Known as “la dotta, la grassa, la rossa” for its ancient university, rich cuisine and terracotta rooftops, Bologna is at the heart of Italian cuisine. The surrounding region produces many of Italy's most celebrated delicacies. Valentina will introduce magnificent art galleries and museums, splendid Renaissance churches and – of course – delicious food in carefully selected local restaurants. Visit the nearby cities of Modena and Parma and meet traditional producers of Balsamic vinegar and ‘parmigiano e prosciutto’. Price from £2,689 per person (single supp. £396) What's Included • Return flights • Five nights accommodation with breakfast • Three dinners and two lunches • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described • The company of Italian culinary expert, chef and food writer Valentina Harris For further information pop in and see us or get in touch.

Forte Village is a premier resort on Sardinia’s stunning Southern coast. The resort has 8 hotels, 13 villas and 21 restaurants. The restaurant choice is superb ranging from local to Michelin star cuisine. 116 acres are host to a wealth of unforgettable family experiences including the Real Madrid Foundation Clinic, open-air spa and endless entertainment for younger members of the family from babies to teens. Each of the 8 hotels within the resort offers something special. Mesmerising sea views and tranquil lush tropical gardens surround a range of spacious and comfortable accommodation. From spacious classic rooms to family bungalows and beachside suites, the hotels offer exclusive services to enhance every stay. 6 Reasons to stay at Forte Village 1. Forte Village has been the world’s leading resort for 24 consecutive years 2. Hotel, suites, bungalows and villas offer luxurious accommodation options for families and couples 3. 21 restaurants and 14 bars offer a vast choice from Michelin star cuisine to wood fired pizzas 4. Over 20 sports are on offer and the newly renovated spa is a dream 5. Just a stone’s throw from the sea is an enchanted garden for children 6. There is a good choice of accommodation from spacious classic rooms to beachside suites The hotels, suites and villas Hotel Bouganville, nestled within Forte Village Resort’s verdant gardens boasts a prime location near the main pool and spa. The resort’s myriad of sports and leisure activities are nearby. Hotel La Palme Hotel La Palme is located in the heart of the resort, close to all the pools and the charming Piazza Luisa. Large families particularly love the luxurious bungalows with private patio. Hotel Il Borgo This hotel is set on a hillside with spacious bungalows perfect for families. The hotel is close to the tennis courts, Children’s Wonderland, the oasis pool, the Baia delle Palme pool and Aquapark. Hotel Pineta Hotel Pineta is an oasis of peace, set in a tranquil Mediterranean courtyard surrounded by woodland. The hotel is central to the resort and great for families. Hotel Il Castello Hotel Il Castello offers an exclusive location with the charming Cavaliere garden Restaurant, just steps from the beach. The Hotel Castello Garden Bungalows offer independent accommodation with a personal service close to the sea. The Hotel Castello Suites are luxurious and private and located on the 4th and 5th executive floors of the hotel. The suites are serviced by a private lift and private reception and offer spectacular views over the sea and gardens. Hotel Le Dune The magnificent bungalows at Le Dune are set in spacious gardens close to the sea, beach restaurants, the Piazza and Wonderland. Villa Del Parco Hotel & Spa Villa del Parco is intimate, private and charming and next to the resort Spa. Accommodation comprises stunning bedrooms and sumptuous bungalows. The rooftop views from the Belvedere restaurant are lovely. Waterfront Suites The luxurious Waterfront Suites directly face the sea offering spectacular and endless sea views. The suites enjoy access to all restaurants across the resort and are complemented by the services of a personal butler. Luxury Villas The resort also offers several luxury 2, 3 and 4 bed villas, exclusive and private each in a secluded location with spacious private garden and private pool. Villa guests have access to all the facilities of the resort. Activities at Forte Village Academies and Sport The Sports Academy at Forte Village offers professional training and the chance to experience personalised training sessions and improve your skill in various sports. Sports include triathlon, tennis, padel, art, coastal rowing, sailing, fencing, scuba diving, swimming, climbing, boxing, table tennis, dance, hockey, netball, rugby, cycling and go-karting. Guests can even master the art of being a DJ, doing magic tricks and circus performing. Children & Teens Happy children mean happy parents and at Forte Village Sardinia children have endless activities to choose from to keep them busy, meeting friends and having fun. Activities include Children’s Wonderland including a nursery, vegetable garden, theatre and pools and Acquapark and exclusive activities for teens at Leisureland. Wellness The Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa is set in a beautiful garden with six pure Sardinian seawater pools. A ‘Private Spa’ can be reserved for exclusive use by families and friends. Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, massage, and nutrition and immune system programmes are all on offer. Forte Village Offer Enjoy 7 nights at Hotel Bouganville , Forte Village, Sardinia Price from £1,899 per person Based on 2 adults sharing a Deluxe Bungalow Including return flights and transfers Also enjoy 15% discount when staying between 28th March and 26th July 2024 and between 17th August and 2nd November 2024 Get in touch for further information.

Another year of excellent sporting events is underway. We have recently made bookings for clients to go and see the ATP Tennis Finals in Turin in November and there’s already excitement around the British and Irish Rugby tour of Australia in 2025. Below is a rundown of other 2024 sporting events to get involved with around the world. February 2nd Test - India v England Witness more cricketing excellence and upgrade the first test with the second at Visakhapatnam. Alongside the nail-biting action, add on a tailor-made tour around some of the country’s most iconic sites. Prices from £10,495 per person. March Dubai World Cup Watch the ‘Race of Champions’ at Meydan Racecourse where the top names in horse racing stampede to the finish line. You’ll also have a chance to see Dubai at its finest with a sunset desert safari excursion. Prices from £2,295 per person. April Hong Kong Rugby Sevens World-class rugby action kicks off in Hong Kong for the sixth match of the Rugby Sevens calendar. Indulge in superb hospitality through the match and stay in the buzzing heart of Causeway Bay. Prices from £4,895 per person. May Monaco Grand Prix Glamourous Monaco holds the iconic Grand Prix with challenging corners and sharp turns - it’s long been a fan-favourite. For a memorable finale, your round the race off at the famous Amber Lounge F1 Party. Prices from £3,395 per person. June Palio di Siena Twice a year, Siena hosts one of the world’s most historic and prestigious horseraces. Watch as racers battle to win the prize of great honour and enjoy a gourmet stay in the heart of Tuscany. Prices from £4,195 per person. July Hungarian Grand Prix Tensions run high at Hungaroring for a fraught battle for the podium – enjoy the best seats in the house at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Before the qualifying race, take plenty of time to explore the city of Budapest. Prices from £3,795 per person. August US Open Witness the season’s final Grand Slam event at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York City. Enjoy the US Open as part of a tailor-made city break, staying in the city and exploring the sights. Call us for prices and availability. September Singapore Grand Prix With challenging road surfaces and the Singapore skyline as its backdrop, Marina Bay Street Circuit offers an electric F1 atmosphere. why not add on an escape to Bali, the Maldives or Malaysia. Prices from £2,555 per person. October Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe The Paris Longchamp Racecourse is where the sport’s richest prize fuels top-quality horse racing. Experience the race from finish line grandstand seats whilst enjoying a luxurious stay in Paris. Prices from £725 per person. November Melbourne Cup See the highlight of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and Australia’s premier horse race: the Lexus Melbourne Cup. While here, explore the Great Ocean Road or watch the famed Penguin Parade. Get in touch for prices and availability. December Abu Dhabi Grand Prix The year finishes with one of the most anticipated events in the calendar – the spectacular F1 Grand Prix finale at Yas Marina Circuit! Enjoy an unforgettable weekend in an exclusive hosted suite. There are plenty of sporting events around the world to get involved with. Get in touch to find out more.

India exudes a sumptuous mix of traditions, an extraordinary culture, spiritual beliefs, festivals and architecture. India is a feast for the senses and somewhere which will stay with you long after you have departed. When to visit India October through to April is the best time to visit Rjasthan, Kerala and the wildlife parks of central India. It’s not too hot, the skies are clear and the nights are cool. May through to September is the optimum time for visiting the hills and mountain regions due to the heat on lower ground. If you want to pick up a bargain in a gloriously air-conditioned palace hotels, now is the time. Explore India This 2 week itinerary explores Rajasthan’s rich heritage including the Taj Mahal and some of North West India’s more regal and opulent locations. Known as the ‘Golden Triangle, the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are some of the most popular and interesting in India. Visit Mughal wonders and packed bazaars of Delhi. Experience Akbar’s ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri and the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Venture into Ranthambore National Park for a chance to see some of India’s most interesting wildlife including the Royal Bengal Tiger. Spend a few days in Goa and soak up some Indian hospitality and the more relaxing side of India before returning home. Day 1 Depart London Heathrow Day 2 Arrive Delhi Stay at ITC Maurya for two nights Day 3 Half day sightseeing tour of old Delhi Explore Old Delhi, once the Mughal city of Shahjahanabad with its vibrant market lanes, old mansions and colourful neighbourhoods. Explore Chandni Chowk in a cycle rickshaw through lanes or gallis where everything from spices, brassware, antiques, jewellery and perfumes and perfumes are sold. Visit the highly decorative Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India: it’s courtyard can accommodate 25000 devotees to offer prayer at one time and later drive past the Red Fort and visit Raj Ghat, a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi. Half day sightseeing tour of New Delhi. New Delhi showcases the story of modern India with its open spaces, government buildings, museums and tree lined avenues. The tour starts with a drive to see the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India, Raj Path and the India Gate whose Amar Jawan Jyoti (eternal flame) has been burning since 1971 and symbolises the sacrifice of brave Indian soldiers. Visit the Qutb Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lofty tower inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan has numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari revealing its history over the centuries. Lastly visit Humayan’s tomb, the first garden tomb built by the Mughals in India. This mausoleum is synthesis of Persian architecture and Indian traditions which set up a new vogue – the Mughal style of architecture. Day 4 Transfer from Delhi to Agra Half day sightseeing tour of Agra A highlight of any stay in India, visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. One of the world’s great monuments, the Taj Mahal was built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, Mughal emperor Shah Jehan’s beloved wife. This mausoleum, built entirely of white marble is decorated with elaborate geometric forms and inlay work that showcases plants, flower and fruit motifs. This is followed by a visit to the impressive Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas inside the red sandstone battlements of the Agra Fort Stay at The Trident for one night. Day 5 Transfer from Agra to Ranthambore On the way to Ranthambore, visit Fatehpur Sikri, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1569 but deserted 14 years later due to lack of water supply. Visit the great collection of monuments within the ghost city: the Buland Darwaz, a 134 foot high victory gate, the imperial Jami Masjid, the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti and the Panch Mahal. Continue to Ranthambore and s tay at The Tigress for 2 nights. Day 6 Early morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthambore National Park Named after the historic fortress that lies within its territory, the Ranthambore National Park is situated at the edge of a plateau bound to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. One of the largest parks in India, Ranthambore stretches to 382 square kilometres of dense tropical dry forest. You will have a good chance of seeing India’s premier wildlife attraction, the Royal Bengal Tiger as well as leopard, wild boar, hyena, sloth bear and a variety of deer. Ranthambore is also home to a wide variety of trees, plants, birds and reptiles as well as the largest banyan trees in India. Day 7 Enjoy another early morning game drive in Ranthambore National Park for a chance to see a variety of Indian wildlife including the Royal Bengal Tiger. Transfer to Jaipur. Stay at Shahpura House for three nights Day 8 Explore Amber Fort in Jaipur on a sightseeing tour Visit the stunning 17th century hilltop fort at Amber. Set in the rugged hills, ascend the fort by elephant (or jeep) for striking views of the surrounding gorges and lake. Inside the fort, tour the extensive Maharaja’s apartments decorated with murals and mosaics as well as the glistening Hall of Mirrors. After a busy morning, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Day 9 Half day sightseeing tour of Jaipur City Drive through the colourful bazaars to see the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, built for the royal ladies to catch a glimpse of the outside world through delicate screened windows and balconies. Stop to see the Royal Observatory, or Jantar Mantar, which was built by Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur and a passionate astronomer and builder. Visit the City Palace complex’s collection of rare manuscripts, armoury and costumes. Enjoy the reminder of the day at leisure to ponder what you have seen. Day 10 Transfer to Jaipur airport for your flight to Goa. On arrival in Goa, transfer to Taj Fort Aguada for five nights Day 11 to Day 14 Enjoy a relaxing few days at the beach Day 15 Enjoy a leisurely morning . Transfer to Goa airport for our flight to Mumbai. Stay at the ITC Maratha for one night. Day 16 Transfer to Mumbai airport for your flight home to London to Heathrow. To chat about travelling to India, do get in touch .

Being at the coalface of travel, we know a thing or two about avoiding the potential pitfalls of booking a holiday and how to make the best of your time away. Book early Booking early you can secure fantastic prices and take advantage of lower deposits with some operators. For example, easyJet Holidays ask for a deposit of just £60 per person. Travel insurance Secure your travel insurance at the time of booking your holiday. If you need to make any unforeseen changes to your holiday or have reason to cancel, you won’t be covered if it starts on your departure date. Check passport expiry date Make sure you check the expiry date of your passport is up to date. Many destinations require passport expiry dates to be at least 6 months beyond the date of the last day of your holiday. Having been through 2 years of limited travel due to Covid many passport dates have gone unchecked so this is worth remembering. Check visa and entry requirements Check visa regulations and entry requirements of the countries you are travelling to. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website is the best source of up to date travel information relevant to each country around the world. Check your junk folder Check your email junk folder. Many travel emails go there. Even tickets. Which can be a real inconvenience. Treat yourself What about adding a little extra to your holiday - for example, why not treat yourself to airport lounge passes to get your holiday off to a flying start! Ultimately…. Book with us, we will guide you and check every detail, taking all the stress away. We look forward to helping you get away in 2024. Pop in and see us or get in touch .

Jennie recently spent a few days exploring Catalonia with our friends at Kirker Holidays. Masters of attention to detail and experiencing the best of the destination, Kirker started the trip in Barcelona visiting the Costa Brava and Lleida. On arrival into Barcelona, Jennie and her travel companions enjoyed lunch at Mussol , a Catalan farmhouse experience in the city offering Catalan delicacies and orientation of the city from the roof terrace. On day two, Jennie headed out to the coast of Catalonia. This part of the coast is relatively unexplored and off the beaten track. Jennie walked through aromatic pine forests followed by a truly authentic gastronomic experience in a fisherman’s cove. She enjoyed locally home cooked traditional cuisine accompanied by fantastic Catalan wines. This is something that we can organise for you to enjoy during your stay. Staying at the stunning Hostal de la Gavina in S’Agaró, Costa Brava was a treat. The hotel has a timeless elegance, beautifully furnished rooms and incredible views. Located between two lovely beaches in the town of S’Agaró, the hotel has attracted wealthy Catalans looking for relaxation since the 1930s as well as a host of celebrities. Past guests include Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne and Salvador Dali and Frank Sinatra proposed to Ava Gardner in the hotel’s bar. Lady Gaga is a more recent guest – she stayed in the sumptuous royal suite. Jennie particularly enjoyed the cocktails, made by Albert in the pool bar, enjoyed whilst relaxing on one of the sunbeds overlooking the sea. The staff here were particularly helpful and friendly. Jennie travelled to the city of Lleida on day three, a city filled with history and very few tourists. The Cathedral La Seu Vella is a master piece, the city is a university city, very authentic and great value for money. The Cathedral La Seu Vella is a masterpiece and worth visiting – Jennie climbed 238 steps to the top of the bell Tower to check out the most amazing views of the city. Lleida is a great city to include in a three centre itinerary – from Barcelona, take the high speed train to Lleida, then onto Madrid on the AVE train, or visa versa. Jennie stayed in the Parador de Lleida, a former 17th century convent just moments from the Calle Mayor in the historic centre of the city. Jennie really enjoyed a few fabulous days exploring Catalonia. These destinations offer a great itinerary combining the well known city of Barcelona, the Costa Brava and the lesser known city of Lleida. Do get in touch with Jennie if you would like to know more.