Sunshine and relaxation in the Dordogne

Sunshine and relaxation in the Dordogne

I have been visiting the Dordogne for many years now, we are not big fans of returning to the same place, but we make the Dordogne an exception and visit it every three years with the same friends, staying in the same place! It is a truly beautiful area of France, the impressive Dordogne River meanders peacefully through the countryside, passing by sleepy medieval villages and towns, impressive castles and chateaus, and fields of bright yellow sun flowers. It is the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries.

We always take the ferry and drive down (so we can bring back wine), but there are daily flights into Bergerac and Brive. We stay in a private rented farmhouse with its own swimming pool, situated in Grolejac. It is about a 15 minute drive from Sarlat-la-Canéda; nestling in the heart of Périgord Noir and dating back to the 14th century, it is an architectural treasure not to be missed. My advice is to plan your visit for a Wednesday or a Saturday to experience its traditional French market. The whole area is a gastronomic delight where you can sample foie gras, truffles, cepes, chestnuts, walnuts, strawberries, the cabecou goat’s cheeses, wines, duck and geese conserves (confits) and pork conserves (enchauds). Be prepared to put on a few pounds!

Wine is one of our passions and we now have favourite vineyards we visit each time we go. The wine regions we visit include Bergerac (dry white, rosé and red wine), Monbazillac (desert wine), Saussignac (desert wine) and Pécharmant (red wine). Most of the vineyards are open daily for wine tasting, although they do tend to close at lunchtime between 12-2pm. You can just turn up and taste; you will meet people passionate about the wine they produce, always willing to tell you all about it. A day driving around the vineyards is tough on the driver, but well worth it for everyone else, and if like us you drive down, make sure you leave room in the car to bring a few bottles (or more) back.

If castles and chateaus are your thing, then the Dordogne is the place for you; highly recommended to visit include Chateau de Beynac, Le Chateau de Castlenaud and Chateau Fenelon. Kayaking along the river is a great way to see these magnificent buildings. Two other gems not to be missed are Domme, a bastide town situated 150 meters above the Dordogne River, it boasts some of the most spectacular views of the surrounding countryside you will see and it still retains its original fortified walls and gateways; and Rocamadour, set in a gorge, its buildings rise in stages up the side of a cliff, its one paved street is lined with delightful medieval houses. It is a famous pilgrimage destination and the Grand Escalier of 216 steps will take you up to the shrine of the Madonna and the sanctuaries above.

Our holiday this year was as enjoyable as ever, we were joined by my sister and brother-in-law visiting from New Zealand and they just loved it, roll-on 2017…

Helen - Cheylesmore Office

Hi Helen,

 

Hope you are well and have had a great summer. Sorry it’s taken me so long to get in touch with you after our holiday to Salou, but wanted to let you know we had a great time away and everything worked out well. It was a decent hotel, we loved the all-inclusive option (especially the kids with the ice-cream!) and appreciated everything being arranged for us by you and the team at Carrick Travel.

 

So thank you very much!

Dubai - First class service

Dubai - First class service

“So, what’s Dubai like?” I asked a colleague before heading out for my first Middle East trip. “It’s hot” he said. “Gee. Thanks”, I replied, “and let me guess, there’s sand too?” Before my facetious remark could settle he was off into a meeting leaving me to ponder why he couldn’t have spared another moment to describe Dubai a bit more.  After spending a week there for business and pleasure I came to understand that he may have needed more than just another moment.

The holiday portion of my trip began after a 3 day conference and I was certainly ready for some R&R. I met my wife at our hotel around 10am expecting to store our bags for a check-in later that afternoon but the hotel staff at The Address, Dubai Marina were well-prepared to accept us and checked us in early. It was great to find that the outstanding local service I had become accustomed to during the conference wasn’t limited to big-spending businesses. Our room had a lovely balcony that looked over Dubai Marina offering a view of the world’s tallest twisted building, Cayan Tower. We were tempted to switch on the “do not disturb” button and rest the day away in the comfort of our spacious room but adventures awaited us elsewhere. 

Before tiredness could creep in we popped our towels and trunks into a bag and headed off to Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, on The Palm. Switching between a leisurely float along the circuitous rapids and the park’s more thrilling rides was a great way to spend a day after the long hours of a conference or, in my wife’s case, a long-haul flight. She did however opt out of the park’s ultimate thrill - Poseidon’s Revenge (check it out on YouTube or, in the words of their own website “step into a capsule and wait for the moment when the floor falls out beneath you and you begin to plummet through a waterslide at speeds of 60 kilometres per hour before the fury of Poseidon’s revenge propels you upside down.”) I thought it was insanely fun! 

For the following 5 days I was inclined to permanently set up at our glorious hotel pool. I knew however that the sun would always be shining and there would be plenty of time to enjoy a swim so we decided to do some exploring. First up was a desert safari.

Our safari guide drove us less than an hour outside of the city in a 4WD where we encountered a land of unending sand dunes. Before the dune-bashing commenced we were treated to a spot of falconry and a photo with a friendly camel. The following journey over the undulating dunes took us to a bedouin camp where a wide array of local foods were on offer along with belly dancing, camel-riding and a shisha under a multitude of stars. This really was something quite different and it was a great experience.

The following day I was determined to show my wife the Burj Khalifa at sunset. Our 20 minute taxi ride from Dubai Marina took us along the main highway which is thronged by sky-scrapers. At this moment I came to really appreciate the ambition embodied by these structures which aren’t just symbols of the emirate’s wealth and recent growth. They are extravagant statements that nothing is impossible, particularly when it comes to modern architecture, and we were headed towards the grandest of them all.   

Arriving in front of the world’s tallest building we were struck by its futuristic curving tiers rising into space against the pink and purple desert sky. For me it was an image of a galactic palace from another world. My wife on the other hand has less of an appreciation for the subtleties of science fiction and summed it up simply with an emphatic “Wow!” This was followed by an “Oooohh!” as the graceful water and light show of The Dubai Fountain began in the foreground. Our night was finished off with dinner at one of the many eateries in the expansive Dubai Mall nearby where we also spent a thoughtful 20 minutes gazing upon the vast population of sea life in the huge aquarium.

 

Amongst our excursions we did plenty of relaxing in the sun and pottering about the many shops but on our final day we made plans to do Friday brunch with friends. Many hotels in Dubai hold these weekly all-you-can-eat-and-drink events and they are particularly popular with expats. I was quick to discover why.

Our chosen venue, the Fairmont Hotel Dubai, is reputed to have been the first hotel to hold a Friday brunch and they have put the intervening years to good use. They offer food from all over the globe and while I am not a fan of buffet style dining, this was one of my most enjoyable eating experiences. From the succulent wagyu beef roast to oysters on the half shell, it was a foodie’s dream and the various cocktails on offer ensured a merry atmosphere. Overall it epitomised the impressive quality of food, drink, and service that I had grown used to during my stay.

With a sigh of satisfaction we returned to our hotel oasis for one final swim and to contemplate our surroundings. I now knew that if my colleague had actually taken the time to try and describe Dubai we may have been standing at the communal urn for some time. It was also clear that any brief description other than “it’s hot” would have been too abstract. Impressive? Extravagant? Different? Unreal? Sure he could have used these words, but without having been there I could not have appreciated what he meant. Dubai is not London or Paris. It’s not Sydney or Hong Kong. Dubai is Dubai. It is impressive, extravagant and different (and hot). It is all these things and more, but to describe it simply in these words really isn’t enough. It must be experienced.

Stephanie - Carrick Coventry

Hi Stephanie,

 

I just wanted to thank you for helping us with booking our holiday to Cala D’Or in Majorca this year.

 

Right from identifying a location (travel-wise), to finding a suitably star-rated hotel and advising me over the telephone when time was getting really tight with our passport applications. You were such a patient support throughout.

 

We all enjoyed our week away so much. I do hope you liked the resort too, as I recall that was where you were intending to holiday also.

 

We will definitely come back to Carrick Travel in the future for such genuinely interested and friendly assistance. 5 stars from us!

 

Best Wishes

 

Suzanne Roberts

Donna Hill's (Carrick Coventry) visit to Granada, Toledo, Madrid and Javea

I have just returned from a driving holiday around Granada, Toledo, Madrid and Javea. I have detailed some points about my stay.  If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me on 02476 502650 or email donnahill@carricktravel.com and I will be more than happy to help.




Granada
Granada is a great low key city to visit.  Full of cobbled streets, beautiful architecture and lovely food all within easy reach.  The Cathedral is compacted into the city and is stunning. One place to make sure you visit is Alhambra Palace (must be pre booked in peak times as it gets very busy) I did a guided tour which was very good and helpful as there is a lot of history around the Alhambra and it is great to understand it's past.  Granada is easy enough to walk round as everything is quite close to each other.  I stayed on the Gran Via road which is very central in Granada and a great location to explore.  The Suite Gran Via 44 is an excellent hotel to stay in.  You only need 2 or 3 nights to experience everything Granada has to offer.




Toledo
Wow, what more can I say.  Out of the whole trip, Toledo took my breath away from the moment we drove into Toledo.  You only need 2 nights in Toledo as it is a small place, all within the city walls.  Again, cobbled streets, beautiful scenery and a must see. I recommend getting on the Red Train excursion that takes you round the main sights and stops off for you to take panoramic photo's of Toledo.




Madrid
Madrid is a large city very spread out.  I would suggest 3 or 4 nights to see the city comfortably.  I stayed on the Atocha Road which is in a great location.  The Bernabeu Stadium and the Bull Ring are the furthest places out to visit but is a definite trip to do.  There is two open top bus tours you can get that link with one another which go round the whole city which is good way to get around Madrid.  The Plaza Mayor is nice place to eat with some lovely restaurants.  Madrid has a massive park area, a bit like Central Park in New York, but on a smaller scale which has a lake in the centre where you can hire a boat and paddle around. The Palacio Real de Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family in Madrid, is only used for state ceremonies but another great excursion to do.


Javea/Xabia
Javea is a lovely beach resort with all the water sports you can think of, loads of restaurants on the promenade with plenty of shops.  The promenade is busy in the day time and electric at night. Is has many places nearby like Denia which has a lovely drive to get to, all through the winding roads around the mountains.  It is great for families and couples and it is very affordable to eat out.  There is a hotel next to the Arenal Promenade called Parador which is a very nice hotel and fab location.


My whole holiday experience is one I will never forget, it was wonderful and saw so many beautiful sights.  Look out for pictures on our Facebook page Carrick Travel Coventry.

Holidaying at Home

Holidaying at Home

With all its charm and diversity it amazes me that British people are so quick to get out of the UK and book overseas holidays when it comes to taking a break. I personally know several people who have travelled as far as Australia and yet have never eaten an ice cream on a beach in Brighton, walked through the Yorkshire Dales or tried to catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness monster.

Something that surprised me when I read it just a few months ago is that there is a beach in Britain that has been voted as one of the top ten in the world! Rhossili Beach in Wales is worthy of its title as you would be forgiven for thinking you had been transported to a beach on the Mediterranean with its stunning blue sea and miles of sandy shoreline. In true British style there is also a pub (Worms Head) which overlooks the stunning bay. Granted it is much more pleasant when the sun is shining but even on a cloudy day this beach is breath-taking. The beauty of Britain is that there really is something for everyone. For those who prefer a livelier, albeit less picturesque beach, where the focus is on the nightlife and activities, Brighton is a must see. With its pier and rows of bars and restaurants it is a hub for the younger generation as well as family days out. I enjoy walking through The Lanes in Brighton where I am always spoilt for choice between the boutique shops, quirky restaurants and jazz bars that thrive in this area.

Being a born and bred Londoner I am probably biased when I speak about how incredible the city is. From the punks and famous Stables Market in Camden to the designer shops and upmarket restaurants in Chelsea and Kensington, the diversity in this city is endless. A favourite hotspot of mine is Shoreditch, it never ceases to amaze me as I can be walking along a fairly nondescript  road and come across a striking piece of graffiti by Banksy himself and the next minute be outside a top London restaurant or bar, a favourite of mine is Beach Blanket Babylon. Aside from all the hidden hotspots London has to offer, there are the obvious main tourist attractions that millions come to visit from across the world such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the countless museums. I personally love to see the famous skyline, especially at night and with so many different places to do this from it is a must see when in London. Whether it is on a rotation of the London Eye, sipping cocktails in the bar at the Shard or having a picnic in Primrose Hill, the views are incredible.

For those who prefer a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, the UK has some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world such as the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District. Popular with hikers, the Peak District was the UK’s first National Park and offers activities for every age; from rock climbing to walking around stately homes and visiting famous film locations. The Yorkshire Dales also offer stunning views for miles on end and I remember after hours in the car as a child on the way to Scotland I would always perk up when we drove through this stunning area of natural beauty. Even back then I was aware of the rolling green hills and quite frankly fascinated by the open space and tranquillity of the area compared to my London home.

Every year for three nights between Christmas and New Year my family would take us to the small village of Dunkeld in Scotland and despite going back time and time again it never got boring as there was so much to do. The hotel (Hilton Dunkeld) offers activities such as clay pigeon shooting and 4x4 driving but outside of the grounds Scotland has so much to offer. We visited Edinburgh several times and this old town combines historic charm with a cosmopolitan vibe to create a truly unique experience.

No trip to Scotland would be complete without a trip to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. The castle has a tower which is still intact and offers a great vantage point from which to try and spot the Loch Ness monster. Every time I looked out across the icy Loch as a child I could not help but let my imagination get the better of me and convince myself that I had spotted Nessie in the distance, only to see a bird then fly away. With its deepest point reaching 227 metres I believe my search is far from over and I will continue to keep one eye peeled when I next visit as there is a definite mystical aura around the area. Another reason Scotland is a great alternative to a holiday abroad is because from the northern most points of the country you are sometimes able to see the Northern Lights on a clear day.

While I have visited several places across the world there is nothing like driving through the Highlands of Scotland with the snow-capped mountains above and mist over the Loch below and then having to stop the car to allow a majestic stag to cross in front of us. These memories that were made so close to home will stay with me forever and I hope other families also instil in their children a similar knowledge of and passion for the UK before they flee the nest and head to Magaluf, far too cool to be seen with their parents anymore.

Another country in the UK which is popular with the younger generation is Northern Ireland. Just a one-hour flight from London and you can be in Belfast which is a great starting point from which to explore the region. For me the first stop was Glenarm where we visited Glenarm Castle, set between hills on one side and the sea on the other, it is a stunning location. A must-see when travelling around is the Glenariff National Park. The glens here are magnificent and run right down to the sea providing magnificent views. One of the most famous sites is the Giants Causeway. You are free to clamber all over the causeway which is something the National Trust is proud to offer bearing in mind it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The next stop was Londonderry, a walled city with a lot of history dating back to 1600. The Tower Museum tells the story of this city right up to the present day and you come away with a real sense of hope that Northern Ireland has turned a massive corner on its road to peace. The final stop was Belfast which proved to be a vibrant, safe city for visitors with loads to see and do. A ‘must-do’ here is the city bus tour which is a hop-on hop-off bus that takes in all the main sites and is led by a local, knowledgeable tour guide who helped to bring the history of the city to life. 

Writing this blog has been one of the hardest I have ever had to do, not because I struggled with what to write but rather quite the opposite. The UK has so much to offer that it is hard to know when to stop. Having said that, there are not enough words in the world to convey just how incredible so many destinations in the UK are. While I am not suggesting we all give up our beloved holidays on a beach far away, I do urge you not to forget the wonders that lie right on your doorstep, after all as once mentioned by Hugh Grant in the hit film Love Actually: “We may be a small country, but we’re a great one too.”

Leamington Spa

Hello Cathy

 

Thanks for your letter.  We had a lovely holiday at the Hotel Mijas, also known these days as TR Mijas Beach Cultural.    It was very early, cold and misty when we set off for Birmingham Airport on the 29th April!    Our car was collected at the Airport and check-in was easy. We enjoyed the Aspire Airport Lounge-nice and quiet.    The flight was good and we were met at Malaga Airport by local rep Karen Quigley and passed to our driver for the transfer via a winding road to Mijas.     The hotel sits in such a spectacular site with views to the mountains and set in lush gardens.    We had a lovely room with views over the tennis court and garden, looking down to Fuengirola and the Mediterranean Sea!   Karen came to see us the following day to talk about excursions but the pick-up point was in Fuengirola and we would have had to get a local bus at 7am!    Having just had an early start for our flight we decided not to do that.  Karen said not many Classic clients go to the hotel , maybe because it is not Five Star?     We found the staff very friendly and seemed to appreciate our modest attempts at speaking Espanol.

 

We enjoyed relaxing by the pool where we had some nice lunches. The dining room also has spectacular views and we ate there several times in the evening. There was a wide mix of people there from Japan, France, Germany, the Netherlands and UK.     

 

There is lots to see in Mijas with its white houses, narrow streets, all bedecked with flowers. When we walked further from the main areas it became more traditional with elderly ladies talking from their front doors. We got a local bus from just outside the hotel to Fuengirola and then a train to Malaga.   Very interesting city, we went to the Cathedral and the Picasso Museum which is housed in a former palace.-very impressive.

We went again to Fuengirola on the bus and walked along its beach promenade.

 

There is a bullring in Mijas and on the Sunday we went to an evening event there. A mix of dancing and horsemanship-no bulls!  On one side of the bullring, basking in the evening sun, was the bell tower of the parish church, on the other was the white houses and straight ahead was the mountains of the Sierra de Mijas and a blue sky with not a cloud in it!   It was just lovely!

 

All good things come to an end. We had a good journey back home and were able to use our Priority Pass for the Sala lounge at Malaga Airport.

Thank you for booking and organising everything for us we had  really enjoyable time and would certainly recommend  Mijas. I attach a few pics of the hotel and Mijas-there are more!   We will send off the feedback questionnaire to Classic and Felicity has put a review on Trip Advisor.  When we are  next in Leamington we will call in to say hello-which days of the week are you around?

 

Best wishes

 

Bill and Felicity Fleming