THE MAGA ZINE OF ABERCROMBIE & KENT EUROPE SPRING 2016
Mythology and Minoans
Spellbound by Crete’s magical aura
Everything’s coming up Roses
Get lost in Europe’s horticultural heritage
Roman Holiday
Journey the length and breadth of Italy
Clan Warfare
Tips for a hassle-free family holiday
Competition Time
Win two nights in Dresden
Contents
4
CALENDAR
The top festivals and events taking
place across Europe in the first half
of 2016
10
AN INTRODUCTION TO ITALY
A guide to distinguish the key
Italian destinations
12
5
Bringing You The A&K Difference.
From the Managing Director
A&K Europe
Key Servicesgels
Established over 25 years ago, A&K Europe now has offices in Florence,
Moscow, St Petersburg, The Cotswolds and a Regional Director in Madrid.
We cover the following destinations: Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium,
Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland,
Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal,
Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkmenistan, UK, Uzbekistan.
Private Yacht
Charters
Guardian
Angels
MICE
Concierge
Rail
Insider
Access
2
[email protected]
www.akdmc.com
Private Shore
Excursions
Special
Interest
Groups
FIT
With 2016 now gathering
momentum we are delighted to
bring to you the second edition
of A&K Europe’s exclusive
magazine, ‘The Insider’.
For the UK this is the year of
anniversaries. From eminent
horticulturalists to influential
playwrights we have some
big name celebrations; we’re
already poised to pop the
bubbly and toast the Queen’s
90th birthday in May.
What’s more, we can’t wait to
soak up some sun and culture
in Italy or Crete – and neither
will you when you read what our
consultants have to say about
these fabulous destinations. Be
sure to check out our handy
tips for travelling with children,
travel suggestions from our team
in Russia and our expanding
shore excursion itineraries.
We look forward to
hearing from you soon.
Carla Martindale
Managing Director,
A&K Europe
Cover Photograph:
Dubrovnik
Photographer:
Helen Jackson
Design: Chris Kear
Contributors:
Hester Parsons, Nikki
Vercesi, Harriet Fisher,
Frederica Bastide Duarte,
A&K Russia Team
INTRODUCING: A&K RUSSIA
plus
Meet the Russia team and hear their great
recommendations for travel in Russia
CRETE: THE UNSUNG ISLAND
YOUR FRIEND IN LISBON
Travel Consultant Harriet relays her time
spent exploring the Greek island of Crete
Our Guardian Angel in Lisbon,
Frederica, shares her love of this
vibrant city
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LANCELOT’S LANSCAPES
8
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
TOURS
England’s most impressive grand
estates and Europe’s horticultural
hot-spots
Gastronomic Ireland and Croatia’s
UNESCO Heritage
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13
14
16
17
18
19
SPECIAL OFFERS
Top hotel offers for 2016
HAND-PICKED HOTELS
Our latest recommendations and hotel
news from across Europe
UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES
Some of A&K’s innovative tours and
experiences
THE ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL
Special openings and access to Palaces
and Royal residences
NEW SHORE EXCURSIONS
Private day tours for cruise clients in
European ports
PEDAL POWER
Changing lives in Zambia with A&K
Europe’s mammoth philanthropy project
Win 2 luxury
nights in Dresden
[email protected]
www.akdmc.com
plus
3
MiArt – Milan, Italy
This art fair aims to
push the boundaries
of modern and
contemporary art,
exhibiting instillations
and pieces of work
that challenge the
status-quo. Across
Milan various galleries
will be showcasing a
range of work.
Fringe Festival –
Prague, Czech
Republic
Prague is an
incredible setting
for this versatile
festival. With
a friendly and
intimate atmosphere this nine day festival
is graced with shows from world-wide
performers; from comedy to mime there’s
sure to be an act for all tastes.
Silk and Spice Festival – Bukhara,
Uzbekistan
A traditional folk festival with the
backdrop of medieval mausoleums.
The markets have an abundance of
fabrics, carpets and Uzbek ceramics.
Infiorata di
Genzano –
Genzano di Rome,
Italy
Each year in the
town of Genzano
di Rome a huge
floral carpet is created along the route taken by the
religious procession during the feast of Corpus
Christi. Heaps of petals are arranged in colourful
geometric patterns, creating the impression of a
vibrant river of flowers.
Summer Salsa
Festival – Rovinj,
Croatia
If you enjoy Latin
beats mixed with
the sounds of the
sea, look no further
than the Croatian Salsa Festival. The
entire town will be dancing in the streets
and the squares. Join in or watch the
dancing which includes Cuban, Salsa and
Bachata; a lively and energetic event.
Sao Joao Festival
– Porto, Portugal
Watch on as
costumed
parades and
decorations
bring colour and
celebration to the streets of Porto.
The festival invites guests to hit
each other with a plastic inflatable
hammer to declare their attraction
for one another!
AUG
Bastille Day – France
Bastille Day is celebrated all over France and is
marked by a grand military parade up the Champs
Elysées in Paris, along with colourful art festivals,
special sports, cultural events and gastronomy.
4
Frühlingsfest – Munich, Germany
Also referred to as ‘Little Oktoberfest’ this
event brings together tradition, fun and
excitement. Locals don their lederhosen’s and
enjoy the abundance of beer tents, fairground
Golden Mask – Moscow, Russia
rides and culinary delights.
An all-Russian theatre festival which
takes place in Moscow that includes
both drama and musical theatre
performances. The show
and associated Golden Mask
Awards are attended by thousands.
Queen Elizabeth
II 90th Birthday
Celebrations –
London, England
Her Royal Highness
turns a grand 90
years of age this May
and Windsor Castle
are planning a momentous celebration. International
entertainers will join together to stage a birthday
party to remember with theatrical performances,
horses processions, dancers and musicians.
JUL
JUN
MAY
APR
CALENDAR SPRING & SUMMER 2016
St Petersburg
International
Sea Festival – St
Petersburg, Russia
A celebration of
living in a city by
the sea. Big sailing
vessels and fast
sailing yachts will be
on display. Become a pro-sailor in a day with master
classes in sailing techniques, including learning to tie
sea knots at the sailing school.
[email protected]
www.akdmc.com
Szentendre Summer Festival –
Szentendre, Hungary
This month long event has been held
for over 50 years. Audiences can enjoy
a range of performances on open-air
stages from music, dance and the world
of theatre featuring the best directors and
companies in Hungary.
Edinburgh International Festival –
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Edinburgh International Festival is
said to be the best festival of performing
arts in the world. Visitors can enjoy
wonderful performances of theatre,
opera, classical music and dance.
Some of the world’s finest curators and
performers gather
to partake in this
important cultural
celebration.
Lausanne City Festival – Lausanne,
Switzerland
Lausanne, situated on the banks of
Lake Geneva, puts on an incredible
festival every summer; with music,
theatre and movies – all completely
free of charge.
Parmesan
Cheese Festival
– Casina, Italy
Parmesan
cheese is one of
the most ancient
cheeses in the
world. Casina, a
commune in the Province of
Reggio Emilia hosts a festival every
year dedicated to this worldfamous hard cheese.
Your friend abroad
in Lisbon
INTERVIEW WITH FREDERICA BASTIDE DUARTE. A&K EUROPE’S
GUARDIAN ANGEL IN LISBON, PORTUGAL.
How long have you been a Guardian Angel for A&K? I have been a Guardian
Angel since the September of 1997, when I was still a student and one could
read on my card that I was a Customer Service Coordinator, the Guardian
Angel part being written in italics underneath.
What is your background? I am the daughter of a French touriste who met a
Portuguese gentleman on the then called Costa do Sol – the coast between
Lisbon and Cascais – who were married within a year and, years later when I was
born, decided to enrol me in the English school around the corner from where
we lived at the age of four. There I learnt pretty much all there is to know about
everything British under the sun for the following 14 years. I then went to an Art
School next to the Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon, where I studied all the Fine
Arts and specialised in Drawing for the following 5 years. So initially I was actually
a practicing artist and art teacher at the same time that I was a Guardian Angel for
A&K, until my sons were born and I decided to become their fulltime GA!
What services and tours do you offer? I ensure that our clients arrive safely and
in high spirits to their hotels (having made sure that the entire country is ready to
welcome them properly!) This year I started a walking food tour of Lisbon, which
has been great fun and pretty successful and I intend to keep things that way!
Favourite tour and why? No doubts there: the food tour! It is such a splendid
experience to show and share some of our very best delicacies with people who
are genuinely curious to try them!
Most memorable experience with an A&K client? Over the years, there have
been quite a few memorable experiences with many lovely people who have left
a permanent impression on me, but I would say it is that moment when we go
beyond the mere professional link and enter the realm of friendship that makes
these experiences memorable.
Top tip/recommendation for visiting Lisbon? An absolutely top tip is to wear
comfortable shoes: the cobblestoned streets and steepest hills will have you
regretting not doing that very quickly! Seeing Lisbon from the Tagus River is a
must, preferably on a sunny day (which fortunately we have so many of) and the
jacarandas in full bloom in May and June.
What’s new in Lisbon? Excellent restaurants and cafés have been opening
weekly in Lisbon, which means it is difficult to keep track. The many gardens
and parks of Lisbon have been properly taken care of and are now wonderful
places to go to for walks or even drinks in the many recently
opened kiosks.
Introducing:
A&K Russia
Natalia Odinochkina General Manager
[email protected]
Visit in June during the White Nights –
the most romantic time to explore St.
Petersburg with its numerous palaces,
fountains and elegant embankments.
Katya Rozhnova Tour
Consultant and Operations Team
Supervisor, Moscow Enjoy a
trip to Suzdal and take a walk or
horse carriage to admire ancient
churches, monasteries and houses.
Anna Potapova Tour
Consultant, Moscow Take an
adventurous journey on the
luxurious Trans-Siberian
Railway and see all the main
cities of Russia.
Kate Savushkina Operations
Coordinator, Moscow Take a
walking tour around Moscow
with one of our local guides for
some exciting stories not found in
guidebooks.
Zarema Afanasyeva Operations
Coordinator, Moscow
View Moscow from the
observation deck on Sparrow
Hills and see the spires of Stalin’s
skyscrapers rise to the clouds.
Sergey Palashenko Travel
Executive, Moscow
Russia is beautiful during the
winter. It’s low season at the hotels
and there are fewer tourists so the
museums are quiet.
Sergey Malyshev Operations
Manager, St. Petersburg
Enjoy access to some world-class
museums before opening hours or
meet a famous Russian artist in
his studio.
Katya Masyutina Operations
Coordinator, St. Petersburg
A guided tour of the Vodka
Museum will give an insight into
vodka’s origin, dining traditions
and the vodka Kings.
Contact: [email protected]
[email protected]
www.akdmc.com
5
With events and festivals
happening throughout
2016, now is the ideal
time to explore some of
England’s most prominent
gardens and horticultural events:
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London: 24th-28th
May One of the most internationally recognised
garden events in the annual horticultural calendar.
National Gardens Festival Weekend, across
England: June Two day event across England
where visitors have exclusive access to gardens
which are not open any other time of the year.
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show,
Surrey: 5th-10th July This year Hampton Court
will put on a particularly special summer flower
show, in homage to ‘Capability’, which will include
two new Show Garden categories.
HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Lancelot’s Landscapes
2016 marks the 300th
anniversary of the birth
of the eminent British
landscape gardener
Lancelot ‘Capability’
Brown. A revolutionary
of his time, Lancelot
(nicknamed ‘Capability’
as he often proclaimed
that his clients’ grounds
had ‘great capabilities’)
overthrew the
conventional garden
designs of 18th-century
England. In their place
he fashioned a new landscapeorientated style which appeared
to bring the fields and hills of the
countryside right up to the doors
of the grand houses.
To this day large country
estates across England are
defined by his vision – Blenheim
Palace, Chatsworth House,
Warwick Castle and Hampton
Court Palace – all attest to the
hefty impact that Capability had
on Britain’s scenic identity.
6
[email protected]
www.akdmc.com
Blenheim Palace will be holding
a talk ‘Capability Brown:
Visionary or Vandal’ throughout
2016, which will critique some of
the more radical ideas Capability
adopted, in order to achieve his
desired vision. You can learn
how Capability implemented his
plans at Blenheim Palace for the
4th Duke, and to what extent
the current layout resembles his
original design.
Chatsworth House is the home
of the Duke of Devonshire
and is renowned for its fine art
collection and exquisite formal
gardens; it is rightly considered
one of the most impressive
stately homes in Europe. It is
here that Pride and Prejudice was
filmed; Chatsworth was used as
Pemberley, the residence of Mr
Darcy. It is believed that Jane
Austen actually based her idea
of Pemberley on Chatsworth
House. Also filmed here was
the recent movie The Duchess in
which Keira Knightly starred.
Hampton Court Palace became
a favourite royal residence after
being confiscated by Henry VIII
from Cardinal Wolsey in the
16th-century. You can visit the
Great Hall, the Tudor Kitchens,
and the Royal Tennis Court on
which Henry played. As well as
the attractive ornamental gardens,
with its famous maze, you can
see the largest vine in England.
Capability was appointed the
Royal Gardener in 1764 and in
1768 planted The Great Vine; you
can still buy the black grapes that
it produces every September in
the palace shops.
VILLA D’ESTE, TIVOLI
Bloomin’ Marvellous
Top 4 European Gardens
KEUKENHOF, THE NETHERLANDS
GIVERNY, FRANCE
Keukenhof – The Netherlands Spring’s the season
to catch Holland’s version of the greatest show
on earth: the bulb fields in bloom. Bulb season in
Holland begins in late March – if the weather is
seasonable – and continues through much of May.
The town of Lisse is one of three main bulb towns of
Holland. On the grounds of the neo-gothic castle,
de Keukenhof, lies the famous Keukenhof Gardens,
Holland’s most colourful garden-park and home
to Holland’s most vibrant springtime attractions –
fields of tulips, daffodils and hyacinth. Professional
bulb growers have used their skill and imagination
to showcase a range of flowers that covers a total
area of 70 acres with as many as 5-6 million bulbs
in blossom.
Giverny – France In 1883 Impressionist painter
Claude Monet moved into the house where he had
worked with Renoir, Sisley and Manet. The Clos
Normand garden that gently slopes away from
the house is a riot of colour and informal planting
which the artist designed himself. Divided into
flower beds and paths the Clos Normand is a joyous
sensory overload as huge volumes of flowers burst
from the ground, hang overhead and trial across
pathways. The Water Garden contains the famous
PETERHOF, RUSSIA
Japanese bridge and water lily pond; Monet’s
greatest source of inspiration. Elegant wisteria
and weeping willows create a tranquil setting that
encompasses the same ethereal nature of Monet’s
most famous work.
Villa d’Este, Tivoli – Italy A short way out of Rome
is the UNESCO listed Villa d’Este; the palatial villa
of the powerful Cardinal Ippoloto d’Este. The 16thcentury villa was designed as a monument to power
and excess, its construction involved demolishing
a monastery and diverting an entire river to feed
the 80 tumbling fountains in the gardens. Whilst
the interior is hugely impressive, the stupendous
gardens are a phenomenal example of Italianate
gardens, much copied in noble and regal palaces
across Europe. The Villa incorporates lakes,
fountains, terraces, baths, temples and gardens.
Peterhof – Russia After his victory over the
Swedes at Poltava in 1709, Peter the Great decided
to build a palace ‘befitting of the very highest of
monarchs’ and a visit to Versailles in 1717 furthered
these ambitions. Over 5000 labourers, serfs and
soldiers were employed in the creation of this
magnificent estate that was officially opened in
1723. The park features numerous palaces, summer
houses and pavilions; a prominent highlight is the
Grand Cascade, a delightful sequence of 37 gilded
bronze sculptures, 64 fountains and 142 water jets
descending from the terraces of the Great Palace to
the Marine Canal and the sea.
[email protected]
www.akdmc.com
7
At the Destination
Croatia’s UNESCO
Heritage
Special Interest
Groups
Our comprehensive services for special interest groups
ensure seamless ground operations and distinct,
creative proposals. Our Tour Directors are the best in
their field, with specialised knowledge ranging from art
to architecture, from history to nature. Whatever your
interests, we can tailor-make a proposal to suit you.
Take a look at some examples:
8
[email protected]
www.akdmc.com
A rich and varied offering
of built heritage, a swath of
enticing coastline and authentic
Mediterranean lifestyle combine
to make Croatia a top all-round
destination. With seven UNESCO
World Heritage Site’s, varying
from National Parks to Palaces,
Croatia packs a mighty cultural
punch for such a small country.
DAY 1 Arrive Zagreb
DAY 2 Zagreb & Croatian Castle Country
ê
W
alking tour of Zagreb, Croatia’s
architecturally impressive capital
ê
D
iscover the Croatian highlands, dotted
with castles dating back to the 12th-century
DAY 3 Transfer to Split via Plitvice
ê
E
xplore the limestone karst scenery and
waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes (UNESCO
Natural Heritage Site)
DAY 4 Split Sightseeing Tour
ê
S
ee Split’s Palace of the Emperor
Diocletian (UNESCO Heritage Site)
ê
E
xplore Split’s charming piazzas and
promenades
DAY 5 Krka Waterfalls, Sibenik & Trogir
ê
B
oat ride to the isle of Visovac from Krka
Waterfalls National Park
ê
W
alking tour of Trogir (UNESCO
Heritage Site)
DAY 6 Ferry to Hvar
ê
V
isit Stari Grad, the oldest town on Hvar
with many historic monuments
ê
S
ample local wines from the Mali Plavac
grape at a historic winery
DAY 7 Hvar Town Sightseeing Tour
ê
W
alking tour of Hvar Town, best known for
its medieval buildings
DAY 8 Pakleni Islands
ê
R
elax and swim in the hidden coves around
the Pakleni Islands
DAY 9 Transfer to Dubrovnik via Ston
ê
B
oat ride around the bay of Mali Ston
where oysters have been cultivated for
centuries
ê
T
asting of oysters and locally produced
wine
DAY 10 Dubrovnik Sightseeing Tour
ê
W
alking tour of Dubrovnik, (UNESCO
Heritage Site) including the Franciscan and
Dominican Monasteries
ê
M
eet the Rector of Dubrovnik’s Rector’s
Palace to hear about the city’s past
DAY 11 Montenegro Sightseeing Tour
ê
V
isit Kotor (UNESCO Heritage Site) and
the fortress of Sveti Ivan
DAY 12 Dubrovnik at Leisure
DAY 13 Depart Dubrovnik.
Gastronomic Ireland
Ireland boasts a remarkably
diverse culinary heritage. On
this tour you can discover the
traditional technique for smoking
salmon and uncover some of
the country’s best artisanal
cheese makers. You will have
the opportunity to tour Ireland’s
famous whiskey distilleries, learn
the origins of Irish coffee, and
sample real Guinness.
DAY 1 Arrive Dublin
ê
W
elcome dinner at Restaurant Patrick
Guilbaud, Ireland’s only two-Michelin-stars
restaurant
DAY 2 Culinary Dublin Tour, Guinness
Storehouse and The Irish House Party
ê
W
alking food tour of Dublin, which
includes visits to a cheese store, traditional
butcher, Guinness Storehouse and Old
Jameson Distillery
ê
T
hree course dinner and traditional live
entertainment at The Irish House Party
DAY 3 Dublin to Galway
ê
B
oat cruise to Lough Ree Lake from the
ruins of Clonmacnoise, one of the most
important medieval monastic sites in
Europe
DAY 4 Connemara Smokehouse, Errisberg
House and Moran’s Oyster Cottage
ê
V
isit to Connemara Smokehouse, where
the proprietors will demonstrate how
salmon is prepared for the delicate
smoking process
ê
L
unch at Errisbeg House, home to Richard
7th Duke de Stacpoole
ê
D
inner at Moran’s Oyster Cottage
including the famous oysters reared in
Galway Bay
DAY 5 Scone-Making Class at Rathbaun
Farm and Irish Coffee
ê
P
rivate scone-making class at Rathbaun
Farm
ê
M
asterclass in making proper Irish coffee
using Irish whiskey and fresh local cream
DAY 6 Artisanal Cheeses and Local Fishing
Industry
ê
S
ample artisanal cheeses in a West Cork
factory
ê
L
unch of freshly caught fish at
Castletownbere, the leading port in Ireland
for white fish-landing
DAY 7 Ballymaloe Cookery School
ê
P
repare quality dishes at Ballymaloe, the
most celebrated cookery school in Ireland
ê
E
xplore Cork’s English Market, ironically
one of the most noted food markets in
Ireland
DAY 8 Depart Cork.
For more information contact [email protected]
An A&K Guide to
Travelling with Children
With its diverse landscapes,
climates and cultures there
are features of Europe that
appeal to every generation. For
grandparents we can include
tours that cover heritage and
architecture; parents can indulge in
wine tasting and culinary courses
and there is, of course, plenty
to entertain the youngest in the
clan, who thrive on activities and
excitement… a scavenger hunt in
a museum, ice cream making or
meeting a real-life cosmonaut.
We have an experienced team
of consultants waiting to help plan
tours all over Europe to suit the
entire family. In addition to planning
and advising we’ve also put
together some hints and tips for
travelling with younger members
of the family, to help ensure every
aspect of your holiday runs as
smoothly as possible.
Before You Travel
The Journey
ê
C
heck passports are in date,
many children’s passports only
last 5 years, so allow time to get
expired passports renewed
ê
A
sk your A&K Tour Consultant
to research hotels with free,
good quality wi-fi and of course
for hotels with special family
inspired offers
ê
L
et A&K book interconnecting
or larger family rooms for your
party
ê
C
onsider booking a serviced
apartment for your family
ê
A
sk your A&K Tour Consultant
for recommendations of
child friendly restaurants and
babysitting facilities
ê
I
f you have fussy eaters,
consider requesting sample
menus in advance
ê
I
nvolve your child/ teenager
with planning the holiday, keep
the whole family happy
ê
F
or long-haul overnight flights
book aeroplane seats with space
for a bassinet cot and extra leg
room for restless children
ê
P
ack first-aid kits, paracetamol
based medicines, antihistamine for any unexpected
allergies and sterilizing tablets
for cleaning bottles
ê
T
each your child some local
words or phrases, show older
children maps and guides to
where you are staying
ê
M
ake sure you are prepared for
the new climate
ê
A
llow for plenty of time, this
compensates for emergencies
and the many toilet stops!
ê
T
ravel well-equipped; bring
your child’s favourite books,
crayons and small toys;
entertainment is key
ê
B
ring extra clothes for those
unexpected emergencies
ê
E
nsuring a window seat
can help to keep children
entertained
ê
G
ive your child the opportunity
to run off steam before
boarding the plane; most
airports have kids zones
ê
H
ave plenty of spontaneous
family games ready in the event
of delays
ê
G
ive babies and small children
drinks when taking off and
landing to help with painful
ears due to the pressure change
ê
B
ring audiobooks or download
some popular and easy to use
children’s’ apps onto your tablet
beforehand (many of these are
free). Tablets are
the best toy
for space
economy.
ê
A
n A&K Guardian Angel will
be happy to assist with airport
procedures
ê
D
on’t plan too much on day
one, particularly if your party
are jetlagged
ê
B
uild in time for rests and
spontaneity at your destination
ê
A
sk your A&K Tour Consultant
to allow for later starts to the
days in your itinerary, giving
you time to organise the family
ê
R
esist changing hotels every
night
ê
M
ost hotels offer: highchairs,
baby baths, toiletries, and extra
beds free of charge, ask your
A&K Tour Consultant to find
out about all relevant amenities
ê
M
any hotels provide games
consoles and DVD players on
request
ê
F
or fussy eaters, let children try
adult dishes and always bring
supplies of food they like as a
back-up
ê
G
ive your child their own
camera to encourage them to
observe their surroundings and
focus on what interests them.
This will not only help with
entertainment but you may be
surprised at the results from
their view
ê
E
ncourage your children
to draw and collect items/
postcards from the places they
have visited
ê
W
here possible make sure that
interactive/hands-on activities
are included in your itinerary
ê
A
&K Tour Consultants are
experts at matching families
with appropriate child friendly
local guides, endeavouring to
cater for all your needs.
A&K Recommended Insider Access
l Lunch with coffee ceremony at Isola
Comancina (Lake Como)
l Sailing on Lake Garda
A&K Recommended Insider Access
l Special pastry making in Erice
l Sicilian puppets theatre show
l Farmhouse visit with olive oil tasting
l Salt museum in Trapani
A&K Recommended Tour
l Valley of temples visit followed by cooking
class with lunch in a small fishermen’s village
Famous for
Sicilian pastries, mainly prepared with ricotta
cheese and almond paste, Greek Temples of
Segesta and Valley of Temples in Agrigento
SICILY
A&K Recommended Insider Access
l Vatican Papal Audience
l Private tour of Palazzo Colonna
l Castel Sant’Angelo secret passages
l Aperitif in the Roman ruins
A&K Recommended Tour
l Vespa tour of Rome
Famous for
The Colosseum and Michelangelo’s Sistine
Chapel
ROME
A&K Recommended Insider Access
l Private fresco class
l Cooking class with market tour
l Restoration workshop visit
l Make your own perfume in a private
laboratory
A&K Recommended Tour
l Masterpieces of the Uffizi and the genius of
Leonardo da Vinci
Sicily
A&K Recommended Insider Access
l Helicopter excursion over the Amalfi Coast
and lunch in Ravello
l Acrobatic pizza making
l Mozzarella making class
l Limoncello liquor demonstration
l Perfume lesson
A&K Recommended Tours
l Salerno Coast and Paestrum with Buffalo
Mozzarella tasting
l Full day Pompeii and Vesuvius tour with
vineyard visit and wine tasting
l Amalfi Coast and Capri island by private
boat
Famous for
Picturesque coastline
AMALFI COAST
Rome
TUSCANY
Florence
Famous for
History; it’s considered the birthplace of the
Renaissance
FLORENCE
A&K Recommended
Insider Access
l Visit an underground
olive mill which dates
back to Roman times
A&K Recommended
Tours
l Alberobello,
Martina Franca and
Locorotondo
Famous for
Food, beaches and
Baroque architecture
PUGLIA
PUGLIA
A&K Recommended Insider Access
l White truffle hunting
l Vespa tour
l Vintage cars
l Pienza’s underground tour
l Picnic in the Chianti Shire
A&K Recommended Tours
l Costa degli Etruschi wine route
l Montalcino and Pienza cheeses
Famous for
Medieval villages and gastro delights – red
wines such as Chianti Classico and the areas
peppery extra-virgin olive oil
TUSCANY
A&K Recommended Insider Access
l Prosciutto di Parma tasting
l Ferrari driving experience
l Tortellini making with a real
mamma at home
l Balsamic
vinegar tasting
A&K Recommended Tours
l Music tour of Verdi’s birthplace
l Gourmet food tour
l Climbing a tower in Bologna
Famous for
Tradional cuisine – tagliatelle al ragù and
lasagne alla bolognese – and the Motor Valley
BOLOGNA &
SURROUNDING
AREA
A&K Recommended Insider Access
l Venetian mask-making workshop
l Bacari tour
l Dinner on a pirates galleon
l Tea with a Countess in her palace facing
the Grand Canal
l Private secret gardens tour
A&K Recommended Tours
l The Riddles of Venice – a half day treasure
hunt
l Lagoon islands with Venissa wine tasting
and lunch
Famous for
Piazzo san Marco, canals and gondolas
Famous for
Poets such as Wordsworth and Byron were
transfixed by the beauty of the lakes
A&K Recommended Tours
l Lake Como private lake cruise
l Hiking Castel Vezio
VENICE
THE LAKES
The Lakes
Venice
MIlan
Bologna
LIGURIA
A&K Recommended Insider Access
lC
heese making at a local farm with typical
lunch with the shepherd
A&K Recommended Tour
l Sardinian wines and spirits tour
l Sardinian speciality meats tour
Famous for
Folk traditions and beaches
SARDINIA
Sardinia
A&K Recommended Insider Access
l Pesto and Focaccia cooking lesson
l Visit to Cervara Abbey
A&K Recommended Tour
lC
inque Terre by private boat
Famous for
Stunning Portofino and Cinque Terre
LIGURIA/ ITALIAN
RIVIERA
A&K Recommended Insider Access
l Private visit to an iconic fashion atelier
l Navigli by boat
l Vintage tram tour
A&K Recommended Tours
l Visit to the Duomo terraces
l Shopping
Famous for
High fashion and Leonardo da Vinci’s The
Last Supper
MILAN
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Tour of Italy
Special Offers
TOP HOTEL OFFERS FOR 2016
By Harriet Fisher, Travel Consultant, A&K
Europe
Crete: The Unsung Island
BY HARRIET FISHER, TRAVEL EXECUTIVE, A&K EUROPE
Crete, the land of legend and the
largest island in Greece is a place
of magic and myth, of rural
countryside, undulating olive
groves, soaring mountains and
beautiful beaches. I was lucky
enough to visit this idyll with my
colleague in May, to explore the
island and to fall in love with the
myths, the welcoming, generous
locals, the wonderful cuisine and
the stunning countryside. From the cave of Zeus’s
birth, the Minator’s labyrinth
at Knossos to the former
leper colony on the island of
Spinalonga, Crete holds many
historical, archaeological and
scenic treasures and surprises.
Dreamy villages lie scattered
among the mountains whilst
the shoreline contrasts this with
striking, vibrant cities such
as Chania. The beauty of the
Venetian harbour at this former
capital city of Crete is enough to
take one’s breath away. Clustered
here are narrow, winding streets
filled with tavernas, shops, cafes
and monuments both ancient
and modern.
A special moment was
our visit to the former leper
colony of Spinalonga. In use
from 1903 right up to 1957 the
island can be reached by boat
from the mainland and remains
hauntingly in sight as you travel
the coastline. As you wander
among the ruined streets of this
former community it is easy to
imagine the lives of those isolated
in this remote place. Spurned by
society these remarkable people
created a life, a functioning
settlement against all odds. Upon
your return to the mainland, it is
lovely to take a stroll through the
picturesque streets of Plaka, filled
with flowers, tavernas and shops
selling handmade wares; it makes
a stark contrast to the island you
have left behind.
Often overlooked and
overshadowed by other
prominent Greek islands, Crete is
a charming and rural destination
with a lot to offer. I would not
hesitate to recommend this
beautiful haven to all.
‘…a place of magic and myth,
of rural countryside, undulating
olive groves, soaring
mountains and
beautiful beaches.’
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12 www.akdmc.com
My personal highlight was when strolling the medieval, narrow,
bustling and winding streets of Rethymnon. Full of character the old
town holds a mix of architecture and history, cultural influences and styles ranging
from Venetian to Ottoman Empire. From here we ducked inside through a heavy wooden door to
be greeted by a family of traditional Filo pastry makers.
Speaking no English we communicated through our guide and what an experience awaited us! The last
place in the country to make the pastry using time old methods, it was a real pleasure to watch this aged couple
and their grown son at work. In this still, quiet room delicious delicacies are hand-crafted and sold at the market
(another must see in the city). This experience was such a treat in more than one sense of the word. It was a true
privilege to meet these friendly and warm people who welcomed us with open arms and smiles that crossed all
language barriers.
ITALY
The Hotel Hassler Roma in Rome
will be reducing its rates between
11th July – 29th December 2016
(blackout dates apply) for a 3
night minimum stay.
CROATIA
The Regent Esplanade hotel in
Zagreb is offering guests reduced
rates until 31st December 2016.
FRANCE
Chateau La Cheneviere in
Port-en-Bessin in the lower
Normandy region, invites guests
to stay 4 nights but only pay for
3, until 30th November 2016.
PORTUGAL
The Lapa Palace in Lisbon is
offering guests 4 nights for the
price of 3 for stays between 1st
July – 31st August 2016.
ITALY
Venice’s Gritti Palace invites
guests to stay 3 nights for the
price of 2 for stays between
1st April – 31st October 2016
(blackout dates apply).
RUSSIA
Hotel Astoria – A Rocco Forte
Hotel – in St Petersburg welcomes
guests to stay 4 nights but only
pay for 3 for stays between 1st
April 2016 – 31st March 2017
(blackout dates apply).
BELGIUM
Hotel Amigo – A Rocco Forte
Hotel – is offering guests 3 nights
for the price of 2 for stays between
1st January – 27th December 2016
(blackout dates apply).
SPAIN
The Silken Gran Hotel Domine in
Bilbao is reducing its rates until
31st October 2016 for a 2 night
minimum stay.
ITALY
CROATIA
The Hotel Danieli in Venice is
The Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik
has reduced its rates until 27th
December 2016 for all stays
booked by 31st March 2016.
offering a family package for
stays until 31st October 2016.
RUSSIA
FRANCE
The Intercontinental Moscow
Tverskaya is offering an early
booking discount when the
booking is made 7 days prior to
travel for stays between 1st April
2016 – 31st March 2017.
Paris’ Prince de Galles Hotel is
offering a reduction on its rates
until 31st October 2016 for a 5
night minimum stay.
GREECE
GERMANY
Hotel de Rome – A Rocco Forte
Hotel – invites guests to stay 3
nights but only pay for 2 until
31st December 2016. (blackout
dates apply).
UK
The Elounda Beach Hotel &
Villas in Crete is offering an
early booking discount when a
booking is made by 31st May
2016 for stays between 16th
April – 31st October 2016.
UK
The Royal Crescent in Bath is
offering a complimentary room
upgrade until 31st December
2016.
The Milestone in London will be
offering guests a complimentary
afternoon tea for a 2 night
minimum stay between 1st
September – 30th November 2016.
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www.akdmc.com
13
Hand-picked Hotels
The Marylebone Hotel, UK
Situated in London’s ultra-fashionable Marylebone village, The
Marylebone is a hotel full of character and charm perfectly located to
explore this vibrant area’s unique boutiques, restaurants and buzzing
cafes. Set between the beautiful townhouses of Welbeck Street and
trendy Marylebone Lane, the hotel comprises 257 guest rooms, with
44 suites that include the three new London Suites where you can
experience some of the finest views across London. The three signature
suites offer unrivalled scenes over the rooftops and chimney pots of
Marylebone and Mayfair all the way to The Shard and beyond. The
stylish, large and modern suites in the heart of the city feature huge,
all weather terraces with retractable roofs and luxurious interiors. The
new suites encapsulate everything that a modern traveller loves about
Marylebone – London’s most glamorous urban village.
The Ritz-Carlton Moscow, Russia
Located just off the Red Square, next to the Kremlin, in the heart of the
cultural centre of Russia’s capital, The Ritz-Carlton Moscow features
the largest guest rooms and suites providing cutting edge technological
amenities. The hotel offers a string of luxurious amenities including
world-class dining options – O2 Lounge with summer terrace on the
12th floor with breathtaking panoramic views over the Kremlin and
Red Square, Café Russe presents international cuisine, pan-Asian
restaurant Novikov Restaurant & Bar – a beauty salon, barber, fitness
centre and spacious full-service The Ritz-Carlton Spa featuring 14
treatment rooms, as well as a heated indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and
steam rooms. With more than 1,100 square metres of space including
the Ballroom accommodating events of up to 700 guests, The RitzCarlton Moscow will welcome guests in style.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
Hotel Savoy, A Rocco Forte Hotel, Italy
This 13th-century castle is located just 45 minutes from Galway city. Once
the Estate of Lord Ardilaun and the Guinness family, Ashford opened
as a luxury hotel in 1939, making it the oldest castle hotel in Ireland and
recently voted the Best Hotel in the World by Virtuoso Awards 2015.
In 2013 Ashford was bought by the Tollman family of the Red
Carnation collection, who began a loving restoration project resulting in a
‘Palace inside a Castle’. The Castle offers 82 bespoke bedrooms, a 32 seated
cinema, multiple dining options, library, Billiard’s Room, Cigar Terrace,
state of the art Spa, beautiful public lounges and 21st-century technology
throughout. The Ashford Estate offers an array of activities including
Orvis fly fishing, Ireland’s first school of Falconry, cruising on Lough
Corrib, horseback riding, archery, kayaking, zip-wiring and clay pigeon
shooting; making it the most comprehensive resort in Ireland.
Uniquely located on Piazza della Repubblica in the heart of
Florence’s city centre, Hotel Savoy is a place that instantly
attunes you to the culture of the city, and puts you right at the
heart of things. Refined with contemporary style, the 102-room
Hotel Savoy has been recently refurbished: a redesigned Lobby
will welcome guests in a cosy and intimate atmosphere, which
perfectly reflects the Rocco Forte family flair. All the 14 suites have
been renewed with joyful colours combined with authentic Italian
fabrics, Florentine patterns and motives, in light of the recent
restyling of the Presidential Suite, the Repubblica Suite. For a truly
memorable dining experience with genuine flavours and tradition,
guests can indulge in healthy reinventions of Tuscan classics by
Fulvio Pierangelini at “Irene”, the newly Florentine bistro.
Vedema Resort & Mystique, Santorini, Greece
Hotel La Perouse, France
These Luxury Collection Resorts are both located on the stunning
island of Santorini. Both properties draw stylistic inspiration from the
traditional character of the Greek islands, with refined and relaxing
interiors that use natural materials. The 39 suites and villas at Mystique
are built into the cliffs of Oia, a town known for its white-washed walls,
photographic blue domes and windmills. The Resort includes three
outdoor infinity pools with captivating views across the Aegean Caldera.
Vedema Resort lies in the traditional village of Megalohori. At the heart
of the property is the original 400 year old winery, which has been
converted into the unique Canava Wine Bar where you can enjoy wine
tastings. The Alati Restaurant produces an excellent seafood menu,
sourced fresh from the Aegean Sea.
The most surprising address, superb and ideally located on the
famous Promenade des Anglais, the Hotel La Perouse is the place
to be. An intimate and quiet luxury oasis built on the castle hill
overlooking the Baie des Anges that offers an unrivalled view. Just a
short walk from the Old Town and Nice Port, the Hotel La Perouse
provides an authentic Mediterranean setting. The hotel features an
outdoor swimming pool, sauna, panoramic solarium and Jacuzzi,
restaurant and cocktail bar. The charming Restaurant Le Patio, with
the shade of centenary lemon trees, is the perfect place to taste the
fresh and tasty Mediterranean cuisine proposed by the chef.
The Yeatman, a member of Relais & Châteaux, Portugal
At the ceremony for the prestigious World Travel Awards in Sardinia,
The Yeatman was bestowed its latest international accolade: Best
Boutique Hotel in Portugal. The Yeatman was honoured for its
premium facilities, wide selection of services and breath-taking
panoramic views. The quality of its wine experience and gastronomy
were central to winning the prize with its extensive wine cellar
holding the largest collection of Portuguese wines in the world;
as well as its Michelin-star restaurant led by Chef Ricardo Costa.
The Yeatman’s Caudalie Spa was highlighted for the quality of its
treatments and vinotherapy.
Jan-Erik Ringertz (General Manager) stated that ‘this distinction
reflects not simply the quality of the hotel and our services, but the
differentiating experience that The Yeatman provides its guests. From
the enchanting views over the city of Porto to the sensory experience
surrounding food and wine, The Yeatman’s role is to share the best and
most authentic experience of Porto with all its visitors.’
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14 www.akdmc.com
[email protected]
www.akdmc.com
15
PALACE OF VERSAILLES
The Royal
Seal of Approval
Unique
Perspectives
People
Dubrovnik – Game of Thrones
Tour with a Local Actress
The Dalmatian city of
Dubrovnik and surrounding
areas served as the stunning
backdrop for the filming
location of ‘Kings Landing’ in
the Game of Thrones series.
Follow in the footsteps of the
stories along with your expert
local guide, Ana, who also
worked as an ‘extra’ actress for
four seasons.
Moscow – Home visit
A truly authentic experience
awaits you at the home of
Vadim and Svetlana Galonen,
a couple born and raised in
Moscow. Vadim Galonen
comes from a family of Moscow
nobility. His father Yury
Galonen was an outstanding
scientist and a close friend of
the famous dissident scientist
Andrey Sakharov. The couple,
who live close to the Kremlin,
speak fluent English and will be
delighted to share their personal
stories of life in Russia.
Amsterdam – Insider Tour of
the Red Light District
See a different perspective of
Amsterdam’s most talked about
topic on a private tour of the
Red Light District. Your guide
is a former sex worker who
now runs a charity dedicated to
gaining more rights and respect
for the city’s sex workers.
At A&K Europe our tours seek to uncover viewpoints and
perspectives that reveal to clients the true essence of a destination,
even for those who may be return visitors. We achieve this by
facilitating introductions with local people, accessing a famous
place in a unique way or discovering an unusual point of view.
Places
Paris – Behind the Scenes of the
Eiffel Tower
An exclusive private guided
tour of the backstage of the
Eiffel Tower, which includes
the original Machinery
Room located underground;
the WWII Military bunker
underneath Champ de Mars
used for radio transmissions
and the Technical Gallery which
offers a spectacular view of the
Esplanade. All these areas are off
limits to normal visitors.
Rome – The Gardens of Castel
Gandolfo: the Pope’s Summer
Residence
Visit the magnificent and secret
Pope’s Gardens which overlook
the lake of Castel Gandolfo.
Explore the wonderful
harmony of nature and art at
these previously
inaccessible
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16 www.akdmc.com
gardens. Your guide leads
you through the charming
Magnolia Garden, the Path of
Roses and the Path of Aromatic
Herbs. Admire the ruins of
the imperial theatre and the
panoramic view extending out
to the sea.
Moscow – Backstage Tour at
the Bolshoi Theatre
This exclusive access takes you
literally behind-the-scenes
of the world-famous Bolshoi
Theatre. A theatre guide takes
you around the backstage
areas unseen by the public and
recounts the history of the
theatre and explains the Tsar’s
Box protocol. Additionally, visit
the theatre’s museum and a
rehearsal hall where you might
be able to see dancers warming
up and musicians
practicing.
Queen Elizabeth II will be celebrating her 90th birthday this year with various
events occurring across the country, including a huge street party stretching
the length of London’s Mall and an equestrian-themed party at Windsor
Castle. Europe is renowned for its monarchical history; famous battles, plots
and stories of intrigue. The many palaces and royal residences that have
acted as the backdrops to key historical events display sumptuous interiors,
elegant furnishings and imposing architecture, all of which can be discovered
on a tour with A&K. In many instances we can give you private access to
some of the most impressive royal locations in Europe, lifting the curtain on
the eccentricities of those that once lived and worked within their walls
Point of View
London – Exclusive Private Tour of Kensington Palace
Barcelona – Explore the City in
a Sidecar
Embark on a Night Rider tour
at night to see the illuminated
highlights of Barcelona. Motor
around the city in a motorcycle
sidecar, which were brought
into Europe during World War
II. Cruise down the glamorous
avenues and see the city’s
glistening lights and sights in a
city that doesn’t sleep.
Venice – Special Visit to
Tessiture Bevilacqua &
Gondola Yard
For over a century, working on
Luigi’s Bevilacqua silk looms,
highly-skilled hands transform
precious yarns into prestigious
velvets and brocades destined to
furnish Royal palaces, residences
and theatres all over the world.
During this privately-guided visit
you have special access to the
atelier. Continue on to the Squero
(Gondola yard), where you will
see the place where the typical
Venetian boats are produced
and learn the history of Venetian
gondolas through the centuries.
Athens Area – Private Cooking
Class in Authentic Village
After buying ingredients at the
local market you will prepare
your lunch before sitting down
to enjoy your labours in a relaxed
setting. You will get a real feel for
the preparation and enjoyment of
authentic Greek food.
Learn the royal history of this fascinating building, viewing tapestries, art and
garments along the way. Explore the Queen’s State Apartments and King’s
State Apartments; walking through the very rooms that monarchs once
occupied. You are able to visualise the young Queen Victoria walking down
the stairs to meet Prince Albert for the first time.
London – Private View of the Crown Jewels
Explore the Tower of London where the Yeomen Warders guard the
dazzling Crown Jewels and the medieval palace. View the splendour
of the Crown Jewels away from the busy visitor day with a private
viewing. Inside the Treasury feast your eyes on the unique display
of Coronation regalia including the splendid Coronation robes,
the magnificent Imperial State Crown and the world’s largest,
top-quality cut diamond, set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre. The
Jewel House Wardens will be on hand to share their wealth of
knowledge and bring the regalia’s extraordinary past to life.
Venice – Secret Passages of the Doge’s Palace
Gain special access to the Doge’s Palace with your expert guide, where you
can enjoy the secret passageways of this spectacular royal residence. Once
the home to Venice’s rulers and to the offices of State, it was also where
countless prisoners were held captive and tortured. Visit the underground
dungeon of the Doge’s Palace and see what it was like to be a prisoner
under the Doge’s rule. A fascinating maze of cells are linked by corridors
and staircases on both sides of the canal. Famous inmate Casanova made a
dramatic escape across the rooftop in 1756.
St Petersburg – Amber Workshop at Catherine’s Palace
You have the unique chance to see the workshops in Catherine’s Palace
where masters rebuilt the world-famous Amber Room panels. Meticulously,
each panel is designed and fitted with Baltic amber, an exacting process
that takes decades to complete each piece of wall decoration. Observe
completed panels, works in progress and designs for future pieces, all with
the amber masters as exclusive guides.
Paris – Versailles Private After-Hours Visit
Situated to the west of Paris, Versailles is the location of the vast palace
that was constructed in the 17th-century for Louis XIV, the ‘Sun King’.
Housing up to 4,000 people, the palace was the glory of his reign and was
the epicentre of political power in France at the time. You have the highly
exclusive opportunity to visit the Palace of Versailles on a completely private
basis. During your tour, with a palace-accredited specialist, explore the
King’s Bedchamber, the Queen’s Bedchamber, the Royal Chapel, the Royal
Opera and the opulent Grand Apartments.
Granada – Helicopter Flight over the Alhambra
See the Alhambra from above with a sensational excursion in a private
helicopter flight. You will gain a stunning view of Granada and the Alhambra
in the spectacular surroundings of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range,
which are still covered in snow until the beginning of summer. Admire the
exquisite Generalife palace and gardens including its Pavillon de Chasse
(Hunting Lodge), the unique palace of Charles V, the maze of narrow and
paved alleyways of the Albaicin district and the great Cathedral of Granada
situated at the heart of the historic centre of the town.
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17
New Shore Excursions
Italy
Port: Naples Tour: Food Tour of Naples (4 hours)
ê
Take
a food walking tour in one of Naples’ best
food markets, including the chance to sample
some delicious local specialities.
ê
Discover
the most picturesque corners of Naples
historic city centre. Sights include the Greek
ruins of Bellini square, the street of music and
San Gregorio Armeno street, famous for shops
selling nativity scenes.
ê
Stop
for a wine tasting in one of the city’s most
famous wine shops before lunch in one of the
world’s oldest pizzerias. Not to be missed is
the pizza fritta – the original pizza and unique
to Naples – a deep fried pizza filled with
ricotta cheese.
We have recently expanded the shore excursion ports that we cover across Europe to include
Scandinavia, the Baltics, Croatia, Slovenia and additional ports in Italy. Time is a precious
commodity for cruise-line guests who may only dock in each port for a day at a time. All our
new half and full day tours are designed to provide guests with real experiences and a depth of
understanding that expands their appreciation of a destination, even when time is short. Below
is a taste of what we can offer in some of these new destinations:
Italy
Port: Bari Tour: Locorotondo & Alberobello
(4 hours)
ê
Start
in Locorotondo where you will see the
architecture typical of the region with its historical
centre containing whitewashed, stone buildings with
cave-like interiors, narrow streets and churches.
ê
Visit
Alberobello (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
The city was founded in the 15th-century and its trullo
buildings – small whitewashed houses with cone
shaped roofs – are one of Puglia’s iconic images.
Empowering the people of Zambia with donated bikes
A&K Europe’s latest philanthropy
project involved the Cheltenham
office partnering with the NGO
Wheels of Change, a charity
who aim to empower people in
developing countries by providing
bicycles and establishing small bike
sales and repair businesses.
After acquiring an old 40 foot
shipping container we waited with
baited breath on the morning of
the first donation weekend, the
empty container ready to be filled
with bikes. The local Cheltenham
community rose to the challenge
admirably; people were able to give
a second lease of life to something
Denmark
Norway
Croatia
Port: Oslo Tour: Vikings & Norwegian Explorers
(3 hours)
ê
Start
at Bygdøy, the Viking Ships Museum.
Marvel at the fine artistry of three graceful Viking
ships, which are the best preserved in existence.
ê
Visit
the Kon Tiki Museum. Housed here is the
balsa raft used by Thor Heyerdahl during his
1947 voyage from Peru to Polynesia.
ê
Lastly
see the ship of Fram, an expedition ship
famed for its journeys farther south and north
than any other vessel of its time. Built in 1892, the
ship was used by many explorers on expeditions
to the Arctic and the South Pole.
Port: Split Tour: Krka Waterfalls
& Trogir (8 hours)
ê
Visit
the Krka Waterfalls
National Park. You will tour
the area of the waterfalls and
take a boat ride to the isle of
Visovac to visit the Franciscan
Monastery.
ê
Continue
to Trogir, a
picturesque medieval town,
including a visit to the Cathedral
of St. Lawrence with its
magnificent Romanesque portal.
Port: Copenhagen Tour: In the Footsteps of
Hans Christian Andersen (4 hours)
ê
Start
at the Little Mermaid statue; Andersen’s
most popular fairy-tale character and now
Copenhagen’s most cherished landmark.
ê
Follow
the poet through some of his many
different addresses in the city, including those
along the colourful canal.
they were no longer using, but had
been reluctant to just throw away.
Donating was the perfect way of
solving this dilemma, and through
it one community was helping
another community, over 5000
miles away.
By the final weekend of bike
collecting we were hard pressed to
keep track of all the two wheeled
donations descending upon us, but
on the final afternoon we closed
the doors on over 270 bikes.
After a number of weeks waiting
in a state of high anticipation news
reached us that the Cheltenham
container had safely reached its final
destination in Zambia, and a similar
container from the US office wasn’t
far behind. The village of Nakatindi
was chosen for the project, as
A&K Philanthropy already worked
closely with this community. The
dust had barely settled before
work started in earnest; a roof
was constructed over both the
Competition Time
www.akphilanthropy.org
containers and the whole thing was
smartened up with a lick of paint.
The decision was made that the
5 people selected for mechanics
training and to run the bike
shop should all be women. They
named the shop ‘Chipego’ which
is the Tonga word for ‘Gift’ and
immediately set to work learning
bike mechanic skills and what was
required to successfully run the
bike shop.
On the 16th September the
‘Chipego’ Bike Shop officially
opened for business. A special
ceremony marked the occasion,
which the Mayor of Livingstone
and local dignitaries attended. The
day included speeches, singing
and cultural dancing. 15 of the bikes
were donated to the Nakatindi
Heath Committee, allowing the
caregivers to visit far more patients
each day, and thus greatly improve
the vital healthcare service they
provide. 5 bikes were also donated
to an HIV awareness campaign.
In the last few months the
project has really taken off and will
continue to grow as it becomes
increasingly self-sufficient. Its many
benefits have included the creation
of jobs, empowerment of women,
generation of income for a rural
community and providing people
with affordable mobility.
A BIKE IS 3 TIMES
FASTER THAN
WALKING
A HEALTHCARE
WORKER CAN VISIT 4
TIMES MORE PEOPLE
AN HOUR ON A BIKE
THAN ON FOOT
SECONDARY
SCHOOLS ARE
FEW AND FAR
BETWEEN. WITH A
BIKE A STUDENT
CAN PURSUE
AN EDUCATION
BEYOND 8TH GRADE
A GIRL WITH A BIKE
IN THE FAMILY IS 70%
MORE LIKELY TO
ATTEND SCHOOL
A PERSON CAN
CARRY 5 TIMES
MORE WEIGHT ON A
BIKE THAN ON FOOT
How Well Do You Know Europe?
Test your European knowledge and enter our competition for the chance
to win a 2 night stay at Kempinski Taschenbergpalais in Dresden,
Germany. This exclusive prize invites the lucky winner and a guest to stay
for 2 nights with complimentary buffet breakfast.
Sitting on the banks of the River Elbe, Dresden is an attractive town with
cobbled streets and beautiful buildings. Located in the heart of Dresden is
the Kempinski Taschenbergpalais, built in the 18th-century by the Saxon
king August the Strong. The hotel offers a variety of fantastic dining options,
including a patisserie and extensive cocktail list. The hotel is a beautiful
combination of historic glory, contemporary elegance and modern design.
Simply answer the following question:
Which European city am I in?
ê
Home to Phoenix Park – the largest urban park in Europe
ê
With over 1,000 pubs to drink in
ê
One of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Europe
ê
Where 10 million glasses of Guinness are produced daily.
Latvia
Port: Riga Tour: Full-day tour of Riga (8 hours)
ê
Discover
the history of Old Riga Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) on a walking
tour and admire the medieval architecture along the myriad of streets where you can find
the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Town Square.
ê
Explore
Riga Central Market. As one of the largest markets in Eastern Europe, you can
really get a flavour of Latvian culture and tradition from the countless stalls selling a wide
assortment of traditional food.
[email protected]
18 www.akdmc.com
Answers by email please to
[email protected] by
31st March 2016, the winner
will be drawn from the correct
entries and notified thereafter.
[email protected]
www.akdmc.com
19
Meet the Key Contacts
from our 3 Offices
Natalia Odinochkina
General Manager, A&K Russia
[email protected]
Carla Martindale
Managing Director, A&K Europe
[email protected]
Katya Rozhnova
Tour Consultant and Operations Team Supervisor, A&K Russia
[email protected]
Jon Bennett
Director of Sales and Business Development, A&K Europe
[email protected]
Anna Potapova
Travel Consultant, A&K Russia
[email protected]
Marcela King
Manager, Individuals Department, Third Party Division, A&K Europe
[email protected]
Sergey Malyshev
A&K Office
Operations Manager, A&K Russia
[email protected]
Joscelyn Stockwell
Travel Executive, Individuals Department, Third Party Division, A&K Europe
[email protected]
FINLAND
NORWAY
St. Petersburg
SWEDEN
SCOTLAND
E STO N IA
ESTONIA
KAZAKHSTAN
LATVIA
DENMARK
DENMARK
IRELAND
UK & IRELAND
WALES
LITH UA N IA
Cheltenham
ANDORRA
Madrid
RUSSIA
BELARUS
SLOVENIA
BOSNIACROATIA
PORTUGAL
KAZAKHSTAN
LITHUANIA
RUSSIA
NETHERLANDS
GERMANY
POLAND
BELG.
LUX.
CZECH
REP.
SLOVAKIA
FRANCE
SWITZ. AUSTRIA HUNGARY
ATL A N T I C
OC EA N
Moscow
LATVIA
Florence
MONT.
KOS.
ITALY
MOLDOVA
BL ACK SE A
BULGARIA
MACEDONIA
ALBANIA
GREECE
MO ROCCO
MALTA
TUNISIA
CASPIAN
SE A
ROMANIA
HERZEGOVINA
SERBIA
SPAIN
UZBEKISTAN
M EDI T E RRAN E AN SE A
TURK MEN I STA N
TURKMENISTAN
GEORGIA
A Z E RBA I J A N
AZERBAIJAN
ARMENIA
ARMENIA
T U R K E Y
CYPRUS
LEBANON
Luca Poddi
Country Manager, A&K Italy & Croatia
SYRIA
[email protected]
I R A Q
KUWAIT
Lara Rossi
Travel Consultant, A&K Italy & Croatia
[email protected]
Jason Browe
Travel Consultant, A&K Italy & Croatia
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
I
Francesca Strignano
Travel Consultant, A&K Italy & Croatia
[email protected]
R
A
N