Great news on flights to ITALY

Still thinking about booking a holiday to Italy?  Here's some flight info that will help you get a handle.

Sicily:

From 25 June, it will be easier to get to Catania, Sicily.  Easyjet has introduced an extra service, making that 3 flights per week out of London Gatwick.

Juliet's Balcony?

Another new flight from London Gatwick to Verona will begin on 3 June.  The flight will operate daily. http://www.easyjet.com/

Direct into Florence? Now there's more choice!

At last, CityJet Airlines has introduced a direct flight from London City airport to Florence.  The flight operates six times a week (no Saturdays).  http://www.cityjet.com/

Venice Alert

Its good news – Treviso Airport will be closed for improvements during June, July and August which means the Ryanair flights will be flying into Marco Polo Airport in Venice – much nearer and far more convenient.

For hotels, advice and tour operators, check the ABTOI members http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/

Former UK favourite on Lake Garda opens its 5 star deluxe doors after nine years

After a nine year absence, a former favourite on the UK market, set on the shores of Lake Garda, is set to re-open in Spring 2011. The Lido Palace Hotel, housed in a magnificent Liberty-style building, hosted Franz Kafka, Friedrick Nietzsche and Max Oppenheimer in its hey-day. When it closed its doors at the end of Summer 2002 it was a tired, but still popular 4 star hotel. This coming spring, following a $20 million refurbishment, it's re-opening as a five star deluxe resort.

It will be the first and only 5 star deluxe resort, not only on Lake Garda but in the entire Trentino area. Where previously there were 102 rooms, it returns with just 42, including 8 suites and 6 junior suites, 9 deluxe rooms and 18 doubles. They're classic, modern and minimalist.There's a 2000 square metre Spa and 30m outdoor pool. The hotel is set in private parkland and enjoys spectacular views of the lake. It's 65km from Verona airport and 75km from Brescia.

 The new style will be ‘former splendour and historic elegance mingling with chic contemporary style.' (please forgive the translation). Of the two restaurants one will offer a choice of innovative Mediterranean and laid-back, local cuisine, the other, old-school, sophisticated, gourmet fine dining. Award-winning AiTO tour operator Classic Collection Holidays (www.classic-collection.co.uk 0800 294 9315) which features more than 130 properties throughout Italy, offers 7 nights at the Lido Palace Hotel from £1484 per person in May ( £1522 in August) based on 2 adults sharing a lake view double room on a bed & breakfast basis. Price includes return flights Gatwick Verona and private transfers.  Junior suites add £112 per person per night.

To view this ABTOI member's profile, click here.