THE DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG MARCH 2008

Day 1 Depart from your pick up point and travel to take the short channel crossing and on to your hotel in Vianden.
Day 2 -There is a hoice today of what you might like to do depending on your preference. Either you can visit the Military History Museum in Diekirch followed by a little free time in Vianden OR you may want to visit  with an included guided tour followed by free time in Vianden. Dependent on the weather you may be able to take a chairlift across the gorge to the panoramic restaurant but this cannot be confirmed at present. You will take lunch at the hotel Petry today before we continue onto medieval Bourscheid Castle which is located on an isolated promontory, accessible only from the north-west, 150m above the level of the river Sûre and 370m above sea level. Even today the ruins testify of an impressive fortification and it is surrounded by a massive ring wall with 11 watchtowers. Bourscheid is an excellent example of the medieval castle tradition. After a brief visit here we continue on to Wiltz where we start with a guided visit to the National Brewery & Tannery Museum. which is located in the Castle`s former stables. In the Brewery Museum is a mini brewery that was installed in 2001 by the Simon Brewery & Georges Pauly, a local tanner, founded the famous Simon Brewery in Wiltz in 1824, and the traditional recipe for Simon Pils has been passed down through the generations. The exhibits in the Tannery Museum illustrate the history of bygone local tanneries. You will of course get to try the local brew before we continue onto the Gardens of Wiltz which is a 2.5 hectare public garden which was created and is maintained by local disabled and unemployed people, participants in temporary workshops, crafts people and artists. Resistance is a central theme for the Jardin de Wiltz and it does not represent the wholesome domestic bliss of an allotment garden, but is rather a place that offers new insight into people and their role within society. We return to the hotel where dinner is included this evening at the hotel.
Day 3 - Travel to Luxembourg for a guided city tour which will give you a unique picture of the history of this little Grand-Duchy and the journey through the past, as you travel through the valleys and ramparts of the city. A You will have free time afterwards in the city, which prompted UNESCO to feature Luxembourg in the ‘World Heritage list in 1994. For centuries the city was one of the strongest fortresses in Europe and many of the relics have remained intact. Lunch is included today at a local restaurant before we continue with a visit to the famous chocolate maker, Oberweis, where divided into small groups you will be given a tour and of course a tasting of their wonderful confectionary. We finish the day with a cruise on the Marie Astride on the Moselle river before returning to the hotel for dinner for a typical Steengrill meal. There will be an evening of music tonight at the hotel for everyone’s enjoyment.
Day 4 - This morning we start the day with a guided tour of 'Little Switzerland' otherwise known as the Muellerthal. This is a very picturesque area and we will be visiting some of the prettiest villages in northern Luxembourg (some walking involved). This tour will finish in Echternach, the capital of the region, which is a beautiful medieval and historic town famous for it’s imposing Basilica as well as the world famous "Dancing Procession". The basilica houses Saint Willibrord’s white marble sarcophagus, he was a Northumbrian monk who brought Christianity to the region in around 700AD. Lunch is included in Echternach before we return to the hotel to freshen ready for your final 2 visits today. The Caves St Martin have for more than 75 years been synonymous with the most romatic wine cellars on the Luxembourg Moselle. The sheer endless majestic vaults of the cellars and galleries hewn into solid rock, are bound to impress themselves indelibly on our visitors' memory. Since Roman times, the best wines were made right here, in the Moselle valley. "Caves St Martin" continues this tradition of highest quality, for all still and sparkling wines. You will have a guided tour and tasting here before we continue onto our dinner venue this evening, This castle is in such beautiful condition today, thanks to 20 years of restoration by the Luxembourgish state which bought the castle in 1968. Today it is used to house arts and crafts production & has a lovely restaurant. We return to the hotel late this evening.
Day 5 - We depart after breakfast and re-trace our steps as we head northwards, stopping en route in the Belgian Ardennes town of Namur for lunch (payable locally) and some free time before continuing onto Calais for your early evening crossing back to the UK and onwards to your original departure point.

ROYAL KRAKOW, PIESKOWA, AUSCHWITZ BIRKENAU

Day 1 I flew out a day early with some of our office staff but met the group at the airport the following day. It was a very wet and cold day but the group were in good spirits. Our guide joined us at the airport and we set off for the city. Our first port of call was the Kazimierz district and we braved the conditions to walk around this beautiful area of the city. We visited many of the sites where Steven Spielberg filmed the memorable 'Schindlers List'. The hotel Colombus was a welcome haven after a wet walking tour. It is 3 star, small, privately owned but beautifully renovated to an extremely high standard and the staff and food are excellent. It is about a 15 minute walk into the city centre but a very straightforward and pleasant stroll.

Day 2 After a superb breakfast we set off on a walking tour of Royal Krakow. The weather was not perfect but at least it had stopped raining. We took in all the stunning palaces and places of interest in the city. On arrival in the city square I decide that a 'gluh wine' was required and this seemed to go down well (perhaps too well!!!) Thyere was some free time after the walking outr before we met up in the evening for dinner at a local restaurant. Now I shall refrain frmo mentioning the ladies name, but the evening ended on a hilarious note. You know the old song 'oh dear what can the matter be, three old ladies stuck in a lavatory'? Well we had one youngish (for the sake of diplomacy) lady stuck in the lavatory!!! After much heaving and banging we managed to free, she who shal remain nameless. I wont mention the injury I sustained as I am a hardy soul from 'up t' north'!

Day 3 It was the salt mines for us and whilst it sound very depressing, we were completely amazed at the scale of the Wieliczka Salt Mines underground wonderland. Lunch was superb at a local restaurant followed by visits to Niepolomice and Pieskowa castles. Dinner was at a traditional countryside restaurant where we had been advised to try a local hot beer!!! On this issue of hot beer, our advice is, if you do visit Poland, give tHe hot beer a miss. We like our warm beer in the UK but hot beer - NO.

Day 4 I am not sure how to say I was looking forward to today because it is not the right way to describe a visit to Auschwitz Birkenau. To say this is an emotional few hours is an understatement. I think may of us had a quiet tear and there was little conversation during our guided tour. Fitting considering our desperate surroundings. If anyone tries to put you off going, dont listen, Everyone should go. The weather had cleared up and it was a stunningly beautiful day, but about minus 10 degrees, which made the visit all the more stark. We let the group loose on the Krakow xmas markets for the afternoon before our final dinner at the Ariel restaurant in the Jewish quarter. (Apparently Spielberg's favourite restaurant) We were treated to a musical feast as well as excelent food, despite the moody service!!

Day 5 No visit to Poland would have been complete without a visit to the most popular Pope's home town. Now, we had suffered from day 1 rain, day 2 fog and drizzle, day 3 cloud and day 4 azure skies and freezing, but no on eprepared us for a foot of fresh snow!!! But it made the visits look like a fairyland and our final lunch was quite superb before the return to the airport.
I would like to thank the group for a great few days and to the pleasure of your and your groups company in Krakow in 2008.

LAKE BALATON & HEVIZ

Day 1 We met at Stansted airport quite early on June 12th to check in with Ryan Air. Many of the group, including me had travelled to a hotel near the airport the night before. The incoming plane had a fault and we all expected the worst, but the very bright pilot simply packed up his things and walked to the nearest Ryan Air plane, got on and asked us to move 10 gates and 'come on down', which we did, very quickly!! We were still delayed by about an hour but the flight was uneventful and very short, just a couple of hours. We were met by Andi at the airport at Balaton, which was an old Russian built military base converted (very nicely) into a modern, but small provincial airport.Andi is our representative in Hungary who stayed with us for the week. Her knowledge of the region was something to behold and she had every visit, guided tour, excursion planned to the finest detail. She had planned everything in advance with Shauna from Simply Groups who had been taken around the region with Andi to dot the 'i's and cross the 't's a few weeks in advance of our visit and this detailed planning showed in the operation.
Our driver was John, who, whilst not speaking much (if any) English was a brilliant driver, helpful, courteous and an excellent driver of a nice, air conditioned and modern coach. We were originally to visit Keszthely and Festetics Palace, however, due tot he late arrival we went straight to Badascony, a volcalic hill on the lake shore and famous for it's wines. We had an adventurours ride up the hill in what can only be described as ex U.S. Army jeeps to the restaurant and wine cellars where we tasted some lovely wine. After we were a little more relaxed we enjoyed a lovely lunch of typical Hungarian fayre. A lake cruise was next on the agenda and a lovely and more relaxing way to see the views could not have been imagined. Our last visit today was to the village of Salfold, and the Nature Conservation Farmstead where local and rare farm species are protected. There are also well preserved examples of life on a typical Hungarian farm down the ages with farm equipment and farming techniques on display. A horse and carriage ride through the countryside followed and despite the heat (30 degrees+) everyone had a lovely afternoon. Our hotel was the Annabella, on the shores of the lake and we had time to relax a little and have a swim in the lovely pool before dinner this evening.

Day2 This morning we had a little free time to enjoy our surroundings as well as keep cool in the pool before we had a lovely funicular train ride of the Balatonfured in the glorious sunshine with a liesurely walk back through the pretty lake side park to the hotel. After short coffee break we boarded the coach for the brief journey to Tihany, which we could see from the hotel on the peninsular. The Tihany peninsular was given the status of Nature Reserve back in 1955 to protect the many rare species and flora and fauna. Perched on the summit is the famous and historic Benedictine monastery, which was established as the burial place of the Hungarian Royal Family since 1055. The monastery also houses many historic artefacts as well as the first written record of the Hungarian language. It was nice and cool in the monastery but outside the temperature was soaring and after a short walk through the lovely shaded grounds we arrived at our restaurant, a local tavern called Fogas Csarda, where a lovely and traditional lunch was provided. It was here that some of the group (they know who they are!!) began to show their true colours and became a little frisky when the local Hungarian traditional band started to play some old favourites. The hits just kept on coming and I was half expecting some of the group to get up and have a dance, but sadly they restrained themselves to singing along and applauding appropriately. Sadly we had to leave Tihany and re-boarded the coach for the short journey to Herend and the world famous porcelain factory. On arrival at Herend the impressive building was  prepared for our visit and the guide gave us a superb  tour of the factory where we took in all the aspects of the process and watched the skilled workmen and women at their craft. The quality of craftsmanship and of the product impressed everyone and there was a bit of a rush for the factory shop with credit cards being waved! There was a beautiful coffee and cake cafe on site and we were welcomed by the staff who presented everyone with tea, coffee and a selection of magnificent home made cakes, which needless to say went down very well! We left Herend and the Porcelain factory for the beautiful and historic town of Vesprem. We parked quite close to the centre and walked through the old town with Andi who gave us a comprehensive talk about the history of the town. The raised viewpoint in the town centre gave us a spectacular view over the lower part of the town and surrounding region. We returned to the hotel to freshen up before we had a lovely evening of wine tasting and dinner at a local restaurant. A short walk from the coach to the cellars of St Donat, or a taxi for those who required it was taken and St Donat provided us with lovely views over the lake and the wine was of course quite superb and well received. One of us (who will remain nameless) tried to use a slightly larger glass (normally for spitting out the wine!!!!) but a quick booing from the group put this insurgency down! Dinner was at Lucifer restaurant which was on the outskirts of Balatonfured. Dinner was cooking in a massive pot over an open fire when we arrived and the owner welcomed us with a glass of firewater, or Palinka as it is known in Hungary. We were in high spirits, which no amount of local mosquitos could dampen and we had a wonderful evening with some highly amusing after dinner games!! There was no shortage of voulenteers for the highly embarrassing games and cucumbers, grapes and wine were in plentiful supply (this section has to be censored due to the sensitivities of the group!!!!).

Day 3. We had to check out this morning to our next 2 night hotel, which was in Hevis, a world famous health spa resort. En-route we had the opportunity to visit Tapolca, where volcanic activity thousands of years ago created an underground labyrinth of caves and waterways. It was once again boiling hot but on entering the caves we were soon cooled down by the lovely atmosphere. We had been warned that we would be travelling through the caves in twin seat self propelled rowing boats!! But it was great fun and we paddled, pushed and grappled our way through the cave system with much laughter and awe. A refreshment was in desperate need and we walked into Tapolca centre where there was a lovely lake, waterwheel and pleasant cafe where ice creams and a few beers were had. Sumeg and lunch beckoned and the restaurant had decided to dine us outside in the cooling breeze and in the shade where we were treated to a fabulous 'goulash' and local desert. The restaurant also hosts jousting and medieval tournaments that attract visitors from all over the world and during the guided tour we discovered that not only do the jousting tournaments take place in the spectacular outdoor arena but also in the massive cellars underneath the restaurant. It was onwards and upwards, literally, as those prepared to sweat a little took the walk to the top of Sumeg castle, whilst the more sensible took the taxis. Sumeg was one of the highlights for me, with the medieval castle dominating the surrounding countryside and amazing views from the battlements. We ad a little time to walk around the ramparts before we boarded the coach and travelled the short distance to Heviz. We passed the outdoor spa lake where visitors from all over Europe take in the sulphourous pool waters and health treatments. The Helios Anna Hotel was quite simply, wonderful. We were welcomed by the staff and after checking in we were invited to join the manager (in swimming costumes and dressing gowns) in reception for a guided tour of the hotel and its facilities. I have to say that the indoor sulphour spa pool was a little (lot) smelly but the facilities were wonderful with a large sparkling swimming pool in beautifully manicured gardens. We were about to take the plunge but, and the were no exceptions, we had to wear a bathing cap. As no one had one we had to use the plastic ones supplied, so there went everyones street cred!! We did look daft but like all good Brits we took it on the chin and had a jolly good laugh. We were welcomed into the restaurant by the manageress who gave us a little presentation and some champagne, which was, like all the wine tastings well received and dinner was lovely.

Day 4 Oh the embarrassment of yet another aqua aerobics session in a spa pool. My mind was cast back to Egger on the fam trip to Budapest last year when I was doing aqua aerobics in a plastic hat. The therapy for that had just finished and now I was faced with another plastic hat session. We all met in reception like criminals awaiting sentencing and marched off to the smell pool. But after the initial shock I, we were pleasantly surprised and our aqua aerobics instructor certainly didn't hold back and put us through a quite rigorous session! Suitably refreshed we had a lovely breakfast and boarded the funicular train that took us on a morning ride around the pretty town of Heviz. We were deposited at the spa pool and walked through the magnificent gardens to the entrance where the group enjoyed the health spa for an hour or two. I, on the other hand had been making notes on the activities of the group over the last few days and went into town to buy some appropriate and funny presents for the group. The afternoons leisure activity (swimming & sunbathing or resting) was punctuated by a massage with one of the hotel's excellent masseuse. It was a first for me and truly a wonderful experience which everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy. We met once again feeling refreshed in the hotel reception in our glad rags for the short coach journey to Keszthely where we were expected at Bacchus for a wine tasting and gala dinner. On arrival we were welcomed and taken for a wine tasting in the cellars. Our somnellier gave us an interesting talk on local wines and we had the opportunity to sample some of the wines, which is always well received!! The meal was excellent and the atmosphere even better with humorous banter and raucous laughter heard throughout the evening. I had been planning the speech/presentation for some time and tried to incorporate much of what we had done during the few days as well as single out a few 'interesting' characters who had left their mark on the party. I told s few of the remaining jokes that I had in my joke book and presented a few gifts as well as something that would remind each person of the tour. The thing I chose had to be, of course, the swimming hat, which had been the cause of so much hilarity. I knew that this one gift would encapsulate the great fun that we had all had during the tour and I got the impression that it was quite well received!!!
Day 5 Sadly we had to leave Heviz this morning, but I still managed to get in a last early morning dip at 07.00hrs (no one else was there from our group although there were lots of Germans). We departed for Keszthely and Festetics Palace, which we had to miss out on on the first day due to the delay. On arrival in Keszthely we parked outside the main gates, where security was extremely tight due to an American film team who were filming about the life of the 2nd American president. Some little known actor, a Tom Hanks, was in the starring role but we declined his requests to meet us (as if!!!!) and we took a slightly restricted tour of the Palace. The sections not closed for filming left us with an impression of Hungary's more grand history. The library was quite extraordinary and it was a shame that we could not see everything, but the group organisers said that this was a must on their itineraries for when they returned with their groups. We also visited the recently renovated stables, which now house a fascinating collection of carriages dating back many centuries. From here we had a little time in the pretty town centre of Kesthely for last minute shopping and a light meal before we returned to the airport to catch our flight back to Stansted.

In conclusion I would like to thank each and every one of the group for participating and making the familiarisation tour a great success. We have already done several quotations and hope to introduce many more groups to Balaton and Heviz in the coming years.

THE RHINE CRUISE 15.11.06

This tour was for small groups and individuals that departed on November 15th and the group travelled out by coach joining the M.V. Virginia in Cologne. The first impression of the boat was that it was extremely well maintained, very comfortable and the staff were all wearing santa hats, smiling and were extremely friendly and helpful.

The cabins were spotlessly clean and comfortable each had private en-suite facilities (shower, toilet and hand basin) and there was a tv with satelite channels. The main lounge area was very spacious, beautifully furnished with a dance area and lovely bar. The views from here were superb and it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the passing scenery.

Dinner was served in the dining room, which is at eye level with the water line and took a little time to get used to. However, the food was absolutely brilliant. A well thought out menu with something for everyone. We were informed that if the menu, posted each morning on the notice board, was not to our liking we could ask the purser to inform the chef, who would provide an alternative.

Day 2 We set sail to Konigswinter on a crystal clear cloudless morning. It soon became obviousthat this was a superb way to see the Rhine in a warm, friendly and comfortable environment. No traffic, no getting on and off a coach just slow gentle meandering down this fascinating waterway. Kongigswinter is a small but pleasant town with the main feature being the dominating Drachenfels Castle. We took the wonderful funicular railway to the top and the views were breathtaking. The leaves were still on the trees and the colours were stunning.

Day 3 We departed from Konigswinter for Koblenz where, after lunch we were met by our guide Hans. He was absolutely brilliant. Not too formal, lovely sense of humour and a fascinating insight into the history of the city with a smattering of jokes thrown in.

Day 4 It was back to Cologne where we had the afternoon to explore the city. Everyone made a 'b' line for the stunning cathedral and then the shops.

In conclusion this was a wonderful tour. A super boat with a fantastic compliment of staff, excellent food and great excursions.