Welcome this weekend to Malev Hungarian airlines whose aircraft will arrive in Dublin tomorrow in preparation for the first flight from Ireland to Budapest on Monday. Definitely one to put on the short break holiday list. Flights will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays and Friday, and returning on Sunday, Monday and Thursday - making two- and three-day breaks possible. A number of tour operators have put together very reasonable packages to Budapest, with prices from £299 for flights and accommodation for two nights. Tour operators include Go Holidays, Arrow Tours, Alan Lynch Travel, Concorde Travel and Neenan Travel.
Sorrento, often described as one of the most romantic places in Italy, is brought to you, direct from Dublin on October 9th, 16th or 23rd, by Topflight. One week in the four-star Bristol Hotel including flights will cost £635 per person sharing. Details from your local travel agent or from Topflight 01-679 9177.
A recent day-visit to Dublin by two cruise ships gave me the opportunity to see what cruising is all about. Both ships were visiting Dublin as part of their round Britain and Ireland cruises and were opposite ends of the cruise experience. The first, Splendour of the Seas, is one of the Royal Caribbean Line ships. It impressed me with its enormity - 1,800 people can live comfortably and in great comfort on this ship. On board there is a full theatre, swimming pool and leisure centre, nightclub, a selection of bars, a Las Vegas style casino and facilities for teens and children. Prices will not shock, when you consider that it is an all-inclusive holiday. For example, the 11-night Southern Caribbean cruise from December 28th to celebrate the millennium will cost from £1,279.
The other ship visited was the opposite end of the cruise world. The MV Silver Cloud is one of the Silversea Line ships and accommodates 280 or so passengers. Silversea was voted the world's best cruiseline by the readers of Conde Nast's Traveler Awards and best small deluxe ship in the British Cruise Awards. The Silver Cloud can best be described as a small luxury hotel on the waves. Every cabin has a sea view and most have verandas and thick carpets, with chandeliers reflected in the glittering brass. This is the kind of ship where you can imagine champagne and cigars at the blackjack tables. Diamonds and dressing for dinner are not out of place. Silversea prices are fully inclusive of tips. You can get copies of both companies' brochures from Cruise World, 1890 2278473 or your local travel agent.
The year 2000 is significant for Christians, and Italy will celebrate next year as a Jubilee or Holy Year and many pilgrims are expected to visit the country. If you are planning to visit Italy next year then you are going to need the Pilgrim's Card - tour operators will supply it with the package. The card is a means of facilitating every pilgrim's participation in events and to regulate the flow of pilgrims visiting Rome. The Italian tourism website is worth a visit, at www.piuitalia2000.it