01 September 2020

Day 1 Morning Start your city break in Venice in the heart of the action at St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) which locals often just call ‘la Piazza’ since it’s so central to Venetian life. It’s in and around this area where many of the most famous spots in Venice can be found, so it’s easy to spend a morning meandering around this locality. The square as it stands today dates back to the 1100s – simply wander around the archways and impressive architecture to soak it all up. St Mark’s Basilica is one building that dominates St Mark’s Square – the most famous of the city’s churches known for its glorious Italo-Byzantine architecture. It has been the city’s cathedral since 1807 and was originally the chapel of the Doge of Venice – the supreme authority of the former Venetian Republic. St Mark’s Basilica is open from 9:30 to 17:00 Monday to Saturday, and 14:00 to 16:30 on Sundays and holidays. Entry is free to the cathedral, with a €5 fee to enter the museum. Arrive early during popular times of year to avoid long queues. St Mark’s Basilica is connected to the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), so now is the perfect time to pay a visit to this landmark too. Built in Venetian Gothic style, the palace is now a museum, with fascinating rooms of the old palace to explore together with artworks and special exhibitions to enjoy. The Doge’s Palace is open from 8:30 to 19:00 during the spring and summer, and closes at 17:30 during the autumn and winter. Tickets to enter cost €20, which also includes entry to the other museums in St Mark’s Square: Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. Afternoon After a morning spent soaking up some of the most impressive cultural sites in Venice, it’s time for a relaxing lunch. There is no shortage of restaurants in the St Mark’s Square area, but it’s best to take a five minute stroll outside of the centre to find an eatery that is a little more tucked away. Bacarando in Corte dell’Orso is a great option, with an authentic feeling, delectable dishes and some outdoor seating too. Bacarando in Corte dell’Orso is open daily from 12:00 to 00:00. It’s impossible to visit Venice without taking to the canals, so round off your afternoon with a gondola ride. As well as traversing all the famous waterways – including the Grand Canal – you’ll also be taken along some of the lesser travelled routes, where you can soak up traditional Venetian architecture and watch daily life at its best in the city. There is an abundance of gondola ride providers in Venice. Evening Those looking for a high-end meal in Venice truly have their choice of restaurants, with a cacophony of Michelin-star options or renowned local eateries that are talked about in international circles. For a Michelin-star meal, book a table at Ristorante Quadri, one of the most famous restaurants in Venice that dates back to the 1830s. Overlooking St Mark’s Square with a Philippe Starck designed interior, this restaurant serves tantalising three and five course tasting menus filled with delectable seasonal Italian flavours. Or alternatively, for a low-key, canal-side dining option, book a table at Osteria La Zucca for an original twist on traditional Italian ingredients. Ristorante Quadri is open daily except Mondays from 12:30 to 14:30 and 19:30 to 22:30. Osteria La Zucca is open daily except Sundays from 12:30 to 14:30 and 19:00 to 22:30. Day 2 Morning Start your second morning in Venice reminding yourself just how beautiful the city is with some panoramic views from up above. The Rialto Bridge (Il Ponte di Rialti) – one of more than 400 bridges in Venice – is one of the most popular places to do this from. The oldest of four bridges that traverse the Grand Canal, this pretty covered bridge offers fabulous views of your surroundings. Or for a glimpse of the city from even higher, wander over to St Mark’s Campanile instead. Standing in a corner of St Mark’s Square, take the lift to the top of this UNESCO World Heritage tower that stands at almost 100 metres tall for wonderful views over the city, canals and lagoon. St Mark’s Campanile is open daily from 09:45 to 19:00 – tickets cost €8. See a different side of Venice later in the morning by travelling a little out of the city centre by visiting Gallerie dell’Accademia. This museum and art gallery is around a 15 minute stroll from St Mark’s Square, or an even shorter vaporetto (water bus) ride away. Located on the south bank of the Grand Canal, this is a place to discover pre-19th century Venetian art. Works by a huge range of artists can be found inside, from Canaletto and Giorgione to Titian and Leonardo da Vinci. Gallerie dell’Accademia is open on Mondays from 8:15 to 13:00 and Tuesdays to Sundays from 8:15 to 18:15. Tickets cost €12. Afternoon After a morning of immense views and enchanting art, relax over a lazy lunch overlooking the water. Ristorante Lineadombra is a ten minute stroll away from Gallerie dell’Accademia and has wonderful views over the busy waterways of Venice from its deck area. Contemporary Venetian cuisine is served here with a dynamic wine list that perfectly matches the gastronomy. It’s easy to wend away a few hours here. Ristorante Lineadombra is open daily from 12:00 to 15:00 and 19:00 to 22:15.Stay in the local area after lunch to visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, no longer tha n a five minute walk away from Ristorante Lineadombra. The American art collector Peggy Guggenheim eventually settled in a Venetian palace on the Grand Canal, where she opened her art collection to the general public in the 1940s. The permanent collection here is full of work by many of the art world’s greats, including Picasso, Kandinsky and Dalí. Almost as impressive is the sculpture garden full of artwork and fantastic flora – perfect for a casual afternoon meander. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is open daily except Tuesdays from 10:00 to 18:00. Tickets cost €15. Evening Finish off your visit to Venice in style by taking in an opera at Teatro La Fenice, one of the most famous global landmarks in the world of opera. The opera house was first built in 1755 and became the place where all the great composers such as Verdi and Rossini had their operatic premieres. The calendar of events lives up to its name as much today as ever, with ballets and concerts of other musical genres also taking place here. Teatro La Fenice is open daily, with most shows starting at 15:30 or 19:00.

01 August 2020

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced it will be introducing two new ships to its fleet. The ships, to be named Bolette and Borealis, have been purchased from Holland America Line. The acquisition of the ships will modernise and increase capacity across the fleet, a move that will ensure the cruise line returns to the water in a stronger position. Fred. Olsen Junior, Chairman of Fred. Olsen Cruise lines, said “I am delighted. We have chosen these vessels as they will fit seamlessly into our existing fleet of small ships, each carrying under 1,500 guests, bringing with them new and large public areas whilst not compromising on our small ship experience. “The naming of the vessels is important to us. Bolette and Borealis are both names of ships we have had in years gone by. “This increase in our capacity demonstrates our confidence in the future. With over 170 years of seafaring history, we have sailed through many difficult periods. With these new additions to the fleet, we will come out of this current situation stronger than ever, ready to deliver the award-winning itineraries that we are famous for.” Peter Deer, Managing Director, said “This is an exciting chapter in the history of our company, and I know that our loyal and returning guests will be looking forward to exploring our new ships as soon as they can. “Of course, we also hope to attract new guests to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and we look forward to demonstrating the exceptional service that makes us the best UK cruise line for repeat business.”

01 July 2020

You all know I am a Travel Counsellor but do you know exactly what a Travel Counsellor is? I'm part of a global network of travel professionals established in 1994. With independent access to thousands of trusted travel suppliers around the world, when booking with me - it is travel and customer service like you've never experienced before. If you’re still a little unsure why you should book through me here are just a few reasons: - I have over 20 years’ experience in the travel industry - I would NEVER sell a holiday I didn't think was right for you - Full ATOL protection, so your money is safe - 24-hour Duty Office, for support wherever and whenever you need us! No stranded clients with me! - You can contact me via my office landline, mobile, website, Skype, Facebook, email, no on hold music or a call centre somewhere else in the world! - Travel Counsellors have real and unbiased reviews from our own clients who have been on their own real holidays! All I ask is you give me a call before you press that 'confirm' button on a website. If your internet website can do more for you than me, I really won't be offended! If Travel Counsellors is not for you, you may know someone who would love to experience my expert advice and service for booking their own holiday, so please pass on my details. So what are waiting for? Get in touch with me and experience the difference for yourself - it's time for you to sit back, relax and get your next holiday booked.

01 July 2020

To my valued customers, The world is reopening. It’s a new experience for us all. We can start to move around, interact with each other responsibly and enjoy laughter with family and friends. Holidays are no longer dreams but a reality. We can book and have amazing things to look forward to. I’m hoping you will write back to me. Leave me a comment or drop me an email to tell me where you are most looking forward to visiting, and what you are most excited to book first. Will it be a trip away with friends? A family stay-cation? A special journey to celebrate a birthday or anniversary that happened during lock-down? Are you go to far flung beaches or for adventures closer to home? I’d love to hear what you’ve missed the most about travel and what it means to you. For me travel is about new experiences. It’s about creating unforgettable memories that I get to share with the people who join me on each special journey. I’m so excited to be planning my next trip. A trip to Portugal to see some family as the planned trip in June had to be cancelled. After that I'm not sure where's next but I do have lot's of things on the bucket list so maybe now is the time start looking at those! The most important thing about travelling now, and in the near future, is that you feel confident and cared for. That is why it’s so important to book with someone who makes travelling a personal affair. My business is built on looking after and caring for you, my customers. From offering you expert advice, 100% financial protection, 24/7 support while you are away and always being available at a time to suit – I am here for you every step of the way. So tell me about what future travel looks like for you. Go on, drop me a note, email or give me a call and let’s discuss your perfect holiday. Warm regards, Gary