Category: Deals

Asia, Countries, Deals

Wendy Wu’s Race Across the World

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Now as we all peak through our fingers at the gutsy adventurers trekking through India and China we opt instead for Wendy Wu’s Race Across the World.

We are, of course taking Wendy’s word for it and the Daughterie who is living vicariously through the travels and travels of Ying and Gaz.

Who we’re reliably informed helped the locals serve noodles in the ancient stilts town of Fenghuang.

Which Wendy helpfully informs us is front and centre of their Natural Treasures of China tour.

While Letitia and Elizabeth soak up China’s rural splendour with a bullet train journey through the karst limestone peaks of Guilin.

And again Wendy has that covered too on her China by Rail excursion.

Always helpful she adds that if you were as equally as mesmerised.

by the scenic Longji Rice Terraces, you have the option to hike through these landscapes on China: The Big One.

Out of this world

Indian stunner: On Wendy’s tours

Of course if you’ve been hiding under a stone you won’t know what the RATW contestants’ challenge involves.

Well teams of two are required to dash across Asia.

From the Great Wall of China to the southern tip of India with no phones, limited funds, and zero comfort.

And the winners scoop up 20 big ones at the end.

Well, Race Across the World aren’t the only ones with a big giveaway.

With Wendy offering a partner fly free deal on China and India tours for this year and next.

And 50% off the price of your flights if you’re travelling solo.

And a saving of up to £350 per person.

Virtual reality

Wall, this is what it’s good for: The Great Wall of China

And if you’re feeling withdrawal symptoms between episodes then Wendy has a side dish which will keep you sated until your next fill.

Wendy Wu experts will be on hand on Wednesday 11th June at 3pm.

For a virtual journey following in the footsteps of this year’s racers, from the Great Wall of China to southern India!

Where they’ll tell you all you need to know about visiting these bucket list destinations.

And how you can experience it all at a leisurely pace with everything taken care of for you on our fully inclusive escorted tours.

Plus, you’ll be joined by some very special guests and previous winners to get all the behind the scenes gossip from Race Across the World!

 

Countries, Cruising, Deals

Live like a Princess for €1

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And what else can you can get for a shiny euro, well you can get a down payment on a cruise and live like a Princess for €1.

Our old pals at Princess Cruises are only bringing back their popular €1 per person deposit offer for three days only.

The limited time offer will run from May 6-8 May and is applicable to more than 1,000 select voyages across the Princess fleet available in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

And what’s more the €1 deposit deal can be combined with Princess’ current offer of savings up to €500 per stateroom across selected cruises.

Star of the sea

Cocktail hour: On Princess

The offer includes all voyages on the soon-to-launch Star Princess, which joins the Princess fleet this autumn.

Following two Mediterranean cruises in October, Star Princess will sail her inaugural season in the Caribbean before repositioning to Alaska in spring 2026.

With fares starting from €729pp for a seven-night Alaska voyage. The sailing from Seattle to Vancouver departs on September 20, 2026, and calls in on Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.

Other sample cruises included in the €1 deposit offer are:

  • A seven-night Mediterranean with Greece & Italy cruise onboard Sun Princess, sailing from Athens (Piraeus) to Barcelona. Departing Saturday, 13 September 2025, and calling at Barcelona, Corfu, Sicily (Messina), and Mallorca (Palma). Fares start from €868pp.
  • A 14-night Southeast Asia & Japan cruise onboard Diamond Princess, sailing from Tokyo (Yokohama) to Singapore. Departing Wednesday 25 November 2026, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Ishigaki, Taipei (Keelung), Hong Kong, Da Nang/Hue (Chan May), and Ho Chi Minh City. Fares start from €1,692pp.

The best of terms

Dip your toe in: On deck of Star Princess

And Eithne Williamson, vice president Princess Cruises UK and Europe reminds us that “guests can choose to spread the cost of their cruise with Princess Pay Monthly without any extra fees, providing even more flexibility for their next Princess holiday.

And, of course you’ll be wanting to read through the terms and conditions.

Prices shown are subject to availability based upon two adults sharing the lowest available grade within the stateroom type specified.

The €1pp low deposit applies to all passengers and if the cruise falls within 90 days before departure then the full balance would be required as per standard terms and conditions.

Fine dining: Only the best on Star Princess

The £1 deposit offer is available from May 6-8 May and applies to all cruises in this limited time offer only.

And you can save up to €500 per stateroom on selected voyages, based on a maximum discount of €250 per person, applying only to guests 1 & 2.

Maximum discount of €500 is applicable to voyages of more than 17 nights included in the offer.

The prices shown include discount, and are subject to availability on selected stateroom categories and sailings. The discount varies per stateroom type and duration of cruise.

And it runs until June 30.

Medallion men and women

Sky’s the limit: In the Dome

Phew, now those T&Cs are the only work you will do on Princess.

We all know and have been treated to port visits where we’ve been allowed to inspect.

The well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment.

And check out their exclusive Princess MedallionClass service.

With Princess, of course, sailing the high seas to the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and around the globe on World Cruises.

 

 

Countries, Deals, Music, UK

London’s Theatreland

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Leave your troubles outside, in here life is beautiful… in London’s Theatreland with dream-makers Keith Prowse Attractions.

And, yes, there was a smile on my face when we whooped and danced in the aisles to Beautiful: The Carole King Story.

Until the mobile started pinging with complaints from the neighbours back in Ireland about our kids’ house party.

And the Earth moving under their feet.

The Emcee from Cabaret was right, of course, a musical night out is the perfect escape from normal life.

And London Theatreland is an alternative fantastical world.

Populated by the likes of Orpheus, MJ, the Phantom of the Opera and Elphaba and Galinda.

Bad, Mad, Wicked or Ghostly

Beautiful: Jesse Mueller in Washington DC

It is one of the many benefits of being a travel professional to be invited to the world’s biggest stages.

And I am eagerly anticipating what Broadway trailers the American Travel Fair have in store for us next month in Chicago.

So whether your tastes are Bad, Mad, Wicked or Ghostly then package up your troubles.

Maybe it’s because you’re a Londoner

And sign up for a deal with a musicals tour operator who is always worth an encore… Keith Prowse Attractions’ Bargain Londoner.

You’ll stay at the 3-star hotels like the Royal National, President Hotel or St. Giles, ideal for stretching your budget without compromising on the experience.

Sample Package:
MJ The Musical! – Travel between 16 June 2025 – 18 June 2025 | From €287pps

  • 2 nights at the 3* Lancaster Gate Hotel (room only)
  • Grand Circle Seats to MJ The Musical at The Prince Edward Theatre

While the Great Value Londoner balances quality and cost with 4-star hotels.

Such as the Copthorne Tara, Holiday Inn Kensington or DoubleTree by Hilton, all hand-picked for superb service at an affordable price.

Sample Package:
Hadestown! – Travel between 01 November 2025 – 03 November 2025 | From €343pps

  • 2 nights at the 4* Copthorne Tara Hotel with breakfast
  • Balcony Seats to Hadestown at The Lyric Theatre

And because you are a cut above, maybe try out the Touch of Class Londoner.

Step up your stay with stylish, service-led hotels and top seats in 4-star luxury at hotels.

Like The Royal Horseguards, Park Plaza Victoria or St. James’ Hotel with breakfast included for a refined London adventure.

Wicked entertainment

Sample Package:
The Phantom of the Opera! – Travel between 26 August 2025 – 28 August 2025 | From €439pps

  • 2 nights at the 4* St. James Hotel with breakfast
  • Stall Seats to The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre

And as ever there is a class above even that, the Posh & Pampered Londoner.

With the ultimate indulgence with stays at London’s finest 5-star hotels, such as The Savoy, The Royal Garden or The Mayfair Radisson.

Sample Package:
Wicked! – Travel between 19 June 2025 – 21 June 2025 | From €777pps

  • 2 nights at the 5* Royal Garden Hotel with breakfast
  • Best Seats to Wicked at The Apollo Victoria Theatre 

Just make sure that you don’t leave your kids in charge of a ‘free house’ at home as you party on in London’s Theatreland.

 

Countries, Deals, Europe, Music

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Mamma Mia after midnight

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And because I’ve already showcased Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Mamma Mia after Midnight I’m back for more at London’s 02.

Bjorn Ulvaeus himself has recreated Skopelos from the movie in a Greek taverna and ending with a glittering ABBA disco.

The Beardie One naturally set up his Greek island in his home city of Stockholm.

Before taking the show on the road to London.

That Greek enchanted evening

 

For the past five years Mamma Mia! The Party London has welcomed over 500,000 guests.

And delivered more than 1000 performances and has been visited by guests from 110 countries.

All replicating the temperature and lavender scent you would experience at dusk on a Greek evening.

Keith Prowse on the house

Party time: At the London 02

And the good news that our invitation is in the post.

From our old pals at Keith Prowse Attractions to join everyone on the dance floor.

Keith will give you return flights from Dublin.

And put you up for two nights (Saturday show) B&B at the 4* DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich, all from €529pps.

Or an overnight special with a Thursday show from €327pps.

Diggin’ the Dancing Queens

Of course, there will be the Dancing Queens who will be wanting to hit the floor in a super troupe of party girls.

And KP offers a two-nights (Friday Show) Ultimate Girls Getaway. From €486pps.

And even a one-night Family Fun Day (Sunday show) at the 4* DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich. From €306pps.

However you put together your party then it’s worth giving Keith Prowse Attractions a Ring, Ring, Ring.

And watch out for the Bandanaman giving it large on the dance floor.

Like he did with his favourite party set, an Irish one, in the Med… and a shout-out here to our Dancing Ian.

Although the real showstopper, is as always, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, Mamma Mia after midnight.

 

Countries, Deals, Europe

Old Italy for Oldies

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And let’s get the jokes out of the way,  no we weren’t around Firenze when the Boy David was a baby… this is Old Italy for Oldies.

Our friends at the Irish Travel Agents Association have pointed us to Trailfinders.

And they know us well enough to joke with us which is probably why they’ve zeroed in on Over-55s tours for me… on the eve of my 60th.

And an 11-night Italian Elegance Guided Tour for two with an all-encompassing Insight Vacations tour departing on May 30.

Davy is obviously on the schedule and the Accademia Museum, as are all the Italian icons.

All roads lead to Rome and around Italy

I’ll be back:  Trevi Fountain, Rome

You’ll depart Dublin with Aer Lingus and arrive in Rome.

Where naturally you’ll get VIP entrance into the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo‘s most famous ceiling.

And wine and dine with a curator from the Ethnological Museum among the treasures of the Vatican.

Caught it: Your Insta pic

Luxury will be the order of the day with a guided boat ride to view the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cinque Terre.

You’ll also visit San Gimignano and a local winery, the seaside town of Portofino and the vistas of the Dolomites.

Grab the Insta pic must at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Italy for lovers

Wherefore art thou: Your Romeo and her Juliet

And seeing you’ve got la bella donna with you then a visit to Italy’s most romantic balcony is a must.

In Verona, the home of Romeo and Juliet.

While in Venice you’ll enjoy a private launch along the Grand Canal in Venice.

And a gondola ride with your amore… and that song will be ringing in your ear from the cafe singers in St Mark’s Square.

The price includes direct flights from Dublin to Rome.

And returning from Venice with Aer Lingus.

Deal us in

Hey now, now: Italiano in Venice

This being Il Bel Paese you’ll dine like a VIP.

With 11 breakfasts, a lunch and six dinners.

And all at €5,125pps which is a saving of over €650 per person. Book by April 30, subject to availability.

There’s a certain elegance in advancing years but old Italy for oldies can make you feel young again.

 

 

 

Countries, Deals, Europe, Ireland

Easter Reprising in Dublin

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And because of the weekend that’s in it we pause for an Easter Reprising in Dublin.

Dubliners will walk like they do daily today by the Daniel O’Connell statue.

On the city’s most famous street, named for the Liberator and still with the bullets embedded from 1916.

And pass with a nod of the head or polite meaningless words.

Many, like the Irish-born picture editor I worked with who didn’t know the names of the Easter 1916 rebels.

But who could rattle off the Manchester United team.

The ideal guides

On shoulders of giants: Jim Larkin in O’Connell Streer

Like many of our cities around the world.

The knowledge and enthusiasm for those who did great deeds on our streets is kept alive by tour guides.

As ever we rely on ourselves and the recommendations of Visit Dublin for the best Easter 1916 tour to take.

And that would be The 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour.

Led since 1996, on the 80th anniversary by Lorcan Collins, author of The Easter Rising and of James Connolly.

Of course no historical event is ever in a vacuum and Lorcan and his colleagues will walk you through the years from 1798.

Dwelling on the Dublin of 1916 and right up to today.

You’ll meet at the International Bar on Wicklow Street, off Grafton Street, 11.30am Mondays to Saturdays and 1pm on Sundays.

The tour costs €23pp and €14 for children 8-16 and free for under-8s and is a gentle two hours.

Stamp of approval

History makers: Of 1916

You’ll visit arguably the most significant working post office in the world.

The GPO (General Post Office) in the centre of O’Connell Street where Padraig Pearce made the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

Dublin Castle, the headquarters of British rule where the first casualty of the rising fell.

Gaolhouse rock

Celling point: Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol where the leaders were executed.

And fellow Scot James Connolly was gunned down strapped to his chair with a gangrenous leg.

Film buffs will recognise the prison too from the opening scene of The Italian Job and In The Name Of The Father.

And the Custom House, central to the Civil War, among other landmarks.

Footsteps of legends

Rising from the ashes: Easter 1916

In truth, evidence of the Easter Rising is all around you on the streets of Dublin.

And in my 13 years an Irishman, living, working and influencing the direction of the country I love.

The nation of my Dear Old Mum and my Dad’s people.

And for my erstwhile colleague who doesn’t appreciate the sacrifices whose deaths allowed him to be a free Irishman.

Words of history

Heroes: Easter 1916 rebels

I write it out in verse.

MacDonagh and MacBride   

And Connolly and Pearse

Now and in time to be,

Wherever green is worn,

Are changed, changed utterly:   

A terrible beauty is born.

And more of this and much besides in your Easter Reprising in Dublin.

 

Caribbean, Countries, Deals

Cuba for an all-American car ride

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Now if you want to take the chevy to the levy these days you’ll need to head for Cuba for an all-American car ride.

One of the biggest changes visitors will have seen travelling to the Ooh Es of Eh across the generations is in their cars.

So that where once our American cousins posed in Cadillacs they’ve downsized over the years to economy family cars.

Back to the future

In the pink: Your classic cars

Of course, President Trump is now going back to the future.

But it’ll take time for the reset to kick in so to enjoy the all-American experience again it has to be Cuba.

One of the few places on Earth that the Trump tariffs haven’t bitten is the Caribbean republic as they’re under an embargo anyway.

Che to go

La Revolution: Cuban resistance

TD Active Holidays will take you on a trip back in time.

On this adventure holiday to Cuba, you’ll see the sights of the colonial city of Havana by classic car or horse carriage.

Before heading out of town for the cobbled streets of Trinidad.

And marvel at the spectacular limestone formations of the Viñales Valley.

Fly the flag: Havana

If it’s American-Cuban history that floats your boat then hop on one if the guided trips to the Bay of Pigs.

And the town of Santa Clara, where Che Guevara fought one of the most important battles of the Cuban Revolution.

Of course, this being the Caribbean, you’ll have all that blue sea and multicoloured marine life in which to snorkel.

Raid your Bay of Piggy bank

TD are leaving for the Republic on May 6 so empty your Bay of Piggy bank of €2,949pp.

And head for Cuba for an all-American car ride. And more!

Travelling on 6th May 2025 from €2,949pp (£2,599pp) for an 11-night guided odyssey.

It includes ten nights on a B&B basis, five lunches & two evening meals.

 

 

 

Africa, Countries, Cruising, Deals

Slave ships to rave ships off West Africa

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They’re pleasure cruises on the horizon now and we’re invited to track the voyage from slave ships to rave ships off West Africa.

Our friends at cultural expedition cruise pioneers Swan Hellenic have plotted routes north to the south of Africa for us.

From Cape Town to Casablanca and on to Lisbon, or south from Lisbon to Luanda. 

Ship-shape: With the SH Diana

And all at a generous 15 per cent saving thousands compared with the individual fares.

The first departs Cape Town on 25 March 2026, combining five northbound cruises.

To create a 51-night Grand Voyage, sailing the entire West Coast of Africa to Casablanca and on to Lisbon.

The second is a 35-night Grand Voyage sailing south from Lisbon to Luanda from 7 September 2026.

The passage of history

Into Africa: And day itineraries

Swan Hellenic doesn’t skirt the fact that for hundreds of years the ships sailing out of West Africa carried slaves around the world.

But rather they introduce passengers to the forts of the transatlantic slave trade.

While at the same time getting up close and personal with the coastal elephants.

The lakeside dwellings of Benin and the pristine Bijagos Archipelago.

Proud: African heritage

And from exploring the twisting cobbled streets of ancient medinas to falling in love with Lisbon.

Each Grand Voyage is on the purpose-built boutique ship SH Diana.

Which, of course, we know all about after spending time with her.

When she came up to see us in Leith last summer.

And saw how she can host 192 guests in 96 staterooms and suites, the majority with large balconies.

Oh Diana

Luxury: On the sea

SH Diana features a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, club room, swimming pool with poolside grill.

And three dining venues: the Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge, and Pool Bar & Grill.

The five northbound cruises in the first half of 2026 range from seven to 13 nights long.

And are all still available separately or daisy chained as desired.

Ya dancer: African tribal dancing

With an 11-night Cruising in Namibia: the Skeleton Coast offer, departing Cape Town on 25 March 2026 and arriving in Luanda on 5 April 2026. 

The 13-night Southwest Africa Cruise, departing Luanda on 5 April 2026and arriving in Tema (Accra) on 18 April 2026. 

The 13-night Cruise West Africa: The Slavery Coast, departing Tema (Accra) on 18 April and arriving in Dakar on 1 May.

The 7-night Cruise from Senegal to Morocco, departing Dakar on 1 May 2026 and arriving in Casablanca on 8 May 2026.

The 7-night Morocco to Portugal Cruise, departing Casablanca on 8 May 2026 and arriving in Lisbon on 15 May 2026.

The incredible expedition cruise leads in from £42,999 pp in a balcony stateroom based on two sharing. 

Beautiful south

Voodoo you think you are: In Benin

The three southbound cruises in the second half of 2026 are:

The 9-night Atlantic Cruise from Portugal to Senegal, departing Lisbon on 7 September 2026 and arriving in Dakar on 16 September.

The 13-night The Slavery Coast: from Senegal to Ghana, departing Dakar on 16 September 2026 and arriving in Tema (Accra) on 29 September 2026.

The 13-night West Africa Cruise from Ghana to Angola, departing Tema (Accra) on 29 September 2026 and arriving in Luanda on 12 October 2026. 

The incredible expedition cruise leads in from £23,664 pp in an Ocean-view stateroom based on two sharing.

And though we all live these days in what they call ‘uncharted waters’ with Swan Hellenic they remind us.

How much better off we are as we have progressed from slave ships to rave ships off West Africa.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Last-minute summer holidays

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Every summer the scene played out in our household as others with my Dear Old Dad badgered about last-minute summer holidays.

If only Mum had our online travel providers like Cassidy Travel at the tap of a button.

With the clocks going forward we’re now in Summertime so the need is urgent.

And CT have responded without the need for Dads and Mums to go hunting them down.

At increased costs as happened back in the day.

Fun for all the family

Blurry: I caught the rum bug

What Dad and Mum could have done too if they’d had access to AI (All-Inclusive) too.

Although it would have denied me the very-grown up responsibility on holidays.

Of being sent to the beach bar and ordering due cuba libre and an Orangina.

Because, of course, they were encouraging me even then to learn new languages.

And mug up on la lingua

Dip your toe in: Lots of water fun

You’ll get a full seven days as a family with Cassidy to mug up on la lingua in family favourite Mallorca.

Travelling on August 6, Cassidy is offering a seven-night package at the AI 3* Vista Park.

Just minutes walk from the beach with swimming pool, sun terrace and evening entertainment.

You’ll get flights, luggage and accommodation with prices from €2,025., based on two adults and a child.

Our very family dynamic when my folks had empty nested my elder brothers.

Flat rate

Your gaffe: Apartment living

Or if you prefer your own apartment, and yes Mum brought her own teabags and later in life her Black Heart rum.

You’ll stay for seven nights at the 4* Vistamar Hotel Apartmentos from August 27.

With flights, luggage and accommodation from €769pp for your nuclear family.

And only a short stroll from a sandy beach

With a swimming pool and plenty of local amenities nearby.

And all at the tap of a button with Cassidy Travel for your last-minute summer holidays.

Or the option of going into any one of CT’s stores.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Pilgrimage

In Francis’s footsteps in Rome and Assisi

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It’s timely in a Jubilee Year for the Catholic Church and the Pope’s failing health that groups heading in Francis’s footsteps in Rome and Assisi are putting the call out to pilgrims.

Of which I have been one and need to be again.

Barter’s Travelnet have put together a seven-day programme under the spiritual guidance of Canon Martin Keohane.

Leaving from God’s own country Ireland and the most special bit of it, according to my old Corkonian pals.

Pilgrims’ progress

The holy of holies. At the end of the Francigena in Rome

You’ll leave Cork on June 13 before being taken to Rome Hotel.

The first full day you’ll be taken on a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica and its Holy Door.

Before getting time off for good behaviour after lunch.

And refuel well because next up is a walking tour of Rome, visiting the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona.

His Holiness: Pope Francis

Day 3 involves one of the real highlights of any trip to the Vatican, a Papal Audience (depending on the Pope’s schedule).

Y0u’ll have worked out by now that holy doors are staple diet on this pilgrimage and your visit to St John Lateran Basilica comes with one as does St Mary Major’s Basilica.

Day 4 sees a special visit to the Catacombs of St Callixtus and St Paul’s Outside the Walls and you guessed it, its Holy Door.

This magnificent Basilica once being the largest in the world. The sarcophagus of St Paul is now visible since the 2008 excavations.

Francis then Assisi

Step this way: Assisi

Rome wasn’t seen in a day and not even four days is enough but it’s time to depart for Assisi, a travelling day.

Your guide will treat you to a walking tour of the main sights of the medieval town of Assisi the next day.

With a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis and checking in on the Basilica of St Clare, foundress of the Order of the Poor Clares.

Your penultimate day we will be spent in Cascia and Roccaporena (weather permitting) which you’ll know as the birthplace of St Rita.

Before returning to Assisi for dinner and overnight and then the last day on your way back to Rome Airport and your flight back to Cork.

All blessed and holy having followed in Francis’s footsteps in Rome and Assisi.

Deal us in

All roads lead to: Torino Hotel in Rome

All of which boiled down means…

Inclusions

  • Air travel ex Cork to Rome return on the services of Ryanair.
  • 20kg luggage per person.
  • 4 nights accommodation – Torino Hotel Rome on B&B Basis and 3 nights accommodation – Cristallo Hotel Assisi on Half Board basis
  • Guided visits in Rome as per the Itinerary.
  • Guided visits in Assisi as per the Itinerary.
  • City taxes.
  • Accompanied by Representative of Barter’s Travelnet.

Exclusions

  • Single room supplement: €395.00 for duration. Single rooms are very scarce and are on a first come first served basis.
  • Insurance: €50.00 per person.
  • Meals where not specified.
  • Drinks at meals.
  • Tips.