New adventures on the Orient-Express
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has announced its new Nordic Adventures, which includes a four-night, five-day journey departing from Venice and ending in Stockholm on June 1. The route travels from Italy, through Austria and Germany, with two nights in Copenhagen, Denmark, before arriving at the Swedish capital. The journey includes two days and one night travelling on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, where guests can relax during the afternoons and enjoy entertainment in the evening. Two nights will be spent in Copenhagen at the Marriott Hotel, including sightseeing tours and a gala dinner, before rejoining the train for an overnight journey to Stockholm. Prices start from £4,500 (Dh26,402) per person, based on two sharing a double cabin, and includes all table d'hôte meals, a guided city tour of Copenhagen, two nights at the Marriott in Copenhagen and a gala dinner, also in Copenhagen. For more information, visit www.belmond.com.
Ring in the New Year in the Maldives
For those who prefer to take it easy on New Year's Eve, The W Retreat & Spa, Maldives has an opportunity to ring in 2015 on Gaathafushi, the retreat's own secluded island. The package includes four nights' accommodation and daily breakfast at the resort's restaurant, Kitchen, with one overnight stay and breakfast on Gaathafushi. A private New Year's Eve dinner on Gaathafushi includes caviar, Wagyu beef, lobster and foie gras, all prepared by a private chef. Additionally, the package includes one big game-fishing trip and a fireworks display. The offer is available for bookings made between now and December 28, with a minimum four-night stay. Prices start from US$1,684 (Dh6,185) per person, per night. For more information, visit www.wretreatmaldives.com.
Scott Dunn moves into Ethiopia
The luxury-travel company Scott Dunn, which has a Dubai call centre, has expanded its African portfolio and is now offering trips to Ethiopia. Scott Dunn's new options will showcase both the north to south of the country. The 17-night trip starts in Addis Ababa and ends in the Bale Mountains. Travellers will explore Addis Ababa and visit a number of sites including the churches of Lalibela, the castles of Gondar and the Simien Mountains, before concluding in the bamboo forests of the Bale Mountains. Prices start from £7,405 (Dh43,465), per person, including accommodation, flights and transfers. For more information, visit www.scottdunn.com.
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