Airsea  Lines Flying to Greek Islands

Canadian owned seaplane operator, AirSea Lines has announced a major expansion programme which will see the airline delivering a much needed service to many of the Greek islands.

From November 1, 2008, AirSea Lines will begin a service around the Dodecanese islands, which includes the popular holiday destinations, Rhodes and Kos.   

Michael Patellis, president, comments: “Our plan has always been to develop the service to encompass all the Greek islands and we are beginning phase one of our expansion this winter with flights to the Dodecanese. 

“Initially this will provide a welcome service for locals who frequently travel between the islands, then from spring 2008, tourists will find it a more exciting and stylish way to island hop.” 

AirSea Lines current routes include flights around the Ionian islands including Corfu and Zante, plus the Italian port city of Brindisi. 

Prices for a one way flight start from as little as £22 per person and with check-in times of just 30 minutes it is much more convenient than traditional flights and more stylish and speedy than a ferry.

 For full details of the current schedules and prices visit www.airsealines.com.

  Luxury Harvest           Packages in Europe
       This Autumn

If there’s ever a need for an excuse to drink wine then harvesting it yourself first is a pretty good one. With vineyards in Europe all ready to start harvesting their crops we’ve hand picked the best of the bunch this autumn.

Grape Harvest at Aqua Pura, Portugal
During harvest this autumn, Aqua Pura offers guests the chance to get their feet dirty and help with harvesting this year’s vintage. The hard work will not be without reward as the day finishes with a 5-course meal and wine in the hotel’s outstanding restaurant, and in 2009 a bottle of wine from this year’s harvest will be delivered to guests. If the grape harvesting leaves guests tired and weary, the impressive spa at the hotel soothes away any aches and pains.

The luxurious Aqua Pura Hotel in the Duoro Valley is a stunning 19th Century manor house located on the south bank of the Duoro River, overlooking the UNESCO heritage Duoro vineyard.

Exsus offers two nights accommodation in a River View Room, breakfast, a day of grape treading and picking and a five-course supper for two, including drinks. To make the fruits of your labour worthwhile, in 2009 a bottle of wine from this year’s harvest will be sent to your home. Package from £845 per person including international flights and transfers.


Wine & Olive Tour at Villa Mangiacane, Italy
This October, Exsus offers an exclusive wine tasting Package at Villa Mangiacane. During your stay you will be taken on a tour and tasting of the Mangiacane Vineyards and olive groves. The estates’ vineyards currently grow Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino and Merlot creating wines that are diverse in both complexity and character.

The olives grown at the estate, form part of Mangiacane’s fascinating history, with an ancient measuring cast and old frontoio still standing. The private tour of the “Baddia di Passignano” Antonori cellars is the package highlight, concluding with a meal at their Michelin star restaurant, accompanied by fine Tuscan wine.

Villa Mangiacane is perched on a hillside overlooking 600 acres of sprawling Tuscan countryside, vineyards and olive gardens. With only 28 rooms, this stunning boutique hotel, in the Chianti Classico wine region, 12km from Florence, radiates Italian charm and luxury.

The magnificent 15th Century villa is the ultimate romantic getaway with beautifully decorated rooms and large balconies overlooking acres of picturesque countryside and Italian gardens.

From £1057 per person, Exsus offers three nights accommodation at Villa Mangiacane, staying in a Double Room, on a Bed and Breakfast basis, international flights and transfers. The package includes a four-course harvest meal with wine, wine and olive oil tasting and tour of the vineyards. There will also be a cellar tour of Antori cellars, with a Michelin star meal. Three bottles of the new vintage Chianti Classico will be delivered to guests in the coming year, a reminder of a wonderful holiday.

And if wine’s not your tipple…
Celebrations are getting  under way at the Jerez Grape Harvest festival, celebrating Andalucia’s three most famous attributes, sherry, horses and flamenco. Enjoy the festivities and stay in the nearby Hacienda de San Rafael, a charming rustic hotel located between Seville and Jerez.
 

   The  Gift Of A Good
     Flight’s Sleep For
   The Weary Traveller
 

Jetlag, a stiff neck and a cranky demeanor can ruin the festive spirit for those flying home for Christmas. 

But now, giving the gift of a good night’s sleep has never been easier. Economy fliers can upgrade for just £20 thanks to www.Jetsleeper.com.  

Jetsleeper pillows are self-expanding and air miles ahead of other sleep aids. The Jetsleeper attaches to your head and arm rests, allowing the adjustable pillow to fully support the head and neck.  

Inventor Tim Williams says: “The Jetsleeper is proving a big success despite splitting the Dragon’s Den judges down the middle.” 

Tim, who developed the invention after too many uncomfortable journeys, says the Jetsleeper can be used on all forms of transport.  “As long as it has a headrest, the pillow can be attached easily to armrests or seatbelts on trains, coaches and in the car.” 

Weighing less than a mobile phone, the Jetsleeper comes in its own pocket-size bag, making it the perfect gift for the frequent traveller.

   Holiday In England's
 Highest Railway Station



England’s highest mainline railway station - now a stunning luxury holiday destination – has scooped a National Railway Heritage Award and the RICS  North West Tourism & Leisure Award.

Go Green - leave the car at home and save fuel - arrive and get around by train 

Situated on the legendary Carlisle to Settle railway line, Dent is England's highest mainline railway station, and following its sympathetic restoration, is now available for luxury holiday rental.

So sympathetic was its conversion that it impressed the judges of two major national awards - A National Railway Heritage Award (NRHA) (The First Group Craft Skills Award), and the RICS North West Tourism & Leisure Award 2008, the unveiling of which has just taken place. 

 This unique Grade II Listed property, located in beautiful Dentdale, Yorkshire, promises to provide a distinctly different self-catering experience.  This is a holiday destination that will not only attract those with a passion for railways, but also those who want to enjoy the perfect vantage point from which to take in some of the Dales’ most breathtaking scenery. 

Dent Station was opened in 1877, and is some eight miles north of the famous Ribblehead Viaduct.  The station sits 1,150 ft above sea level within an acre of land, and alongside the railway line that weaves its way from the infamous Blea Moor Tunnel four miles away. 

Robin Hughes, a chartered surveyor, has always been interested in railways and decided to buy the station and restore it as a luxury retreat. Steam excursions run on the line next to the converted station during the weekends.  Robin says:  “It’s great to be able to escape to such a stunning part of the world and arrive on your own doorstep - or platform! - from London in around 4 hours.  

This remarkable holiday home has been finished with a classic ‘first class’ period look.  The restored woodwork gleams with a fresh coat of Midland Railway maroon and cream paintwork, while inside a coal-fired Rayburn is complemented by efficient, modern-day under floor heating. 

The accommodation has been imaginatively designed, with the former booking hall now a spacious sitting room and the original ladies’ waiting room transformed into a kitchen/dining area.  The three bedrooms sleep a total of six people.  Superb new bathrooms have been carefully chosen to provide a traditional look, and all in keeping with the property.

Dent Station is a great place from which to explore the Dales by train, with seven-day rover tickets affording access to the surrounding towns and villages.  This holiday home is a must for those who love the great outdoors, with all the luxury and comfort of modern living - and a good measure of romantic nostalgia - thrown in.  A week’s stay at Dent Station for six people is priced from £785. 

 For more information
Please contact Robin Hughes on 07824 665266 or visit www.dentstation.co.uk