Some novel travel suggestions for summer reading!

There's nothing like a good book to take you away somewhere and holidays are often the only time many people get to read these days. With so many books to chose from often many good reads join the long list of 'to be read' while we are distracted to read the newest books on the shelves. That's why I've picked three books that have been around for a while. They have been made into movies but there is a different experience to be enjoyed from flicking through the pages of a novel and conjuring up images in your own head.
I've picked three books set in three different destinations that are popular all year around and even if you are not going to these places, reading these books may well inspire your next trip.
We discussed these books on Midday on Tuesday 26th July and you can see the clip here Midday TV3 discussing Novel Travel

Parc Guell Barcelona

First up is Barcelona and the book I chose to give a reader that sense of place is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruis Zafon.

Set in post civil war Spain the main character Daniel Sempere is brought to an old library called the cemetery of forgotten books by his father where he is allowed to take only one book. The book inspires the young boy to find out more about the author and it brings him on an adventure where he finds love and danger but it takes the reader to many of Barcelona's great sights.
There is a fully guided tour available which will give fans of the book a chance to relive Daniel's footsteps. /The-Shadow-of-the-Wind-Walking-Book-Tour-in-Barcelona
Barcelona is a great city to take the kids to visit. A big hit with my son was the Nou Camp stadium, home to Barcelona FC. Another treat for all the family or romantic couples is Parc Guell. The Spanish architect Gaudi is responsible for much of the magical architecture around the city and it will amaze even the most reluctant sightseer.

My son, Mark in Nou Camp

If you have time the red bus tour takes about two hours and really gives a sense of the enormity of this city and will help to get your bearings. But if you would rather just relax then a stroll along the ramblas and stop off for churros and hot chocolate - the kids will love you for it.

Las Ramblas

A landmark restaurant in the Gothic Quarter that will transport you to a cultural feats is 4 Cats where artists like Picasso and Gaudi hung out in the early twentieth century.
If you are heading to one of the popular resorts close to Barcelona then it is worth even taking a day trip to this beautiful city.
For more information see Spanish Tourist Board
Barcelona pops up in my novel Six Postcards Home - in fact it opens in a scene in the Placa Reial - if you would like to take a read it's available on amazonSix-Postcards-Home

Few places capture the imagination like Rome with all its romance and ceremony. I've picked a book that has been around a long and time. Dan Brown has certainly had his critics over the years but he did something similar for books as JK Rowling did with the Harry Potter series and got people reading. Any author that has people turning pages rapidly is incredibly talented.

 Angels and Demons is the second in the Robert Langdon series and I think one of the best reads to find your way around Rome.

Vatican city , St Peter's Basillica

The plot takes readers at break neck speed around Vatican City, The Castel San Angelo and The Piazza Navonna which is easily my favourite place to people watch in Rome. If you have plans to visit there is so much to do with incredibly food and the best handbag shopping you will ever find.

Piazza Navonna

Rome has so much to offer the lover of art and culture and must sees include the Colloseum and Trevi Fountain mean that you can be busy running around the city trying to fit it all in - much like Robert Langdon. I recommend taking a slower pace and leaving something to return to for next time.

Trevi Fountain credit FOTOTECA ENIT.

CARACALLA THERMAL BATHS OPERA SEASON IN ROME

Rome 22 Jun – 10 Aug 2016

www.operaroma.it

This year the Caracalla Opera Season will present a rich programme of opera and ballet in the magnificent Caracalla Thermal Baths in Rome. The spectacular backdrop will enhance the enjoyment of operas such as: Nabucco, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Madame Butterfly and ballet such as Nureyev tribute and a recital by the acclaimed dancer Roberto Bolle. Performances by the Chinese pianist Lang Lang, and legends like Lionel Ritchie and Neil Young are also in the programme.   This year, with the MyCaracalla initiative it is also possible to combine a guided visit to the Caracalla Thermal baths at night and a gourmet aperitif before an opera or ballet of your choice.

My last novel is set in Rome and if you would like to read a sample click here amazon.co.uk/7-Wishes-Rome-Irish-Fiction

For more information about visiting Italy go to http://www.italiantouristboard.co.uk/

My final recommendation is a book that isn't one of my favourites but the premise is similar in theme and style to many of the great women writers we have produced in Ireland, if this book had been writing by Maeve Binchy or one of the many other strong women writers such as Melissa Hill or Colette Caddle it may not have had such literary recognition. But it is a good story about a very real time in our history and a character that will resonate with many readers who have experienced emigration. It takes the reader back to Wexford too which is still a popular summer destination for those who holiday at home.

Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn is one of the five Burroughs that makes up New York city. Traditionally the Irish have a history of congregating around mid-town Manhattan for our weekend visits but here is so much more to see and if you are taking a second or third bite of the big apple then make some time to explore one of the other Burroughs. One of the best views of Manhattan is from Brooklyn, framed by the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge. The Bus tour from Manhattan is a great way to cross the Hudson River and see the area from best advantage.

Beautiful Brownstone houses in the Cobble Hill district

This time of year is lovely in New York and it is also NYC Restaurant Week. If you are in town why not try out one of the 387 participating restaurants. In its 24th year, NYC Restaurant Week takes place this summer from July 25 through August 19 and features 49 new restaurants. For menus, photos and reservations visit nycgo.com/restaurantweek.

Coney Island is part of the Burrough of Brooklyn and home of the New York Aquarium and Luna Park fairground.

Coney Island Beach

One memorable scene in the novel is when Eilis goes on her first trip to Coney Island and see the world through her new sunglasses while sporting her swimsuit. It's difficult to imagine what life was like for her but it is easy to be transported back in time in this popular beach resort where the locals come to swim in the sea. Take time out on one of the fairground rides at Luna Park.

Luna Park Fairground Coney Island

 If you would rather a more sedate activity then the Botanic Gardens are beautiful and well worth a visit, especially in April and May when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. 

For all you need to know about visiting Brooklyn or any of the New York suburbs go to NYCGO.com

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Some great deals with Tour America at the moment include a stay at the hotel Beacon which is my favourite place to stay in Manhattan touramerica.ie/packages

Probably my favourite book baby is Three Nights in New York - written in 2008! .amazon.co.uk/Three-Nights-New-York-

Northern Spain special, Bilbao and the Camino

Northern Spain is a different World - fun with the kids in Bilbao!

Spain is always a popular destination for Irish Tourists and this summer it is more so than ever with a predicted increase to 1.4 million in 2016. But when we think of Spain all too often we choose popular destinations like Barcelona or the Costa Del Sol but Northern Spain is having a Renaissance for a number of reasons and I've been checking them out.

I recently returned from Bilbao nestled in Basque country and close to the other jewels of the region, San Sebastian and Pamplona.

With the kids in tow we arrived on a Wednesday and checked into the Gran Hotel Domine in Bilbao, set across the road from the glorious Guggenheim Gallery. I didn't know about Puppy, the lovely doggy covered in flowers who sits outside the gallery - an incredible living sculpture that children especially will love to touch. We spent our first day cycling around the city on bikes with a guided tour - it was three hours long and I wondered if my teens would be giving out but on the contrary they adored seeing the city while doing an activity. Next day we took the unusual perspective of seeing the city from the river. Once the most polluted in Europe it is spotless and full of fish after a massive cleaning that cost the city millions. It was money well spent as we were able to kayak freely up and down on our two hour trip.

Any activity like this works up an appetite and Bilbao is a wonderful city for food lovers.

I'd recommend it for couples or girlie weekends and my kids adored the pinxtos which are a different kind of tapas to the usual you will find around Spain.

The transport system is excellent and shopping condensed in the one area which was perfect for my 12 year old daughter to get to see all her favourite stores. Bilbao is a masterpiece in design and layout. In the seventies many of the ugly industrial buildings that hugged the river were demolished and the infra structure was developed to a high aesthetic and working standard.

San Sebastian is only an hour away by bus and a beautiful city - why not do the coastal route and creep along the unspoilt beaches that hug the Atlantic. Another popular activity that has brought millions to Northern Spain is the Camino. Most pilgrims walk the final section of the 800 mile pilgrimage which is over 110km and get their passports stamped along the way in various hostels and guest houses. It seems to be a wonderful experience and life changing from anyone that I have spoken to who has done it. I've put together some deals below from Irish Tour operators and links to the Bilbao Tourist Board and the beautiful Gran Hotel Domine Where we stayed in Bilbao. 

Travel Tuesday on TV3's Midday chat about Bilbao - click here for link Bilbao on Midday 

Aer Lingus operates a daily service from Dublin to Bilbao with up to two flights on Saturday. One-way fares including taxes and charges start from €49.99 including taxes and charges

www.aerlingus.com

http://www.bilbaoturismo.net/BilbaoTurismo/en/tourists#

http://www.hoteldominebilbao.com/

http://tournebilbao.com/en/

http://www.bilbobentura.com/

www.madmuseum.es
www.spain.info

Most popular package - Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago

This is the most popular Camino route known as the French Way. This trail captures the perfectly captures the essence of the Camino de Santiago. You will meet fellow pilgrims, discover local traditions and enjoy the unique atmosphere walking through Galicia's green countryside. This route finishes in the historic town of Santiago where you will collect your pilgrim certificate. 

Price: A 6-night self-guided tour on the French Way from Sarria to Santiago starts from €560 per person sharing for 6 nights. More details here: French Way

Another popular option is the last section of the Camino Portugues from Tui to Santiago

The Portuguese Way is the second most popular route among pilgrims to Santiago but you don't have to trek all the way from Lisbon to discover this classic Camino trail. 

Start from the town of Tui in Galicia, separated from Portugal only by the River Minho, and walk to Santiago in just a week. Tui is home to a wonderful historic centre and spectacular medieval cathedral-fortress. On your way you will reach the coast in the fishing village of Arcade, where you should taste the famous local oysters.

Price: A 7-night self-guided tour on the Portuguese Way from Tui to Santiago starts from €746 per person sharing. More details here:Camino Portugues

All prices include: Half-board accommodation, luggage transfers and holiday pack with route notes and practical information.

Price does not include:

Flights, transport, travel insurance.

www.caminoways.com

tel: 015252886

Final Stage – Camino Frances (8 days)

Weekly departures from April to October

Sarria to Santiago (8 days), the full and final stage of the Camino Way…

All inclusive price                                                                             Special Offer

     Flights                                                                                        From €775 

     B&B                                                                                       per person sharing

     Luggage transfers

     Pilgrim passport

www.maptravel.ie

tel: 01878311

Heading Stateside with the kids this summer? Get On Yer Bike!

Venice Beach

Walking and sightseeing can be a chore for teens and tweens but put them on a bike and it becomes an adventure. All of these five US cities have really great bike tours. You won't be disappointed and the kids will LOVE IT!

Mark and Nicole on Venice Beach

LA

Take a walk past Santa Monica Pier to Perry's, an icon of the beach scene for nearly forty years. Perry's have twelve cafes dotted along the coast from Santa Monica to Venice Beach. A cycle is a great way to take in the views. I recommend rental by the hour rather than a tour because once we got to Venice Beach the kids wanted to stop at the stalls and soak up the atmosphere. The kids loved this windy cycle path even though we had to dodge the roller-skaters along the way. The last of the hippies and hells angels gather here and there are funky cafes to stop by for a break. Two hours is long enough to take in the cacophony of music and it's five dollars to visit the freak show or get a henna tattoo.

Bike and Roll Washington DC

Washington DC

The Bike and Roll Tour (39$ for adults 29$ for kids) is the very best way to visit the presidential monuments. Fully guided, the tour took us past The White House, Washington Monument and down National Mall from Lincoln to Jefferson down by the Potomac River. The Einstein statue outside the Science Museum was a great stop and I made sure my son rubbed the statues nose to ensure wisdom to help him with his studies.

Jefferson Memorial Washington DC

Boston

Urbanadventours is the best way to see the city of Boston from Fenway Park through the Emerald necklace and back to The Freedom Trail. The City Tour is good for kids over ten-years as it does involve going on cycle lanes in the city centre and can be busy. It takes three hours and costs $55. www.urbanadventours.com

 

Urbanadventours Boston

New York

Take a bike or quadcycle around Central Park. A quadcycle is $35 per hour and the perfect amount of time to leisurely see the lake and the sights. Kids love to be on the move so this is a great way to get to see the Alice in Wonderland statue, Strawberry fields and the chess and checker house. www.bikenewyorkcity.com

Times Square New York

San Francisco

The very best way to see the bridge and absorb the breathtaking view of San Francisco Bay is by bike. It is a long cycle but the kids won't be board. A guided tour takes up to three hours and ends at the pretty town of Sausalito where we stopped for lunch and took a ferry ride back to the city. www.baycitybike.com. Tours are $55 dollars per person but you can do this without a guide and rent by the hour.

Golden Gate to Sausalito

Evergreen in the Everglades! The Wild side of Florida!

When I tell the kids that we are going on a 3G (Three Generations) holiday, they eye me suspiciously. My tween asks if this means she'll have extra credit to Snapchat her friends while we are away. But my teenage son cops that Granny and Granddad will be coming along. As if this isn't a big enough challenge I decide to make our 3G holiday a road trip. A fine balancing act begins on my part to choose a family friendly destination and itinerary, so it has to be Florida.

With great excitement and a little trepidation we take our Virgin Atlantic flight via Heathrow to Miami.  I booked our carhire online before leaving home, with Hertz, so a Jeep SUV awaits us, equipped with GPS and plenty of room for luggage. Service at the desk is prompt and efficient and we make it to the Biltmore Hotel in beautiful Coral Grove in about forty-five minutes.

The Biltmore Hotel is an icon of early twentieth-century-style and architecture, tucked away in a salubrious residential neighbourhood. The hotel was used as a hospital during the Second World War but on arrival it has the hallmarks of the decadent twenties, with colourful little birds in giant cages and fine artwork on the elaborate architraves. The Biltmore hotel boasts one of the biggest swimming pools in the state of Florida − surrounded by roman statues it has the ambience of an Italian Palazzo.

That night we dine at the hotel's Fontana restaurant with a full moon and the stars above our heads. The elders devour the lobster ravioli and sea bass and I've to stop the kids from licking the last morsel of lasagne from their plates. We sit around the fountain until the jet lag hits the kids and we go to our luxurious rooms, leaving granny and granddad some time to get romantic. As my head hits the pillow I cannot wait to explore Miami the next day.

Miami is blocked into several neighbourhoods with little Havana being one of the most famous, here the Cafe Versailles is similar to the many Paladeras found in the Cuban capital. Men drink coffee and play dominoes on the side of the street and it's worth a drive by.

Our next stop is South Beach and the kids love the view, with rollerbladers and fitness gurus lining the promenade. I hire bikes with the kids and Granddad, while Granny goes for coffee at one of the classic art deco hotels. It's easy to see why this strip has been called the American Riviera.

With an afternoon to fill we drive for an hour and wind up in Key Largo, the largest of the Florida Keys. I know the family won't make the long drive to Key West so we stop off at the highly recommended John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This is America's first underwater state part and it boasts wonderful snorkelling on the coral reef and a one-hundred-mile long shipwreck trail. The kids get to see tropical fish in the crystal blue waters while granny and granddad watch from the quayside. The annual Humphrey Bogart festival is a draw for romantic movie buffs and the actual African Queen boat rests at a nearby hotel.

Next morning after devouring the breakfast buffet at the Biltmore we take Highway One up to Fort Lauderdale. The scenery is peppered with hotels, tall palms and turquoise blue sea making it a scenic drive. It takes just over three hours and a few ice-creams and toilet breaks to get to our next stop, Vero Beach. Also known as 'The Hamptons of Florida' we check-in at the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel and Spa. This boutique hotel is modern and clean with extra-friendly hotel staff. As we sit down to enjoy lunch with the cobalt blue Atlantic in the background, the kids have already taken to the pool. Vero Beach offers Golf close by for Granddad and Kayaking for the kids. Granny loves the quaint shops and galleries and I realise that one night won't be enough in this lovely town.

We leave Vero Beach reluctantly but stop off en-route to Orlando at a unique eco-tourism attraction, Forever Florida. This picturesque centre is host to a cattle ranch, a wildlife conservation area and a beautiful location perfect for outdoor adventures perfect for all the family, especially teens. The horse-riding is well supervised and organised and there is no better way to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Check out www.foreverflorida.com for more information and prices are roughly €100 for a two hour ride through the wilderness.

Our hotel in Kissimme is the Omni Resort at Championsgate and close to all the Disney attractions, but my crew opt for something a little wilder at Boggy Creek airboat rides on Lake Toho. We find ourselves in the middle of the Everglades, spotting storks, bald eagles and herons on the swamp. This experience is gentle enough for granny and fun enough for the kids, but it's noisy so we put on ear muffs. Our guide, Captain Wayne, has a knack for spotting alligators, and he points at one in the rushes to everyone's delight. An airboat ride is a must do when in Florida so check out www.bcairboats.com.

We return invigorated from our excursion and the kids are keen to enjoy the hotel. The pool is great for all kids big and small but the best fun is the lazy river. Attended by pool staff until 10pm it's ideal for an after-dinner-swim. The kids go up and down the slide too many times to count and the basketball ring seems to be getting as much use from the parents as the kids. I hear plenty of Irish accents too.

Next day our plan is to shop and the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets are only a tempting 20 minutes away. Part of the Simon Group, the outlets offer big brand saving from 25%-65% on high street prices. We leave granddad by the pool while I find amazing value and my daughter finds that the superstar runners she has been longing for are only $80 − that's over 100% saving on the Irish price for the same runners. The Premium Outlets are a great way to spend the afternoon and my fashion-conscious-son gets T-shirts while I settle for some designer accessories which would be a lot more expensive at home.

Granny wants to go somewhere relaxing for dinner after all that shopping, so we set off for the town of Celebration (yes that's its real name) and sample the tasty Cuban cuisine at Columbia Restaurant. This picture-perfect town has been likened to the movie set of The Stepford Wives and apparently was modelled on Main Street Disney World. 

It's almost too perfect for me but it gets a massive thumbs up from the other generations. With Universal and all the major theme parks beside us I'm pleased that we have taken the time to taste the wilder side of Florida and keeping on the move was great for the kids. If you are thinking of a 3G family holiday make sure Granny and Granddad get some time on their own and most importantly ensure that the hotels offer free WIFI, when travelling with the younger generation there are times when this will be a saviour for all.

www.experiencekissimmee.com

www.visitflorida.com

Hertz car hire mid-size SUV, pick up Miami Airport, drop off Orlando Airport

For five nights from €280 at www.hertz.co.uk

For retail therapy in Orlando see http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/orlando-vineland

www.biltmorehotel.com

www.verobeachhotelandspa.com Kimpton hotel at Vero Beach

www.omnihotels.com/hotels/orlando-championsgate

Tour America

Florida Fly/Drive Package holiday €989 per person

Return flights into Miami and returning from Orlando, All taxes and charges

2 Nights accommodation Aloft South Beach

2 Nights accommodation Vero Beach and Spa Hotel

3 Nights Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando

Car Hire 

Based on 2 adults & 2 kids sharing

Date of departure: November 2016

Our Ref: 512647

www.touramerica.ie

email: sales@touramerica.ie

Tel: Dublin 01-8173535 Cork 021-2429222

Anyone for cricket? Antigua and Barbuda special!

Sir Viv Richards, aka the Master Blaster, officially launched the Lord’s Taverners 65^th Anniversary Tour in October, confirming Antigua and Barbuda as the destination. Cricketing royalty such as Sir Viv, Mike Gatting OBE, Luke Wright and Andy Caddick will join celebrities for five days of pro-celebrity cricket to be played on the stunning beaches of Antigua and Barbuda.12-16 October 2015

International Cricket Tours is offering fans the opportunity to watch iconic players and celebrities bowl and bat whilst in Antigua and Barbuda. Priced from £1,699 per person, the package is inclusive of 4 nights’ accommodation at the Sugar Ridge hotel, which hosted the England cricket team last year during their West Indies tour.

Pro-Celebrity Cricket Tour in Antigua & Barbuda with International Cricket Tours

from £1,699 per person

International Cricket Tours is offering fans the-once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch iconic players and celebrities bowl and bat whilst in Antigua and Barbuda. Cricketing royalty such as Mike Gatting OBE and Andy Caddick, ex England cricketer and former leading English wicket-taker, will join celebrities such as Nick Hancock and Jonnie Irwin for five days of pro-celebrity cricket to be played on the stunning beaches of Antigua and Barbuda.

Priced from £1,699 per person, the package is inclusive of 4 nights’ accommodation at the luxurious Sugar Ridge hotel, which hosted the England cricket team last year during their West Indies tour, and return flights from London Gatwick with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic (departing on 10^th and 12^th October respectively). The package will also include a cocktail reception with the players, a catamaran day trip, a night time 20/20 cricket match at the Sir Viv Richards Cricket Ground and beach cricket at the Valley Church Beach with a post-match BBQ.

Packages for 7 nights available from £1,699 per person, variable durations available on request. Price is based on two sharing a double room.

To book visit www.internationalcrickettours.co.uk/taverners-tours/or call 0203 824 8444.

Celebrity style OR how to convert your husband to cruising!

It’s that time of year as summer comes to an end that we dream and plan of ways to escape the gloom of Winter. With so many options out there it is easy to get confused but if you are looking for luxury at an affordable price then cruising may well be an option for consideration. My husband was a reluctant cruiser. Having sailed and raced small boats for years the idea of cruising didn’t appeal but I tempted him with the proposal of a mini cruise and hoped that after a few days he would be converted. Celebrity is the brand leader in style and cool sophistication.

Celebrity Reflection

Their newest and most impressive ship in the Solstice fleet is called ‘Reflection’ and we found plenty to reflect upon. For the summer months, Reflection takes an eleven or fourteen day route starting in Rome so we decided to hop on board half way through an itinerary at Athens.

Athens is a great stop for cruise ships

If you don’t have the inclination for a long cruise then combining it with a mini break is an option and a wonderful way to see if you would like to cruise for longer. Hubby and I spent two nights in Athens before boarding and it was an excellent idea as we were fully relaxed and ready to embrace the high seas instead of rushing straight from the airport to Pireus, the main port. While in Athens we stayed in the Radisson Blu Hotel which is centrally located and great value and it is a city that is often forgotten about when choosing a city break. After two nights under the gaze of the Acropolis and sipping ouzo in the Plaka hubby was ready for our nautical adventure.

The pool area

Celebrity Reflection was launched in October 2012 and the paintwork hadn’t a scratch on it. The carpets in the public areas maintain that deep pile sensation as we walked through the many delightful venues on board. And there are plenty of surprises – for instance the counter top of the Ice bar is frozen to a temperature below zero with a frosted coating that you won’t want to lean against but will keep your cocktail cool for as long as it takes to drink. The icy green decor and regal furnishings will leave you feeling like a celebrity.

Ice Bar

If you’re an art lover then there is plenty to see in the galleries and even the option of taking a class in iPad art.

On the fifth deck one of my personal favourite escapes was the library. It is full of an excellent range of novels and non-fiction that will entertain while nestled in one of the pods or basking on one of the super soft loungers on the top deck.

The Library

But probably the most indulgent feature of cruising is the cuisine. Reflection has the most incredible range of restaurants and we had two personal favourites. Qsine is a dining experience with a difference. 

just dessert at Qsine

Our Moldovian waitress was ready to perform for us because this was not just a culinary but also an entertaining experience. She handed us an iPad each and gave us the choice of delicacies from every corner of the world. It would have been easy to get carried away with the menu but she recommended that we start with two countries each for starters. Be warned there is no limit to this menu and once you hit that option on the screen be prepared for a barrage of food that will arrive in spectacular fashion. 

Qsine for two

The Indian option came displayed in an apothecaries chest, the Chinese in silver coned platters – it all proved too much for the couple sitting next to us who took the option of a lie down midway through their courses on a large bed in the corner. Dessert came straight from the set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory with delights on lollipop sticks and the menu in the form of a collapsible rubex cube. “Just throw and if you don’t like what I bring then throw again.” Our waitress said with a smile. This truly was indulgence on a scale I’ve not seen on dry land and only a brave patron would have capacity to dine twice in Qsine on the one trip.

No words are needed

We spent next day at sea which gave us a great opportunity to see all that the ship has to offer. The main pool area is in an enclosed space and well protected from extremes of heat and cold but there are three other open-air pools. While hubby took in some rays I tried out the spa. The moment I entered the large windows looking out to sea left me breathless. There is something very surreal about getting your feet manicured while watching the Aegean gently roll by. The hair saloon was right next door to the treatment rooms so it would have been rude for me to just pass by so I got a delicious blow-dry and was ready to great the tantalising treats in the Lawn Club Grill.

This restaurant was a real surprise because guests are encouraged to prepare and cook their own pizzas, kebabs and meat dishes. I do enough cooking when we are at home so I left it to my husband to flip the pizza dough in the air and marinate the kebabs. I have to admit that I was impressed by his handywork and it tasted delicious too. He did get expert help from the staff who couldn’t do enough for us and if we had longer on the ship hubby could well have come home fully trained to continue his newly learned skills.

cooking lesson at the Lawn Grill

Next day was a port day and we woke to a picture-postcard view of Naples with majestic buildings climbing the hills. It is a shame that we didn’t have time to explore but our tour bus brought us straight to Pompeii. Underneath the shadow of the volcano Vesuvius, Pompeii stands as an incredible monument of a working Roman citadel preserved in impeccable detail. 

Up Pompeii

Paintings can clearly be made out along with decorative tiling and plasterwork in what was the cities Spa. It was almost like stepping back in time and the guide didn’t scrimp on information leaving us fully charged and ready for a relaxing afternoon with a view. 

Sorrento

Rustic farmhouse

And in Sorrento that is exactly what we got. Nobody does a lazy lunch quite as well as the Italians and we found a glorious spot with breathtaking views of the bay of Naples and Capri. The entire Amalfi coast is stunning at every point and we were getting the full monty. But the day wasn’t over yet and before returning to the ship we were brought to a working farm and enjoyed the local cheese and wine in a truly rustic mountain setting.

Last minute shopping before boarding the ship

That evening we were not in the mood to eat much but no matter how full our belly's felt, the restaurants on Reflection are too good to miss. I wondered how my husband felt after being on dry land for a while and was delighted that he was happy to be back on the ship. A cruise is an incredibly relaxing way to pack a lot into a holiday and for us one of the highlights was sipping a cocktail at the Sunset Bar at the back of the ship and watching the port of Naples disappear as we pulled out to sea.

The Sunset Bar is the only place to be when leaving port

Reflection had plenty of shows on offer and lots of extra options - a spot of comedy or trying your luck in the casino. But there is something wonderful about going up on the top deck and lying down on one of the sunbeds or cosy hammocks and watching the stars unfurl. Celebrity is a romantic brand and it is no surprise that many of the guests are couples.

Our mini-cruise had passed too quickly and when we woke to a wonderful view of sunrise over the port of Civitavecchia. As we went for our final breakfast on the deck of the Oceanview Cafe my husband admitted this had been one of his favourite rituals each morning. I smiled smugly – he had been converted.

For more information see www,celebritycuises.ie