TRAVEL TREATS
PARADISE OF FESTIVE FARE
Christmas shopping with a difference? What about a trip to the famous Viennese Christmas markets? In front of Vienna’s City Hall, the plaza is transformed into a Christmas paradise full of festive gifts, where the smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine will fill the senses as you peruse the many stalls.
You can also enjoy a guided halfday excursion around the city taking in the main sights and attractions, including the Schönbrunn Palace, summer residence of Empress Sisi. Prices start from €399pp including return flights, three nights’ B&B four-star hotel accommodation, transfers and a Vienna city tour, through November and December. Check the details on traveldepartment.ie.
JANUARY IN THE SUNSHINE
Start 2020 in sunshine with a week in Gran Canaria from Cork in January from €329pp based on two sharing. Stay in the 3-star Cala Blanca by Diamond Resorts, perched on the rugged mountainside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Relax poolside or enjoy the resort’s sauna, fitness centre and tennis facilities. Flight departs January 20. Check the details on cassidytravel.ie.
TAKE A TRIP TO SANTA TOWN
Parents are always on the lookout for new pre-Christmas trips with younger children to see Santa Claus. Heading to Belfast on such a mission might seem a bit of a stretch, but you could always overnight and make a weekend of it. Santa Street at W5 (the science and discovery centre near the Titanic) will create Santa Town, a small winding alley and a wonderful maze of shop fronts that bring to life the long-lost, beloved tradition of Christmas windows. They’ve created a series of charming, seasonal window displays, twinkling lights, Christmas characters and seasonal scents and smells, completed by Santa’s Workshop. Check out the details on discovernorthernireland.com.
SAVOUR THE TASTE OF SPAIN
The Mustard Seed in Ballingarry, Co. Limerick will be celebrating Spanish wines on November 21 with an evening featuring a sixcourse tasting menu paired with wines from various Spanish vineyards, introduced by wine expert Leslie Williams, pictured. John Edward Joyce, proprietor of the Mustard Seed, said: ‘We are looking forward to welcoming Leslie… his wealth of knowledge will be much appreciated by guests at this relaxed dinner, which will be enjoyed by those who simply enjoy a lovely glass of wine and avid wine enthusiasts alike.’ The dinner with wines costs €75 per person and booking is essential. Add in a B&B and it’ll be €135pps. For more detailed information email info@mustardseed.ie.
EXPERIENCE A TUSCAN IDYLL
An intriguing new concept marrying the benefits of a concierge with the privacy of self-catering is launching in early 2020. Borgo 69 is a collection of individually designed 1-3 bedroom villas in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, just outside the historic village of Pozzo, built around a pool, organic vegetable garden and boutique deli restaurant. Opening in the spring, it will allow guests the freedom to plan their own adventure while minimising on waste by collecting their own freshly prepared and locally sourced breakfast, with the help of a guide. They have an introductory offer for early bookers. From €265 per night for a onebedroom villa on a minimum three-night-stay basis. See borgo69.com.