Cruise news

Hever Castle in Kent is about to explode into colour when 25,000 tulip blooms burst into life. Expected from April 19-25, the display includes a spectacular new bed designed as a colourful rainbow. Tickets £15.85 hevercastle.co.uk

Has the latest TV waterways show inspired you to go with the Po?

Friday night’s episode of Channel 5’s new series The World’s Most Scenic River Journeys, narrated by Bill Nighy, showcased Italy’s longest river.

The 405-mile River Po winds across the north of the country – from the Alps southwest of Turin to the Adriatic

Sea near Venice – and Uniworld’s newly renovated luxury ship La Venezia offers an upscale all-inclusive Venice and the Gems of Northern Italy itinerary.

Passengers on the seven-night cruise, around Venice and her islands, plus along the Po to Polesella, can join a hands-on pasta making class, learn how to create an authentic Bolognese sauce and enjoy a private after-hours visit to St Mark’s Basilica.

A 30% discount is on offer for bookings before April 30, with summer prices starting at £1,959 per person with Heathrow flights.

uniworld.com ■ Virgin Red loyalty club members can now use their points to book Virgin Voyages ‘seacation’ sailings from Portsmouth this summer.

A cabin for a three-night voyage on Scarlet Lady can be redeemed for 180,000 points or booked for two from £499 per person.

virginvoyages.com

While the passports backlog in Ireland is a problem for many of us with the suspension of processing over Level 5, the situation seems little better in the UK. The public there are being urged to apply for renewal at least 6 months ahead of their passports expiring.