Slovenia joins Kirker’s short break selection

Jan. 30, 2014 - PRLog -- Spring may still be a while away yet, but what better way to prepare for its arrival than by planning a restorative short break with specialist tour operator, Kirker Holidays? With 28 years’ experience of creating tailor-made itineraries for discerning travellers to city, coast and countryside locations across Europe and beyond, Kirker’s expert team can assemble all the essential ingredients for an unforgettable escape.

New to Kirker’s programme for 2014 is Slovenia. Eminently suitable for short break enthusiasts seeking to discover a new part of the Mediterranean or as part of a longer, multi-centre itinerary, this is a country of captivating scenery and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Kirker offers a fine selection of hand-picked accommodation in Slovenia, including:

LJUBLJANA: Three nights at the four-star superior Antiq Palace hotel – a 16^th century former private residence in the heart of the old town that has been converted into a quirky, private hotel – are from £498 pp*.

LAKE BLED: In the heart of the Julian Alps to the north of Ljubljana, Lake Bled’s unspoilt mountain scenery and unhurried atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing few days. Three nights at the four-star Grand Hotel Toplice – a traditional hotel set directly on the lake with spa, private summer beach and indoor, natural spring water swimming pool – are from £569 pp*.

SLOVENIAN COUNTRYSIDE: Choose from two featured hotels, both Relais & Châteaux properties in superb rural settings. Located in an historic castle on an island in the middle of the Krka river, the beautifully-restored, five-star superior Castle Otocec blends traditional materials with striking contemporary design, offering 16 rooms and an impressive gastronomic restaurant. Three nights are from £768 pp*.

Active types will adore the four-star superior Kenda Manor, a former noble family’s home that’s perfectly placed for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking in the glorious surrounding countryside, as well as for day trips to local castles, war museums and vineyards. Three nights are from £739 pp*.

PORTOROZ: Set between Trieste to the north and Istria to the south, Portoroz promises a lively resort atmosphere during the summer, whilst remaining popular in May and September. Three nights at the five-star superior Kempinski Palace Portoroz - a grand, 19^th century palace that has been transformed with great style and panache into 180-room hotel - are from £798 pp*.

Kirker’s programme in Croatia has expanded for 2014. Joining Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korcula, Split and Zagreb as delightful destinations for Kirker clients seeking a single or multi-centre holiday are:

ISTRIA: Indulge in an irresistible combination of delicious cuisine, warm sunshine, divine beaches and a wealth of historic sites on this mountainous Mediterranean peninsula. Three nights at the four-star superior Hotel Mauro, a characterful property in the heart of the Roman city of Porec, are from £528 pp*.

ROVINJ: Magnificent in the evening light, when its distinctive skyline is arguably at its most impressive, this ancient city is brimming with good bars and restaurants, as well as a lively holiday atmosphere during balmy summer evenings. Three nights at the four-star Villa Tuttorotto, a charming boutique hotel with just seven rooms, are from £638 pp*

Also new for 2014 are:

In TURKEY: Fast becoming fashionable with discerning travellers from both Turkey and beyond, the once sleepy village of Alaçati is now known for its stylish boutique hotels, shops, art galleries and excellent restaurants, all dotted delightfully within the whitewashed stone buildings of its cobbled streets. Stay three nights at the traditional and homely Incirli Ev guest house - a scenic ten-minute stroll from the village centre - from £598 pp*.

Nestled high above its own private bay with breath-taking views of volcanic islands and exclusive beaches lies the five-star superior D-Hotel Maris, on the Datça Peninsula – a rugged region on the southern tip of the Aegean coast with a rich historic past. Three nights’ half board, including a choice of restaurants serving Turkish, Italian, Asian and fresh local seafood, are from £958 pp*.

Kirker’s heartlands of France, Italy and Spain have not been overlooked in the 2014 short breaks brochure, either, with the Dordogne region, Elba and Cadiz all new additions for the coming year. Enjoy three nights amid the grandeur of the three-star Château de la Fleunie, close to the pretty Dordogne village of Condat, from £498 pp*, soak up some sophisticated island life at three-star superior Cernia Isola Botanica - set in one of Elba’s most verdant areas – from £598 pp*, or indulge in an Andalucian sojourn at the four-star superior Parador de Cadiz, a strikingly modern parador that enjoys a prominent beach-side position in the city’s historic centre, where three nights are from £798 pp*.

And, as one would expect from a short break specialist with its established pedigree, Kirker continues to include an array of complimentary extras with its clients’ itineraries.  In Paris, gain access to many of the city’s cultural highlights with a 48-hour Museum Pass, enjoy guaranteed entrance to either the Prado, Thyssen or Reina Sofia museums in Madrid, or visit one of the world’s most important chambers of art whilst in Vienna – the Kunstkammer at the Kunsthistoriches Museum. Short breaks to Berlin include a 72-hour ‘Museuminsel’ card, encompassing the five museums on the city’s famous Museum Island, Acropolis Museum tickets are included for clients booking an Athens escape and, for discerning travellers heading to Amsterdam, choose either complimentary entrance to the Van Gogh Museum or the world-renowned and recently re-opened Rijksmuseum.

New additions for 2014 include a 72-hour Museum Pass for visitors to Bruges, which includes access to the Flemish masters in the Groeninge Museum, and a private walking tour with an expert local guide in Prague – the perfect way to gain a real insight into the history of this fascinating city.

*Unless otherwise stated, prices include flights (London – regional departures available on request), transfers or car hire, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker’s guide notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge to book an expert local guide, tickets to the opera or a table for dinner, etc., as required. For further information on booking a Kirker short break or longer holiday – including the latest selection of special offers - contact Kirker Holidays on 020 7593 2283 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com.

Ends

29 January 2014

Press:  Contact Karen Carpenter at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email k.carpenter@travelpr.co.uk. At Kirker Holidays, please contact Ted Wake, Sales & Marketing Director, on 020 7593 2281.