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

Valentine's Day Deals from Dublin...Fly to Lisbon, Paris and Prague.

Would you like to whisk your loved one off to one of Europe's favourite capitals for Valentine's Day? The ITAA have some great offers so snap them up quickly!

One of my favourite cities in the world
and possibly the most romantic
Perfect for Valentines Day

Valentine’s Day Deals

This week we have rounded up a selection of the best offers available

Luxury Valentine’s Break in Lisbon, 3 nights, 12^th to 15^th February, from €226 pps

Treat the one you love this Valentine’s Day with a luxury romantic break in Lisbon. Spread across steep hillsides, overlooking the River Tagus, the city of Lisbon has something on offer for all its visitors. With its Roman and Moorish ruins, white-domed cathedrals, narrow cobblestone lanes and grand plazas with sun-drenched cafes, it is the perfect place to plan a romantic getaway.

Take a tram up and down the steep hillsides, try some delicious freshly baked Pasteis de Natain (custard tarts) in Belem or listen to fado singers perform in Alfama's back streets. Portugal’s capital is the perfect mix of old and new, with it combination of beautifully maintained ruins and new bohemian bars, and is set to be a top city destination for 2016.

Price includes: 4* Accommodation and Return Flights. T&Cs apply. Subject to availability.

For more information on this deal available from Travelnet.ie visit:

http://itaa.ie/2016/01/27/valentines-break-lisbon

Sintra is a short bus ride from Lisbon and well worth a visit as a Unesco Heritage site.

Take a trip out to the Devil's Mouth only a short
 walk from the beautiful seaside town of Cascais

 

I love Lisbon here I am with Fernando Pessoa one of Portugal's best regarded writers!
He can be seen outside the famous coffee house A Brasiliera

Valentine’s City Break in Prague, 2 nights, 12^th – 14^th February, from €279 pps

ClickandGo.com has the perfect Valentine’s Gift for the special person in your life with this city break to Prague. Located right in the heart of Europe, Prague has been considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world since the Middle Ages. With its impressive architecture, magnificent cuisine and bohemian art scene, it is a diverse and vibrant city.

Under a minute's walk from a tram station, the stately, art nouveau style 4* Union Praha hotel is just around the corner from Charles Bridge and a short walk from Vyšehrad castle. It is the perfect spot from which to discover the city’s labyrinth of winding streets, majestic chapels, colourful markets and quiet bars. From the moment you cross the impressive Charles Bridge or step into the beautifully preserved Old Town Square, you are sure to fall in love with this amazing city.

Price includes:  2 nights’ accommodation with breakfast inclusive and flights

For more information on this deal available from ClickandGo.com visit:

http://itaa.ie/2016/01/26/valentines-break-prague

 If you do decide to go to Paris then make time for The Bateaux Parisiens for an unforgettable dining experience and great views

Valentine’s Day in Paris, 2 nights, 12^th – 14^th February, from €399pp

Escape to one of the most romantic, stylish and exciting cities in the world this Valentine’s Day. Hugging the banks of the River Seine, each district is distinct with a unique atmosphere and share of interesting attractions. From the medieval charm of Le Marais to the bohemian Left Bank, the quaint artists’ quarter of Montmartre to the ultra-fashionable Saint-Germain-des-Près, the blend of ancient and modern in this beautiful city is seamless.

From your base in the 3* Grand Hotel du Havre, discover the classical paintings of the Louvre, enjoy candlelit drinks in one of the many wine bars or take a boat ride along the Seine at sunset. The opportunities for romance in the City of Love are endless.

Price includes: 2 nights’ accommodation (room only) and return flights from Cork

For more information on this deal available from Dawson Travel visit:

http://itaa.ie/2016/01/27/valentines-break-paris

Other travel deals:

For more great travel deals check out - www.itaa.ie/offers

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

My first Carnival in Cologne 2015

This is my friend Martina, who invited me to Cologne for Carnival this year!

The German city of Cologne was buzzing this weekend with preparation for the massive Rose Monday Parade, the highlight of Carnival. But festivities started on Thursday with ladies Carnival Day. The theme this year was Social Jeck and I got my own carnival themed badge from my friend and local girl Martina who showed me and my husband who to do Carnival in style.

We were whisked off to Peters Brauhaus which was hopping on Friday night with all the usual traditional music and a bit of 90's dance music too. After several Kolsch beers from the deceptively tiny glasses we were linking arms with the locals and getting in to the swing of things.

Our very friendly bar tender!

My other half with Marcus from the BlaueFunken
(the group who lead the Rose Monday parade every year)

Day one was spent finding our costumes for Ghost night on Saturday but of course we couldn't roam the streets in our regular clothes so Martina brought us to the dress up shop in the old town to get sorted. We then set off over the Rhine via the famous Hoohenzollernbrucke bridge.

It is famous for holding the locks to many hearts.

Being Valentines Day I took the opportunity to give my husband a good kiss with the spires of Cologne Cathedral in the background. 

On the other side of the bridge Martina brought us to the tallest tower to get a panoramic view of the city.

Then we went to the wonderful Cubana Latino restaurant

for a couple of Mojitos and some lunch!

at Cubana Latino

We were back in Carnival mode for a Kolsch in Lomir which is a must visit bar in Koln and as it is on the other side of the river and not in the Altstad (old town) it can easily be missed.

The smell of traditional cutlets was mouthwatering even after we had eaten.

Lomir bar was full of Carnival fun.

A short tram ride back over the Rhine and we were in the thick of it again with incredible samba bands and performers around the cathedral. We took a picture of a couple of mermaids standing at the water's edge. There were so many colourful characters to chose from an amateur photographer could have had quite a day.

Mermaids.

It was time for another kiss in the Altstad before heading back to our friend's house in Widdersdorf. Koln is a nice sized city and very accessible with plenty of public transport options. Around Neumarkt was packed with entertainment options and a funfair. The entire city buzzes for the week in the run up to Ash Wednesday. In fact right up until the Nobel (stuffed doll who is held responsible for the sins of Carnival) is burned at midnight on Tuesday, the town is a hive of action and none stop parties. This ends with a fish supper on Ash Wednesday when the natives and visitors who have indulged in the full festivities nurse their heads for another year.