WHAT’S HOT TO BOOK IN 2024
With 2024 just around the corner, LOTUS is pleased to share what’s hot to book next year. From new hotel openings in the Balearics and Hong Kong to exciting new self-guided tours through Europe and plenty of anniversaries to celebrate, here is our round up of news from across our exciting client portfolio.
We’ve divided our news into
- Hotel openings
- New adventure trips for 2024
- Destination news
- Anniversaries
HOTEL OPENINGS
THE KIMPTON HONG KONG OPENING IN JULY
July 2024 will welcome the opening of the Kimpton Hong Kong, a 42-storey five-star hotel built on the former Mariners’ Club, offering 492 rooms with spectacular views over the Victoria Harbour. The Kimpton Hong Kong, which encompasses luxurious amenities, bold design and award-winning dining, takes to the electric streets of Hong Kong offering guests a grand stay and the opportunity to be enveloped by the lively city. From the museums and markets of Kowloon to the soaring peaks of Hong Kong Island, the Kimpton’s new base in the transportation hub on Victoria Harbour is the perfect location for a cultural break. Complete with a rooftop infinity pool, and a sky garden, the hotel brings top-class amenities for guests to wind down and rejuvenate.
For more information, see here
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ONLY YOU HOTEL SEVILLA OPENING IN SPRING 2024
In Spring 2024, Only YOU Hotel Sevilla will open its doors to redefine the concept of an urban hotel. With 209 rooms spread over eight floors, this exclusive and idyllic setting is the perfect base for discovering Seville and connecting travellers with locals. Its prime location in the heart of the Andalucian capital is just a stone’s throw away from AVE Santa Justa train station, allowing for easy access to and from San Pablo international airport. Highlights include incredible gastronomic concepts celebrating Andalucian cuisine; a green oasis garden with a pool; a 1,000-square-meter ground floor pool bar; five event rooms; and private parking. Designed by the renowned interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, Only YOU Hotel Sevilla’s unique aesthetic represents a fusion of Mediterranean design with Arab influence.
For more information, see here
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2024 SEES GLOBAL EXPANSION FOR AVANI HOTELS & RESORTS
In January 2024, upscale millennial-minded hotel brand, Avani Hotels & Resorts, will debut in Germany with the opening of Avani Frankfurt City Hotel. The 256-room property will be centrally located, with amenities including an AvaniFit gym and grab-and-go deli, The Pantry. April will see the reopening of Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles, currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment, and July will welcome the launch of Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam Hotel, a 163-room property situated in one of the Dutch capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Avani Hotels’ expansion plans follow a busy 2023 in which the brand opened four new hotels in the Indian Ocean and Europe; Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Avani Alonso Martinez Madrid, Avani Palazzo Moscova Milan and Avani Rio Novo Venice.
For more information, see here
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ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES LAUNCHES NEW SANDALS RESORT IN MARCH 2024
Tucked away against St Vincent’s rainforest backdrop between lush green mountains and turquoise sea, the island’s newest all-inclusive resort, Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, will welcome its first guests on 27th March 2024. Offering 301 rooms, including two-story overwater villas, the interiors bring the outdoors in, incorporating volcanic materials and views framing the surrounding tropical landscapes. With 16 restaurants, serving local produce such as freshly caught fish and fragrant herbs, provenance is at its core. Beyond the hotel, the destination’s prime location on the Atlantic shelf means that marine life is abundant and the scuba diving and snorkeling is second to none. For those wanting to kick back with a cocktail, the hotel’s pool with swim-up bar and cabanas are the perfect place to relax into the Caribbean way of life.
For more information, see here
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ADVENTURE
BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST
Following the successful introduction of Citizen Science trips in 2023, Exodus Adventure Travels has seen a growth in demand from customers wanting to give something back on their holidays. The trips enable customers to spend one day of their trip taking part in scientific research – in this case Exodus guests take freshwater samples which are then analysed and the eDNA extracted. Guests on the new trips to Colombia and Costa Rica will take freshwater samples in key locations to determine the species of wildlife that have been in a square mile around the water source. The samples taken on these trips play a vital role in building the eBioAtlas, – a global atlas of life in the world’s species worldwide using cutting-edge technology – and once analysed, clients on these trips will receive an update on what valuable conservation data samples from their trip has helped to identify.
Fore more information, see here
EXPLORE THE KING CHARLES III COASTAL PATH ACCROSS NORTHUMBERLAND
Tick off the entire 62-mile route of the Northumberland Coast Park Trail, which is part of the new King Charles III coastal path and explore the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty-awarded coastline, with historical sights covering 7,000 years of human activity. Walk through two National Nature Reserves to spot birdlife and spend time on the tidal island of Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island.
HF Holidays’ seven-night Northumberland Coast Path Trail is priced from £1,045 per person and includes full-board accommodation, cream tea on arrival day, cosy accommodation at Nether Grange, HF Holidays’ private country house, and guided walking with an HF Holidays guide. Departures on 19 July and 4 October 2024. (Hfholidays.co.uk; 020 3974 8865)
For more information, see here
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FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GREAT POETS ON THE COLERIDGE WAY TRAIL
Relish 51 miles of leisurely walking through the coast, moors, and hills that inspired Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The literary connections continue through the Quantock Hills and with visits to Coleridge Cottage and Alfoxton House - William Wordsworth’s one-time home.
HF Holidays’ seven-night The Coleridge Way Trail is priced from £1,104 per person and includes full-board accommodation, cream tea on arrival day, comfortable accommodation at Holnicote House, HF Holidays’ private country house, and guided walking with an HF Holidays guide. Departures on 13 May and 23 August 2024. (Hfholidays.co.uk; 020 3974 8865)
For more information, see here
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STEP BACK IN TIME ON THE BEST OF THE MEIRIONNYDD COAST PATH
Steeped in Welsh history and folklore, Snowdonia’s rugged mountains provide the backdrop for walking through sections of the Wales Coast Path. Cross unspoilt estuaries, field tracks, sand dunes, and causeways, plus spend a free day visiting local places of interest.
HF Holidays’ seven-night Best of the Meirionnydd Coast Path is priced from £1,179 per person and includes full-board accommodation, cream tea on arrival day, charming accommodation at Dolserau Hall, HF Holidays’ private country house, and guided walking with an HF Holidays guide. Departures on 14 June and 30 August 2024. (Hfholidays.co.uk; 020 3974 8865)
For more information, see here
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CITALIA ANNOUNCES NEW AMALFI COAST WALKING TOUR FOR 2024
New for 2024, the leading Italy specialist tour operator Citalia has announced details of its Amalfi Coast Walking Tour, the latest addition to its popular programme of Escorted Tours. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an adventurous and picturesque tour of one of Italy’s most celebrated destinations with a six-day tour that offers breathtaking views, a trip back in time and authentic local experiences.
The Amalfi Coast Small Group Walking Tour is priced from £1,699 per person and is available to book for departures on 17 May and 13 September 2024. Price includes accommodation at Hotel Graal, 5 breakfasts and 4 lunches, selected entrance fees, public ferry from Positano to Amalfi and return flights. To highlight this is a trekking tour so a reasonable level of fitness is required. It involves a minimum of 4 hours walking every day with steps, elevated positions and uneven footpaths in places. It is not suitable for people with any health or mobility issues.
For more information, see here
POLAR ROUTES’ ULTIMATE ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION
February 2024 represents the 150th anniversary of the Challenger's crossing of the southern polar circle - an expedition that pioneered modern oceanography and the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s crossing the Antarctic Circle to reach the most southerly point no-one would reach for another 50 years.
To commemorate, book the exclusively chartered ‘Ultimate Antarctic Expedition’ on the newly refurbished ice class 1A super small expedition ship MV Polar Pioneer, which carries just 53 passengers – almost half the size of the next closest equivalent ship - enabling it to visit parts of Antarctica larger ships cannot reach. Combining unrivalled passion with knowledge and many years of polar experience, charismatic broadcaster, environmental historian and award-winning author, Dr Huw Lewis-Jones, will lead the expedition.
Polar Routes’ ‘Ultimate Antarctic Expedition Cruise’ will sail for 23 incredible days between 21 January and 12 February 2025 exploring the very best of Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands. With five zodiacs on board, every full expedition day will have two extensive off-ship excursions (weather permitting). Guests will be able to spot wildlife including whales, penguins, elephant seals and albatross, as well as follow in the footsteps of the heroic explorer Ernest Shackleton to Elephant Island, located in the outer reaches of the South Shetland Islands.
The Ultimate Antarctic Expedition departs on 21 January 2025 and prices are from £14,999pp in a shared cabin.
For more information, see here
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DESTINATION NEWS
RAISE A GLASS TO THE 2024 PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES ON A WALKING TRIP TO BORDEAUX
In 2024, Paris will be playing host to the Olympic Games, with celebrations and events across the country to mark the international sporting event. From May to July, the Olympic Torch will be making its customary journey from Greece across the host country, passing through France’s major towns and cities. Sports fans looking to extend their Games experience with a trip to France will relish this new, active walking trip from Headwater around the UNESCO-listed city of Bordeaux, where the torch will pass through in June and where the Olympic football events are to take place. Guests will also sample the region’s world-class wines, walk through rolling hills and countryside, spot magnificent chateaux and follow the path of the winding Gironde estuary.
Headwater’s new, seven-day self-guided Walking in the Vineyards of Bordeaux and Medoc trip is priced from £1,689 per person and includes flights, accommodation, meals and transfers as listed and comprehensive route directions. Departures daily from April 2024. (Headwater.com, 01606 369121)
For more information, see here
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EFTELING LAUNCH EFTELING DANSE MACABRE
2024 will see Efteling opening a new themed area and attraction: Danse Macabre. Named after the famous piece of music by Saint-Saëns, it will be the first ride of its kind in the world and the spookiest attraction at Efteling, replacing the beloved Spookslot for haunted happenings.
Overnight stays at Efteling Hotel start from £436 per night based on a family of four (two adults and two children) on a B&B basis, inclusive of two days’ park tickets.
For more information, see here
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CYCLE IN THE SURROUNDS OF BREATHTAKING BAD ISCHL, THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE FOR 2024
2024 will see Bad Ischl in Austria become European Capital of Culture. This fascinating imperial spa town, beloved of Emperor Franz Josef I and the inspiration to artists including Klimt, offers travellers jaw-dropping scenery and a plethora of activities from exploring ancient salt mines and visiting glittering lakes to indulging in traditional Austrian coffee and pastries. On this new cycling adventure, guests will experience the best the region has to offer, pedalling past its meadows, lakes, mountains and villages. Highlights include visiting the scenic lakes in Grundlsees and Hallstatt, exploring the Dachstein ice caves and taking in the town of Bad Ischl.
Headwater’s new, seven-day self-guided Cycling the Lakes and Rivers of the Salzkammergut trip is priced from £1,389 per person and includes flights, accommodation, comprehensive route directions, meals and transfers as listed and local bike hire. Departures on various dates from April 2024. (Headwater.com, 01606 369121)
For more information, see here
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MENORCA’S TALAYOTIC MONUMENTS AWARDED UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE STATUS
Menorca’s prehistoric Talayotic stone monuments have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in recognition of their cultural importance. Combined with the island’s existing Biosphere Reserve title, Menorca is now one of few places in the world to have dual UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its conservation efforts. The distinction recognises Menorca’s cultural heritage on the world stage and is expected to help secure new resources for the conservation of the monuments and research into Talayotic culture. The Talayotic Menorca constructions are unique to the island and include funerary naves, circular houses as well as structures such as taulas and talayots. They are considered by UNESCO to be an exceptional example of prehistoric culture and Cyclopean architecture.
For more information, see here
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IBIZA MARKS 25 YEARS AS A WORLD HERITAGE SITE
2024 will mark the 25th anniversary of Ibiza’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an award that recognises both its cultural and architectural value. The island’s treasures include one of the best-preserved coastal fortresses in the Mediterranean, Dalt Vila’s acropolis; the Phoenician remains of Sa Caleta and its Carthaginian tombs; and the underwater meadows of Posidonia Oceánica. This one-of-a-kind seagrass, which has enormous ecological value and can only be found in the Mediterranean Sea, was also recognised by UNESCO in 1999.
For more information, see here
IBIZA: A NEW STREET-ART ROUTE FOR 2024
Next year is an exciting year for art enthusiasts to visit Ibiza. For 2024, San Antonio has launched the new "Ruta ArtUrbà" (‘street art route’). Guiding visitors through the town's streets, the route will allow them to discover 16 expansive and symbolic murals, adorning walls and building facades. These works showcase artists from around the world, creating a captivating open-air contemporary museum within the town's urban environment. Since hosting the pilot for Ibiza’s annual street art festival, Bloop, in 2011, attracting artists and visitors from around the world all-year round, San Antonio has thrived as a vibrant creativity hub.
For more infromation, see here
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PALMA DE MALLORCA TO INTRODUCE CULINARY MEDITERRANEAN CITIES PROJECT
Mallorca’s capital city, Palma, will introduce the Culinary Mediterranean Cities project in 2024 to entice luxury travellers. The initiative aims to highlight the city as a gastronomic hotspot and will offer travel agents a comprehensive toolkit to market the destination and its culinary credentials effectively. The United Kingdom stands as Palma's most significant source market, providing 30% of the city's overnight visitors, and the city aims to tap into the luxury travellers arriving to the island by creating unique and unforgettable experiences around gastronomy. Currently, Mallorca is home to eight Michelin-starred restaurants, and with five of them being in Palma, the tourism board is working on positioning and promoting the city at the forefront of Mediterranean gastronomic traditions.
For more information, see here
VALENCIA: EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL 2024
Valencia, the historic Spanish city on the Mediterranean, has been named the European Green Capital for 2024 by the European Commission. Valencia has long been committed to a sustainable future, pioneering measuring and offsetting tourism’s carbon and water footprint. In October 2023, it was announced that the city was one of the first to receive the Mission Label from the European Union for its commitment to decarbonisation, acknowledging the pledge to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% and achieving climate neutrality by 2030. This ambitious commitment is a culmination of the city's various green initiatives, which have been recognised at both local and international levels, also earning the titles of European Capital of Smart Tourism 2022 and the Capital of Sustainable Food in 2017.
During the Green Capital Year, Valencia will unveil a dedicated activity programme to highlight the city’s green efforts, including major international events and other smaller city activities to involve both residents and visitors.
For more information, see here
NEW FLIGHTS CONNECTING THE ISLANDS OF GUERNSEY TO THE UK
On the Islands of Guernsey, spring arrives four weeks earlier than in mainland UK, bringing colour to the spectacular coastal landscape. In March 2024, it will be even easier to travel to the Islands of Guernsey, with Aurigny’s new routes from London City, London Stansted, Liverpool and Newquay connecting UK guests to this island paradise, just one hour from the British Isles. Whilst there, travellers can do as the locals do and make a splash with a spot of wild swimming, follow a hiking trail on the rugged coastline, hop over to Alderney to visit the Literary Festival, or spot puffins – March marks the beginning of these majestic birds returning to the Channel Islands, with kayaking ‘Puffin Patrol’ tours available to book on Herm.
For more information on Aurigny’s new flights, see here
For more information on the Islands of Guernsey, see here
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FAMILIES TO SWAP TRADITIONAL BEACH HOLIDAYS FOR LAKE-SIDE GETAWAYS
An emerging trend to keep an eye on in 2024 is families swapping their traditional beach holidays for lake-side getaways, with more and more travellers looking to escape the rush of popular tourist hotspots.
Trentino is abundant with 297 stunning lakes spread around the region and each offer great activities suitable for everyone’s needs. Lake Idro is ideal for families looking to spend time together, as well as a very popular destination amongst sports lovers. In the morning the stunning crystalline water is perfect for canoeing and rowing, while in the afternoon when the wind starts to steadily blow, it becomes the perfect spot for windsurfing and sailing.
For more information, see here
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A JUBILEE YEAR FOR CARAVACA DE LA CRUZ, MURCIA, SPAIN
Every seven years since 2003, the city of Caravaca de la Cruz, region of Murcia, enters a Jubilee Year which brings celebrations and thousands of pilgrims to the city. The last Jubilee year, 2017, saw roughly 500,000 pilgrims and travellers gathering in Caravaca, with figures for 2024 expected to be almost double that. The city is the fifth Holy City of Catholic Christianity be given the distinction to have a “jubilee in perpetuum” by the Pope, alongside Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela, and Santo Toribio de Liébana.
For more information, see here
ESCAPE TO THE SEASIDE AT ST MICHAELS RESORT, DURING FALMOUTH WEEK 2024
Nestled along the picturesque Cornish coast, Falmouth beckons with its vibrant culture, calming coastal scenery, and array of adventurous activities. This southern jewel will become the backdrop for a jamboree of events both on and off land during the popular annual event, Falmouth Week, taking place in August. This harbourside town is packed with stages, markets, and carnivals to accompany one of the south west’s biggest sailing competitions. Make the most of the celebrations by staying at St Michaels Resort, one of Cornwall’s premier luxury hotels just a 15-minute walk away from Falmouth’s town centre and a one-minute walk away from Gylly beach. The resort embodies the spirit of its location from décor to dining, nodding to the rich maritime heritage of Falmouth with a strong dose of laid-back luxury. Home to the largest hydrothermal pool in the southwest and a state-of-the-art Health Club, guests will experience an authentic Cornish wellness retreat.
For more information, see here
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SIERRA LEONE: THE LESS VISITED WEST AFRICAN GEM
A lesser-known gem of West Africa, Sierra Leone is set to be one of the hottest holiday destinations for 2024. Having been listed on National Geographic’s Cool List 2024, this tropical spot is home to golden world-class beaches, friendly locals, exceptional cuisine and multiple opportunities to spot incredible wildlife – including the chimpanzee and the pygmy hippo. A new airport in the country’s capital, Freetown, opened in 2023, widening access, along with new roads across the country granting access to off-radar national parks and traditional villages. Travellers can also enjoy the expanding accommodation options set for 2024 including a new 200-room Hilton in Freetown. Tours are available with Rainbow Tours.
Rainbow Tours’ ten-night Sierra Leone Made Simple trip is priced from £3,045 per person, including return flights, accommodation, meals and transfers as specified, activities and excursions as specified and a private guide throughout. www.rainbowtours.co.uk; 0203 131 5311
For more information, see here
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ANNIVERSARIES
COMMEMORATE THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE D-DAY LANDINGS
2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy, making it a particularly poignant time to visit the region that played witness to this momentous historic event.
Visitors can embark on a new cycling holiday with Exodus Adventure Travels to experience Normandy's varied landscape and history. Visitors will explore Saint-Malo's 12th-century ramparts and discover its rich history including its fundamental role as a German stronghold during the D-Day invasions. Guests will continue their journey into second world war history with a cycle to Omaha Beach – one of the five D-Day landing beaches – as well as taking in the view of the imposing German artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer. Other highlights of the trip include enjoying a traditional Breton meal of crêpes and cider, cycling to Dinan to taste the region’s local shellfish and visiting the Benedictine Abbey on the UNESCO-island of Mont St Michel.
Exodus Adventure Travels’ new seven-day Cycle Northern France: Brittany to Normandy trip is priced from £2,749 per person and includes flights, all accommodation, all breakfasts, four lunches, two dinners, all transport, all listed activities, a trip leader throughout and local bike hire. Multiple departures throughout 2024. (Exodus.co.uk, 0203 1312 785)
For more information, see here; Destination imagery here
This self-guided walking trip to Normandy will take visitors on a journey through the region’s varied landscapes, experiencing the world-class artistic landscape at Honfleur – the inspiration for many Impressionist artists – and travelling back to the medieval period at Bayeux to encounter its eponymous tapestry. Guests will be immersed in history at Arromanche to learn about the striking story of the liberation of western Europe in 1944, walk through the American Cemetery near Colleville-sur-Mer, and visit Tour-en-Bessin, home to several fascinating war memorials.
Headwater’s new eight-day self-guided walking trip, Normandy Walk from Deauville to Bayeux - Deluxe, is priced from £1,649 per person and includes flights, accommodations, all breakfasts, luggage transfers, all transport and transfers and comprehensive routes and directions. Departures on selected Mondays throughout 2024. (Headwater.com, 01606 369121)
VUELING CELEBRATES ITS 20th ANNIVERSARY IN 2024
The airline Vueling, part of IAG, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2024 with a series of activations and marketing campaigns taking place in Barcelona (Vueling’s main hub) and other cities in Europe. The celebration is also aligned with the 100th anniversary of the full opening of Barcelona’s Metro train system (Metro de Barcelona).
Vueling is one of the main low-cost airlines in Europe and a key player in connections between the United Kingdom and Spain. The company is moving forward with a robust Transformation Plan in 2024 encompassing technology, innovation and a roadmap towards more sustainable operations. The airline offers return flights from several UK airports including London Gatwick, Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester to destinations across Spain, Italy and France.
For more information, see here
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VENICE: IN THE BIENNALE’S 60TH YEAR, GET ARTY WITH AVANI RIO NOVO IN 2024
2024 sees the 60th anniversary of the Venice Biennale, a celebration of the arts in all its many forms. The brand-new hotel, Avani Rio Novo, invites guests to explore the timeless allure of Venice with a collection of curated experiences designed to cater to a diverse range of tastes and interests. Guests with an appreciation for the arts can immerse themselves in the captivating world of mask-making, guided by one of the city's premier mask makers, renowned for his work in Hollywood productions. For a more classic Venetian experience, guests can participate in a Murano glass workshop. Led by a talented husband-and-wife team with haute couture credentials, this workshop offers a chance to master the craft of creating exquisite glass beads with a delightful, candy-like allure.
For more information, see here
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GRAND UNIVERSE LUCCA: 100 YEARS SINCE THE DEATH OF PUCCINI
2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the death of the legendary composer Puccini, and those looking to pilgrimage to his birthplace can indulge in a stay at Lucca's only five-star Hotel Grand Universe Lucca. This luxurious boutique hotel offers an unparalleled combination of impeccable service and upscale amenities. Mere steps away from masterpieces of Medieval and Renaissance architecture, the hotel overlooks two of the most beautiful piazzas in Lucca and features 55 beautifully appointed guestrooms and nine unique suites, each named after the city's celebrated musical heritage. Grand Universe Lucca also offers a unique signature experience where guests can take home a piece of that musical history in a personalised prelude after enjoying a 60-minute private session with a music composer at Symphony Lounge.
For more information, see here
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EXPLORE THE LANDSCAPE THAT INSPIRED KIPLING DURING THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR OF THE JUNGLE BOOK
2024 will mark the 130th anniversary of the publication of The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling’s beloved collection of children’s tales set in the lush jungles of India. On this new 16-day adventure with Exodus Adventure Travels, travellers will experience the diversity of India’s North and South, visiting the Taj Mahal, watching the sun setting over the Aravali Hills, and encountering the country’s spectacular wildlife. Instead of visiting the busier Ranthambore National Park, Exodus Adventure Travels takes guests to the quieter Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in southern India, where it is possible to go on foot in search of elephants, tigers and sloth bears. The trip ends in Kerala, to explore the Malabar Coast and enjoy fresh local seafood.
Exodus Adventure Travels’ new 16-day India’s North & South – Premium Adventure trip is priced from £4,599, including flights, all breakfasts, meals and activities as specified, and an experienced guide throughout. Departures throughout 2024. (exodus.co.uk, 0203 1312 785)
For more information, see here
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