One place in the world you will be guaranteed a great welcome and get terrific value is Egypt. Following the tragedy at Luxor last November the Egyptian Government have increased security for tourists without being intrusive. They have also being using the time to do some improvement works in Luxor. At the moment prices for a seven-night stay in a four-star hotel in Luxor start at £469 and £569 for a combination cruise and hotel holiday. In the summer, prices will reduce to £349 and £469. In some cases there are no single room supplements. Michael Stein Travel have continued to sell Egypt and their next classical tour will be from March 14th for nine days and costs £1,189. Tel: 01 475 5401.
The countries of Scandinavia have a lot to offer Irish visitors. From city breaks in Copenhagen and castles in Denmark. Opera in Finland, and one of the biggest Irish folk music festival in the world. Glaciers, icebergs, waterfalls, shimmering lakes, geysers, volcanoes and lava fields in Iceland. Cruising up the spectacular coastline of Norway. Golfing and viewing the Swedish royal traditions. Or to take in as much as possible in the "Land of the Midnight Sun", a voyage to the North Cape. This unique 11-day trip by air, ship and coach will give you long-lasting memories of a most unusual journey. Brochure and details from Home & Abroad Travel (01) 475 1177 and Rory McDyer Travel (01) 833 5100.
Expect the unexpected, prepare for the weird, be ready for surprises. What a great description for the St Patrick's Festival in Dublin. Based this year on the theme of magic, the festival promises to be even better than last year. Beginning on Saturday March 14th with the "Symphony of Fire" on the River Liffey combining music and fireworks. And the finale a "Monster Ceili" on Tuesday following the parade. For four days the city will be transformed with music, dance, sport, art, pageantry, fireworks, carnival and rhythm. Be there for the atmosphere.
If you are planning on visiting Jersey this year then a place to visit has to be The Old Court Hotel where head chef David Cullen from Dublin has been awarded the new Michelin "Knife & Fork" symbol for excellence in pub food. The Old Court Hotel overlooks the picturesque St Aubin's Bay. If you are interested in food, an ideal time to visit Jersey would be during the Good Food Festival which takes place from May 23rd-31st.
Do you feel lucky? What do you think the chances for the Grand National are this year? My one experience of the Grand National was falling ice and snow that only stopped half an hour before the race. So will it be bomb scares, false starts or something new this year. You can be there with an exclusive group of racegoers, organised by Winning Breaks. The cost of £285 sterling will include your accommodation in a fourstar hotel on Friday night, dinner and breakfast, members ticket to the Grand National with seat, race card, racing papers and all going well a chance to walk the course before the race. You will be joined by racing expert Reg Green, who's knowledge of the Grand National and Aintree is encyclopedic. Winning Breaks organise racing tours for most of the big events, groups are small and usually include behind-the-scenes tours and talks. You can contact them at 3 Glenloch Road, London NW3 4BS, or Tel: 00 44 1717 586 2162, email: winbreaks@aol.com.