Adventure

Last week Forbes Magazine featured Haslemere Travel in an article on the global luxury travel market.  Being classed, as one of “The 12 most influential luxury travel designers in the world” is an absolute thrill for the entire team and something we have worked extremely hard to achieve.  Haslemere Travel is the only UK based agency in the list!  Please do follow the link to read the article in full.

But how does this affect our valued and loyal clients?

We have always prided ourselves on our network of hotel connections.  We travel continuously; not only to guarantee that our knowledge is up to date, but also to ensure we know all the top hoteliers and property owners around the world.  Being recognised as one of the most influential luxury travel designers in the world means our bookings will always be fast-tracked to the top of the VIP list, providing that when upgrades are available, they are given to Haslemere Travel guests.  When complimentary amenities are available, these are yours too and for no other reason than you book through us and we know the right people, who value our business and our VIP clients.

From weekends away, to multi-generation groups and year-long itineraries, we plan holidays of all sizes and budgets.  Your next holiday adventure is only a phone call away – 01428 658777.

Haslemere Travel is delighted to announce that it will be hosting the first “Haslemere Travel Literary Evening” on Thursday, May 18th, as part of this year’s biannual Haslemere Festival.

The exclusive event will have a Russian theme, with three exciting women speakers set to entertain guests. Anna Pasternak (great-niece of Boris Pasternak, the Nobel prize-winning author of Dr Zhivago) will be talking about her new book “Lara: The Untold Love Story that inspired Dr Zhivago” – the tale of the true, heartbreaking love affair between Boris and Olga Ivinskaya.

Anna Pasternak photo p13

Carnival Films are currently developing Lara with Liz Trubridge, producer of TV phenomenon Downton Abbey, for a major, six part TV series. Excitingly, as part of this stimulating evening, Liz Trubridge has also agreed to talk about how she is bringing the book to the TV screen.

Lara book jacket p13

The chair of the evening will be Val Hudson, former editorial director of Harper Collins and Hodder Headline, who is a published author herself and the author of the Bowatching series of teen novels; A Simples Life, the best-selling ‘autobiography’ of the cravat-wearing, Russian meerkat Aleksandr, as well as the extraordinary story of ‘Arthur: the dog that crossed a jungle to find a home’.

The event will begin at 7.30pm (ending c 9.30pm) at the Haslemere Educational Museum and will include refreshments during the interval, as well as the opportunity to purchase paperbacks and have them signed by the two authors.

On the night, Haslemere Travel will also be launching some exciting, exclusive special offers for tours to Russia, in partnership with luxury tour operator Kirker Holidays.

And finally, there will be a fund-raising raffle at the event in aid of the Museum, with a wonderful first prize of a luxury spa day for two with a scrumptious cream tea at Guildford Harbour Hotel.

 

Please note: This is a ticket-only event. To purchase tickets (March 1st onwards) which cost £15 (wine included) call 01428 642161 or email: [email protected]

Joanna Lumley

National treasure Joanna Lumley OBE FRGS is the leading Appeal Patron for Grange Park Opera’s ‘Theatre in the Woods’ in Surrey, the first new opera house to be built in the UK for decades.

Happily, it is not far from our shop in Haslemere, so we grabbed the chance to catch up with Joanna to ask about her travels, love of music …and black trousers

 

As an author, actress, TV presenter and former model, has overseas travel always played an important part in your life?

Yes because I was born in a suitcase leaving India at the age of one and living in Hong Kong and Malaysia until I was eight. Long sea voyages punctuated my childhood and left me with a longing to keep moving.

What do you never forget to pack on your travels?

Black trousers, a torch and books.

Which passport stamp are you most proud of?

Pretty keen on my Mongolian one.

Gate of monastery in Mongolia p11

Do you have a favourite destination you return to as often as possible?

I loved Ethiopia, where I made part of a documentary, with a passion, and plan to return as soon as I can

Where would you like to go next…?

India again: filming but also savouring the fabulous variety of that stupendous country.

Taj Mahal India p11Who is your dream travel companion?

My husband; but I mostly travel now with a tiny film crew. We have become best friends and I love working with them.

Music plays a big part in your life too…why is it so important to you?

I was born listening to the greats… Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak, Chopin… on a wind-up gramophone in the Far East. I would suffocate with no music in my life.

What persuaded you to take on the role of Patron for Grange Park Opera (GPO)’s appeal for its exciting, new Theatre in the Woods?

It was the easiest decision I have ever made. I love what GPO does, and how it behaves: all are welcome and their standards are sky-high. The Theatre in the Woods is stunningly attractive and will be a new wonder of the glorious Surrey countryside.

Theatre in the Woods - model

What are your ambitions for this extraordinary new opera house, currently being built in 350 acres of Surrey countryside surrounding 15th century mansion West Horsley Place?

It will be utterly magical: the combination of the majesty of that ancient house and its grand spreading gardens, and the music and dance that will take place in the Theatre in the Woods will be unbeatable.

GPO initiatives such as £35 tickets for the under-35s seek to encourage the young to sample opera – do you recall your first performance? Grace Bumbry singing Aida in about 1964… awesome.

When the curtain rises on 8th June 2017, sum up in three words what you will be feeling…?

Thrilled, proud and happy.

If you could cast your perfect opera, who would perform and what would it be?

Maria Callas and Jussi Bjorling in Tosca. Hearing Callas singing Vissi d’arte is a masterclass in both singing and acting; she was truly as good as it gets. She knew exactly how to portray passion, despair, love and hatred, and Puccini’s music is sublime. Jussi Bjorling had a voice I would swim oceans to hear. A giant.

And if you had to describe yourself as a character in an opera, who would it be and why?

I would rather like to be the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro: although she has a rather wretched time with a scoundrel of a husband, she has an aria so lovely that whenever I hear the music beginning I start to sob hopelessly.

 

 

Costa Rica has long been regarded as the “Switzerland of the Americas”, with its peaceful history, lack of armed forces and scenic pasturelands; but it also boasts magnificent wildlife, a rugged Pacific coastline, as well as Caribbean beaches, 800 species of bird, four types of primate, two species of sloth, numerous snakes and insects. A nature lover’s paradise, where the countrywide emphasis on protection has allowed species to flourish.

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I visited in June and flew directly with BA to San Jose, staying overnight at the peaceful Hotel Grano de Oro, converted from a tropical Victorian mansion. An early start the next day (with breakfast boxes provided) was followed by a drive along the Pan American highway towards the Caribbean coast to Torteguero and the riverside Pachira Lodges (short flights are also an option). The last leg of our journey was by boat, a great way to start spotting wildlife – we saw caiman, geckos and red dart frogs.

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On arrival, we were immediately introduced to more of the celebrated Costa Rican wildlife, as monkeys can spring out at you at any moment! Boat trips along the river gave me the opportunity to spot more animals (such as armadillo, howler and spider monkeys, white-faced capuchins, lizards, turtles and a variety of birds) – I recommend either the 6am or 4pm trips for the best chance to see them active. July and August is the best time to go if you want to see the turtles laying their eggs.

An alternative hotel I also recommend was the Evergreen, which has 66 rooms and bungalows, a good pool area and plenty of activities on offer, as well as a canopy tour, kayaks and river guides.

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After a short flight with amazing views of Torteguero, the river and national park, we arrived back at San Jose and a nearby coffee plantation, before reaching Poas Volcano. One highlight of our stay at Relais & Chateaux property El Silencio in Bajos del Toro (approx. 1.5 hours from San Jose) was a walk to the waterfall; it is set in a 550-acre cloud forest reserve close to Poas Volcano Park.

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Next on our fascinating trip was Arenal, a very active destination for adrenaline junkies, activities range from hiking up Arenal or zip wiring to Zorbing. I chose to visit the hanging bridges of Mistico. Our first attempt was thwarted by an amazing thunder and lightning show; the guide was very informative about both flora and fauna. The Arena Springs Hotel is great for families, with 3 restaurants, some interconnecting rooms and pools heated from the hot springs. I partuclarly liked the Kiora Hotel, with rooms which have hot tubs and full views of the volcano.

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Following a drive down the Pacific coast – via a stop at Monteverde to see the wonderful sloths – we arrived in the town of Manuel Antonio, with a chance to relax by the sea. But wildlife is still never far away, with an early morning visit to the national park offering us the chance to see more sloths and especially capuchins, who seemed to know when we were due to eat our lunches on the beach and raided our backpacks!

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Arenas del Mar is a boutique hotel within walking distance of the national park and a good choice for those seeking relaxation. Si Coma No hotel has its own conservation programme of rescued alligators and is very popular with couples, as they boast amazing honeymoon suites with stunning views of the ocean. My hotel for two nights, The Parador Resort, is built high over the coastline in 12 acres of tropical rainforest with a resident sloth, another good option for families with 4 pools and a swim up bar for adults, tennis courts, spa and babysitting. Once again you have to be prepared for wildlife to carry on with their busy lives around you…

To discuss your adventure in Costa Rica or other parts of Central America, please call Susie & Terry on 01428 658777

Check out our latest Costa Rica OFFERS

 

The Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) is a spectacular natural phenomena which occurs in the northern hemisphere. Caused as a result of solar particles reacting with the upper atmosphere, they are vivid lights aroung the pole and a must-see for those with a spirit of adventure.

Screen Shot 2016-12-28 at 12.20.48Winter in Scandinavia is ideal for seeing the Northern Lights and although it is always a matter of luck whether they appear or not, there is always crisp, fresh air, pine forests and deep powdery snow to enjoy.

The magical Lofoten islands, an archipelago of beautiful islets stretching out from the Norwegian mainland offer guests the enchanting option of staying in a converted fisherman’s cottage overlooking the water, known as “Rorbu”, from where you will depart to seek the Northern Lights. A cruise from Hurtigruten in Norway, deep within the Arctic Circle is an ideal option for those who want to see more of the country’s coastline – as well as the diverse wildlife, such as sea eagles, pilot whales and orca.

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Iceland offers a huge variety of dramatic scenery and is ideal for a short, winter break in pursuit of the Lights. You can also experience the world-famous geysers and spectacular waterfalls on a tour of the so-called “Golden Circle” by a 4×4 “super jeep”, staying at the 4-star Hotel Borg in the capital, Reykjavik. If Jacuzzis are your passion, then do visit Hotel Ranga, which offers guests the chance to view the Lights while immersed in its open-air jacuzzi.

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Sweden also offers unique holidays to see the Lights in the heart of Swedish Lapland, staying at the incredible Ice Hotel (with sleeping bags and warm clothing provided). This is where you can also try snowmobiling, dog-sledding or a more relaxed, leisurely reindeer-sled ride, either during the day or night (for a more romantic option).

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For further details on the Northern Lights and Scandinavia, please call our expert Susie, on 01428 658777

Our current Northern Lights OFFER

 

Haslemere Travel is a very proud member of AITO Specialist Travel Agents.

AITO Specialist Travel Agents

While the large chains continually claim to be the number one travel agent in the UK they use only the one criteria – volume. When it comes to value for money, quality of product, original thinking, innovative ideas and customer satisfaction, they are well down the list.

Mass market tour operators cannot hope to provide the same expertise and local knowledge as a small specialist, which is why the smaller companies always top the list in the major Travel Awards. The quality of product and unique experience ensure a high level of repeat business for specialist operators.

If you already have a special interest or are keen to learn something new, then a holiday is the ideal time to give it your full attention, from gentle and relaxing to action packed, AITO Specialist Travel Agents members can find just the right holiday for you, at the right price.

AITO Specialist Travel Agents was formed to promote choice and quality and is the preferred retail arm of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. Members are totally independent of all the major UK travel groups and offer a range of specialist products not generally available through the large High Street travel agency chains.

SYS Logo 2016

We are delighted to be once again organising the Surrey Young Superstars awards this year, in association with the county’s largest voluntary youth organisation representative Surrey Youth Focus.

Now in their fourth year, we are immensely proud of these countywide awards, which we founded in 2012 to recognise and reward the varied achievements and efforts of young people aged 5-19 years.

Trophies and certificates

The awards are free to enter – and this year the award winners will receive their star trophies and certificates from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux at a special awards ceremony on Sunday, May 8th at the Guildford Harbour Hotel in Guildford, Surrey.

Tracy Edwards and Winners Best
Surrey Young Superstars 2015 Winners

New for this year is a Community Superstar category, so if you know of a deserving individual or group who have gone that extra mile for their community, then do please enter them now.

 

Other award categories include Caring Superstar, Courageous Superstar, Fundraising Superstar (aged 5-12), Fundraising Superstar (aged 13-19) and Volunteering Superstar. Full details of the Entry Criteria are attached here.

All the Highly Commendeds & VIPS
Surrey Young Superstars 2015 Highly Commended

The awards are generously sponsored by the Guildford office of international real estate adviser Savills, the Guildford Harbour Hotel and Surrey Life magazine. This year they are also in support of Surrey-based charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

 

Gemma Antrobus, owner of Haslemere Travel, founder and joint organiser said: “We remain extremely proud of the Surrey Young Superstars awards and its past worthy winners. I am looking forward to hearing more about what selfless, talented and enthusiastic young people in our beautiful county have achieved over this past year.

 

Surrey Youth Focus CEO, Cate Newnes-Smith said: “Surrey Youth Focus is delighted to be partnering Haslemere Travel for the Surrey Young Superstars 2016. Through our Communilab Community we are promoting ways in which businesses and the voluntary youth sector can come together to serve young people in Surrey, and this is a fantastic example. We look forward to celebrating young people’s achievements at the ceremony in May.”

Surrey Young Superstars 2015 Mini Movie Clip – Watch Now!

The awards are open for nominations now!

FINAL Rules Criteria A4 2016 PRINT

FINAL Entry Form Fillable A4 PRINT 1 copy FINAL Entry Form Fillable A4 PRINT copy

 

For the 10th year running, Haslemere Travel are delighted to announce that we have been hand picked by Belmond, a collections of iconic hotels, trains and river cruises, as one of a select few UK Travel Agents to join their exclusive ‘Bellini Club’.

The invitation-only Bellini Club has been developed to forge a closer relationship between Belmond and the very best agencies throughout the world, in order to not only grow the brand, but to provide the agencies clients with EXCLUSIVE benefits, not available anywhere else.

 

As a Haslemere Travel client, when booking any of the Belmond hotels, trains or cruises (please see below) you will receive:

  • Complimentary upgrade at the time of check in, subject to availability.
  • VIP amenities and a personalised welcome from the General Manager.
  • When spending over 5,000 US dollars on an Belmond experience, you will receive a 500 US dollar gift voucher to be redeemed on a future Belmond reservation – terms & conditions apply.
  • Complimentary high-speed internet access with any room type booking
  • The hottest deals available in advance.
  • Exclusive journey’s, master classes and offers.
The team at Haslemere Travel have visited a great number of the Belmond hotels and have also experienced their train journeys, so have first hand experience to help guide you to the most suitable of these iconic properties.  Always on hand to discuss your next travel adventure, please call the team on 01428 658 777 or visit us in the shop.

 

A little reminder of the collection:

Europe

Belmond Grand Hotel Europe – St Petersburg, Russia
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo- Sicily, Italy
Belmond Hotel Caruso – Ravello, Italy
Belmond Hotel Cipriani – Venice, Italy
Belmond Hotel Splendido – Portofino, Italy
Belmond La Residencia – Mallorca, Spain
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – Oxfordshire, UK
Belmond Reid’s Palace – Madeira, Portugal
Belmond Villa San Michele – Florence, Italy
Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea – Sicily, Italy
Belmond Afloat in France – Burgundy, Languedoc
Belmond British Pullman – UK
Belmond Royal Scotsman – Edinburgh, Scotland
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – Europe
The Grand Hibernian – Ireland

Belmond Cadogan – London

Asia

Belmond Governor’s Residence – Yangon, Myanmar
Belmond Jimbaran Puri Bali – Bali, Indonesia
Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor – Siem Reap, Cambodia
Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao – Luang Prabang, Laos
Belmond Napasai – Koh Samui, Thailand
Belmond Road To Mandalay – Ayeyarwady River, Myanmar
Eastern & Oriental Express – Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand

 

North America

’21’ – New York, New York
Belmond Charleston Place – Charleston, S.C.
Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara, California
Belmond The Inn at Perry Cabin – St. Michaels, Maryland

 

Caribbean & Mexico

Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada – San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Belmond La Samanna – St. Martin, French West Indies
Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa, Mexico

Belmond Cap Juluca – Anguilla

 

South America

Belmond Copacabana Palace – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas – Iguaçu National Park, Brazil
Belmond Hotel Monasterio – Cuzco, Peru
Belmond Palacio Nazarenas – Cuzco, Peru
Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado – Sacred Valley, Peru
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge – Machu Picchu, Peru
Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel – Lima, Peru
Belmond Hiram Bingham – The Andes, Peru

Belmond Andean Explorer – Peru

Belmond Las Casitas – Peru

 

Southern Africa


Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel – Cape Town, South Africa
Belmond Safaris – Botswana

The ultimate travel curator and connoisseur, Belmond embraces a global collection of 45 iconic hotels, trains and river cruises. Their diverse portfolio brings together some of the world’s most thrilling journeys and destinations.

You’ll find Belmond in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. The great travel experiences range from Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice to Rio’s Belmond Copacabana Palace, from the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train to Belmond Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg. Journey across the Andes, through IndoChina and around Italy’s most famous sights.

Masters of the art of hospitality, Belmond are known for adding inspiration to celebratory occasions of every kind, from discreet dining to takeovers of entire hotels.

Recruiting

LEISURE TRAVEL SALES CONSULTANT

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our award winning team in Haslemere, Surrey.

  • Full time, experienced, leisure travel sales consultant – to start as soon as possible.
  • Working hours – Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:30
  • Share on the Saturday rota 09:30 to 13:00, with a half day in lieu the following week (approx 2-3 per month)
  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
  • Travel sales consultants are expected to travel at least twice per year, on educational visits, to experience new hotel and destinations – usually 1 x short haul + 1 x long haul  – These trips are fully funded by Haslemere Travel
  • Training opportunities in the form of conferences, networking and dinners hosted by our top suppliers
  • Competitive salary with an additional annual bonus (performance dependent)
  • A variety of travel related benefits

To apply for this position, please submit you CV, a summary of your destination & product experience and covering letter to Gemma Antrobus – [email protected]

  • Applicants must be able to travel to Haslemere (GU27) each day
  • Applicants must have the correct passport and visa requirements to work in the UK
  • Be confident in selling leisure travel in a face to face environment and have a good telephone manner
  • Have a good knowledge of the independent, luxury travel market
  • Understand how to plan holidays bespoke to clients requirements
  • Computer literacy is imperative and knowledge of the GDS (Gal) is a bonus, but not essential

Without doubt this was one of those trips that really did take my breath away.  All members of the team at Haslemere Travel are exceptionally fortunate to sample the beautiful destinations that we send our clients to on a couple of occasions each year.  It is important that we can make personal recommendations to our clients and ensure that we meet each individuals specific needs and what better way than to try for ourselves.

Haslemere Travel is a privileged members of the Belmond (formerly Orient Express) ‘Bellini Club’ for many years.  One of only 21 agents in the UK and 200 in the world. Our status ensures that Haslemere Travels clients are always given the top VIP treatments when staying at any of their properties, trains or boats. In March 2014 Orient Express under went a rebrand to the name Belmond – a collection of iconic hotels, trains and river cruises.  I was interested to see how the brand change had affected three of their most prestigious properties and was therefore very excited to accompany a group of luxury agents and Kirker Holidays to Florence and Venice. Flying into Pisa with BA made perfect sense, as there is a great selection of flights and times to choose from.  An easy hours drive to the center of Florence and we were sat in the sun enjoying some traditional Italian fare and watching the passers by.

 

The afternoon was spent exploring the city with the most amazing guide, Francesca, who treated us to the Renaissance wonders at the Uffizi gallery.  A guide is an absolute must, especially if you stay is only short.  In only a few hours we had seen the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Titian, but my favorites would have to be Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and The Holy Family by Michelangelo.

Following an afternoon in the bustling center of Florence, it was a welcome delight to work our way up into the hills overlooking the city and arrive at the highly anticipated Belmond Villa San Michele.  Dating from the 15th century, the Villa’s facade is attributed to Michelangelo; you can probably tell that he is fast becoming my favorite.

The traditional villa is majestic atop of the hillside and the Italian terraced gardens are dotted with sweet smelling lemon trees and fragrant roses – the perfect place for a glass of Prosecco in the sun.  Meals are taken on the terrace overlooking the city, if the weather allows, however the rooms within the villa are decadently furnished and would be perfect for those chillier nights.  With a pool, fitness center and massage gazebo, the melee of tourist jostling to take the perfect ‘selfie’ in the center of the city seemed like a million miles away.  A children’s club is available from May to September and rooms can be kitted out with all the necessary child friendly amenities.  It was a sad event to leave this gorgeous property, but more wonders awaited us in Venice.

The private high-speed train from Florence to Venice took only 2 hours. At times we reached over 300km per hour! Stepping out of the Stazione St Lucia, the site that met we was everything I had imagined Venice to be. The ten-minute water taxi ride took us along the Grand Canal and was the perfect position to sample Venice at its best. A variety of gondola’s moored patiently outside the impressive facades of the many hotels and museums that Venice has to offer, with direct water access being a primary feature. We moored for lunch at the Londra Palace, situated just a few steps from St Marks Square and overlooking St Marks Basin. The promenade in front of the hotel is rare in Venice but as we sat on the terrace of the Do Leoni restaurant the view was not lost upon us.

The afternoon was spent with an expert guide on a whistle stop tour of the Doges Palace. Of particular interest was the world famous Bridge of Sighs, linking the Doges Palace with the prisons, which once held captive Giacomo Casanova. The Bridge of Sighs was supposed to refer to the sighs of prisoners who, passing from the courtroom to the cell in which they would serve their sentence, took a last look at freedom as they glimpsed the lagoon and San Giorgio through the small windows.  As afternoon turned to dusk, it was time for us to leave behind our espresso cups and gelato in St Marks Square and board the exclusive motor launch that takes guests to one of the worlds most iconic hotels, Belmond Cipriani. There are few people who do not know of the wonders of this world famous hotel, so my expectations were high! Five minutes by boat and you arrive at the island of Giudecca.

The Belmond Cipriani exudes classic Venetian style and has all the amenities you would expect from a world-class hotel. Dining in the wonderfully glamorous, yet informal Cips Club that evening was exceptional, with its views overlooking St Marks square, the icing on the cake. As with any top hotel, it is not only the fixtures and fittings that make it a special place, but the team behind the scenes and front of house that truly add the ‘je ne sais pas’ to a wondrous stay. Its no wonder that Cipriani regular, George Clooney, chose to return here as part of his wedding celebrations. After a fabulous night sleep and a delicious breakfast overlooking the lagoon, it was time to move on, but more excitement awaited us as we arrived at the Santa Lucia station. There really isn’t a more beautiful train than the Venice Simplon Orient Express. Having never been a huge train enthusiast, I was intrigued to discover exactly how this could possibly be the most luxurious way to travel between Venice and London. From the moment of embarking the train in Venice a steward is on hand (ours was David), dedicated only to the passengers in his carriage, for every minute of your journey. I know this as I accidently pressed the emergency button in the middle of the night whilst trying to find the light switch and a minute later a VSOE pajama clad David was at my door (I felt very foolish and full of apologies). We were scheduled to dine in the second seating for both lunch and dinner, so enjoyed plenty of ‘fizz’ after the train departed at 11am, followed by a quick explore of the carriages. The marquetry was beyond beautiful and with three dining cars (one for each meal – lunch, dinner and brunch), each of a different style, my favourite was adorned with Lalique glass, where we enjoyed a sumptuous dinner.

The sheer pleasure of the VSOE is its timeless elegance and the opportunity to do absolutely nothing. Beyond a stroll through the carriages, possibly chatting with other passengers and listening to their travel tales, there is nowhere else to go. We did stop momentarily in Innsbruck to change drivers and stretch our legs. A good companion or book is the perfect accompaniment to the stunning views (mainly Austria) and of course the amazing food and wine that seem to flow freely during the journey. Apart from a brief interlude to change for dinner and of course overnight, it does feel like you are enjoying gourmet cuisine non-stop.

With no en-suite facilities I was puzzled as to how I would dress for a black-tie dinner, but the facilities in the cabin were just adequate to glam oneself up. Cocktails before dinner with a pianist playing on a baby grand piano, followed by an exquisite dinner prepared in a kitchen no larger than a large broom cupboard, once again the VSOE failed to disappoint. On returning to my cabin, David had re adjusted the interior to set up a very comfy bed with full turn down amenities. I slept like a log and woke up in Paris the following morning, where a light continental breakfast was served in my cabin.

Some guests do depart or embark in Paris, but our journey was to take us on to Calais, where we would leave the beautiful VSOE, cross the Channel and meet the Orient Express British Pullman in Folkestone and enjoy the final leg our journey to London Victoria, whilst enjoying afternoon tea and British sparkling fizz.

This is a trip that everyone must do at some point in their life! I had imagined that all those aboard the VSOE were of retirement age and above, but I chatted to a few young couples who were on honeymoon and a two best friends who were enjoying this as a joint 40th birthday treat.

It really was the most magical experience and one that I will never forget. Needless to say I’m quite taken by train travel now…as long as it’s the Orient Express way.

For further information on this experience or any other travel adventure please call us on 01428 658777.

Tracy Edwards and Winners Best

More than 30 deserving young people, aged from 12 to 19 years-old and from all areas of Surrey, were rewarded on Sunday 10th May at the Surrey Young Superstars 2015 awards, receiving their trophies and certificates from celebrated round-the-world yachtswoman  and Just a Drop patron, Tracy Edwards MBE.

Trophies and certificates

The ceremony took place at Guildford’s Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel and was organised by the team at Haslemere Travel, in partnership with the county’s largest voluntary youth organisation representative, Surrey Youth Focus.

Romeo Johnston-Hakke & mum

Terence Arnold & family

The awards showcased the many achievements of young people in Surrey, as well as raising awareness of Just a Drop.

Gemma Tracy Brendan Just a Drop

The 2015 award categories and their winners are:

Caring Superstar: 14 year-old Ronnie Barley

Individual Fundraising Superstar (5-12 years): (now 13 year-old) Josh Bryan

Individual Fundraising Superstar (13-19 years): 17 year-old Luke Kitterman

Volunteering Superstar (Individual): 19 year-old Samuel Wong

Volunteering Superstar (Group): Surrey Heath Youth Council

Enterprise Superstar: Epsom & Ewell PHAB youth club

Courageous Superstar: 14 year-old Bella Symons

Jessica Bloomfield & high Sheriff[8]

Tracy Susanne-Marie Scouts best[8]

The overall winner of the top award, Superstar of the Year, was Ronnie Barley, who also received an ‘Adopt An Animal’ prize from the Surrey Wildlife Trust.

Gemma Antrobus, managing director of founder and joint awards organiser Haslemere Travel said: “Now in their third year, once again Surrey Young Superstars was a wonderful showcase for young people in Surrey – demonstrating their community spirit, unsung bravery and hard work. The judges were hugely impressed by the record number of entries we received and the Haslemere Travel team wish many congratulations to all of the worthy winners.”

All the Highly Commendeds & VIPS

Surrey Youth Focus CEO, Cate Newnes-Smith said: “The event was a fantastic celebration of the positive and inspiring achievements made by young people in Surrey. Voluntary youth organisations from across the county put forward nominations, and we would like to encourage all those supporting young people to get in touch via surreyyouthfocus.org.uk to find out how they could be involved next year.”

Surrey Young Superstars 2015 Mini Movie Clip – Watch Now!

Keep up to date with Surrey Young Superstars news……

@SurreyYoungStar /  @HaslemereTravel  /  @SurreyYF 

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Japan truly is the most wondrous destination.  In only 12 hours you arrive into a country that is not only stunning, with its four very distinct seasons but also equally as culturally rich.

As a first time visitor to Japan I took a route taking in Tokyo, Hakone (to see Mt Fuji), Kyoto and Osaka – a great option for a first timer.  This journey enabled me to sample an equal mix of modern and traditional with transportation in between on the world famous Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train).

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Staying in the Roppongi Hills district of Tokyo, in the cities tallest building, The Ritz Carlton Tokyo has stunning views of a distant Mount Fuji.

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The location is perfect to self navigate the Tokyo Metro and cross the city from monuments and temples to up scale retail shopping districts.

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Whilst you are in Tokyo you must visit the Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple, two fabulous examples of the rich cultural heritage of Japan.  Why not also visit a ‘Cat Cafe’ or ‘Rabbit Cafe’!  I had envisaged a Starbucks style set up, with cats running round, but instead I was surprised to find a 5th floor pristine apartment with a very strict ‘cat mother’ who vetted and controlled everyone who entered.  The cats welfare was paramount and the colour of the cats collar dictated whether they could be touched…..all rather bizarre, but worth the visit! Even if shopping isn’t your favourite past time you must venture to the Harajuku area where all the shopping teens dress to impress in their most cute outfits!

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At night Tokyo takes on another life!  The vibrant colour of the advertising billboards are mesmerising and the vast array of eateries is mind blowing.  Knowing the right people in Japan is definitely the best way to make the most of your trip and our ‘guide’ took us to an Izakaya, a tiny restaurant that only took 7 people and one we would have never found without his assistance.  In only the size of a small box room, the most delicious meal was prepared in front of us and we ate until we were full.  Other interesting diners joined us and we chatted for hours, enthralled by each others culture – an absolute must……if you can find it.

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If you fancy being adventurous at night and would like to experience some of the more bazaar side of Tokyo then book at table at the Robot Restaurant – an experience that words cannot convey!

With our short trip to Tokyo over we boarded the Shinkansen for a quick ride to Hakone, known for its natural occurring hot springs (Onsen).  Also a great place to stay if you plan to venture a little closer to Mount Fuji.  Sadly the weather was against us and we only made it as far as Ōwakudani (The home of the black egg), so seeing Fuji up close was not meant to be.

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Onwards to Kyoto!  Formerly the Imperial city of Japan, Kyoto is like a step back in time, a world apart from the frenetic vibe of Tokyo.  All buildings are low rise (including the hotels) and just ooze with stories of an extraordinary and mysterious era.

IMG_0735_FotorTraditional Geisha and Meiko can occasionally be seen on the street but it is more common to see young people dressed in Kimono, particularly at the weekends.  If you are daring enough you can hire a Kimono for the day, which is a novel idea as this gains you free entry into many of the temples and attractions.

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The Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-Ji) is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto.  Surrounded by a beautiful strolling garden, ponds and waterfalls, the building who’s top two floors are adorned with pure gold leaf and is a real wonder to behold.

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The polar opposite to the Golden pavilion is the Nishiki Market.  This narrow, five block long shopping street is lined with more than 100 shops and restaurants. A real bustling vibe specialising in anything food related.  From personalised chop sticks to sweet pickles and sushi.

 

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Osaka, similarly to Tokyo is fast paced and exciting.  This is a city for food lovers and has been rumoured to be the Food Capital of the World.  A must try dish is Okonomiyaki, a Japanese savoury pancake, grilled in front of you – absolutely delicious!

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No trip to Osaka would be complete without tickets to see the sumo.  This full contact wrestling sport is an all day affair and starts early in the morning with the youngest competitors.  By early evening the stakes have risen to the most senior athletes and the atmosphere is electric.  An extremely ritualistic sport and one that lasts for mere seconds, but non-the less exciting.

IMG_0800_Fotor_CollageI did indeed see so much during my short visit to Japan, but this gave me a taste for discovering the wider countryside where skiing is world class in Hokkaido and the beaches are pristine on the coasts of the Izu Peninsula and on the west coast of Okinawa Honto……….next time!

 

To find out more about Japan, please do call Gemma or any member of the Haslemere Travel team on 01428 658777.

 

 

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