As a student, you may have been content to stay at hostels, scrimp on meals, or sleep on someone’s couch while you explored the world, but now, you have a taste of the good life. On holiday, you would like all the comforts of home – a bed with sumptuous linens, well-prepared gourmet meals, and a cozy room. You’re not alone. More than ever, travellers expect and want the best of everything during their holiday. Time is precious and a luxury holiday makes the most out of every moment. It’s the little details that count – silk slippers left at your bedside with turndown service, breakfast served in bed, and a towel warmer in the bathroom. That’s what a luxury travel experience gives you.
Luxury comes in many forms. An urban hotel may have an in-house spa, exercise facilities, and a member-only club floor. Throughout Africa, there are many luxurious tented camps that are nothing like the tent and sleeping bag experiences you might remember. Luxury camping might include a chef who prepares exquisite meals over an open fire, martinis served at sun set, and private wildlife viewing areas for guests only.
In the Maldives or Seychelles, luxury might mean a secluded villa, perched on stilts over the water, with boat-access only. Or it could be a private yacht, or a private jet, with just you and the crew onboard, catering to your every wish. Perhaps it’s one-on-one instruction on Tuscan cooking with a renowned pasta maker. What’s your idea of luxury? Go ahead and dream big.
In every corner of the planet, luxury holiday breaks are available, designed for you to sit back and be pampered with excellent service in superior accommodation. Your Travel Counsellor can put together holiday packages that meet, and exceed, every expectation.
From
€ 1,899
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Package Includes: View Full Details
- Stateroom based on 2 sharing - Balcony Stateroom
- Transfers to the ship from Barcelona Airport on day of sailing
- Gratuities, Taxes and Fees
- Private Welcome Cocktail Party with Derry
MADRID
Thursday 22nd February 2007

Travel Counsellor: Mary Foyle
Every year, myself and 3 buddies meet up for a short city break. Three of us live in Cork but Marie lives in Edinburgh and so the main reason for the weekend is to catch up on each others news. Our criteria is simple – good restaurants, a couple of decent pubs (not the loud disco variety) and some easy sightseeing.
In February 2007, we headed to Madrid for 3 nights. We all arrived at more or less the same time and checked into our hotel – the Eurostars el Coloso just off the Gran Via in Madrid. Whilst the hotel was quite basic for a 4 star, the location was fantastic – just off the Gran Via which is the main street running through Madrid. Once unpacked, we headed out for some ‘Tapas and Rioja’!
Within a 5 minute walk of the hotel, we arrived at the ‘Puerta del Sol’. This is considered to be the actual ‘centre’ of Madrid - it is from here that all distances are measured. The square itself was buzzing with humanity and just off the square were lots of cobblestone streets with... view full story
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