Our hotel has 131 rooms. In a quiet and unique location the hotel has all the facilities for a pleasant stay: a la carte restaurant ,indoor swimmingpool, hotelbar, lounge, sauna, fitness, solarium, tenniscourt.

Hotel Volendam, Wagenweg 1, 1145 PW Katwoude. T: +31 (0)299 36 56 56


Day 1
Our journey starts with an early morning pick up and travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. We continue our journey through France, Belgium and Holland on to our hotel in Volendam in time for our evening meal.

Day 2
After breakfast we go into the centre of Volendam visiting the picturesque small fishing town. We then move on to Amsterdam for the afternoon. From its canals to it world famous Museums and historical sights Amsterdam is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe. Your evening meal tonight will be in one of the many restaurants (this is at your own expense), we return to our hotel late evening.

Day 3
After breakfast we leave for the Keukenhof Gardens where we will spend the morning and early afternoon visiting the fantastic Gardens and exhibition halls. We return to the hotel for our evening meal.

Day 4
Today we return to the UK stopping on route for wine, spirits and chocolate purchases, time permitting.


HATTS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THIS INTINERARY, THIS MAY BE DUE TO TRAFFIC OR WEATHER CONDITIONS, PLEASE BE ASSURED THIS WILL NOT AFFECT THE ENJOYMENT OF YOUR HOLIDAY.

SUNDAY 19TH - SATURDAY 25TH APRIL 2009

   

FRIDAY 15TH - SUNDAY 24TH MAY 2009

Florence
Pisa & Lucca
Sienna & San Gimignano

Hotel Ercolini & Savi - Montecatini
Centrally located in the elegant Via San Martino, the Ercolini and Savi has tastefully decorated rooms with full facilities including satellite TV, minibar, safe and hairdryer. The hotel's restaurant takes pride in its excellent Tuscan and international cuisine, after dinner you can relax on the hostels private terrace.

Day 1
We tavel to Dover for short sea crossing to Calais. We continue our journey through France to our overnight stop at the Quality Hotel in Reims.

Day 2
Today's journey willtake us through the Burgundy region and onto Annecy for our second overnight stop at the Best Western International.

Day 3
We head for Italy travelling around Turin down to Genova on the Ligurian coast and onto Montecatini our home for the next 5 nights.

Day 4
A day to relax after our journey. Why not try the Thermal baths or take the Funicular Railway to the fortified village of Montecatini Alto or just look around this very fashionable resort.

Day 5
Today we take the train to Florence the capital city of Tuscany famous for its' shop-covered bridge the Ponte Vecchio, Renaissance Palaces, some of the worlds finest art collections and of course its' Museums and Churches.

Day 6
Our tour today takes us to one of the worlds most famous landmarks the leaning tower of Pisa which stands next to the wonderful Romanesque Cathedral and the Baptistry of the cathedral in the Piazza dei Miracoli. Pisa is also the birthplace of Galileo. On route to Pisa we visit Lucca one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany. The only town in Italy that is still ringed by its 16th Century ramparts. Worth seeing are the churches of San Michele and San Frediano the cathedral of San Martino and the wonderful Piazza Anfiteatro.

Day 7
Sienna is our destination today. Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, Sienna is another beautiful Tuscan town. Famous for its 'Palio' the annual historic horse race, it is also home to one of the oldest Universities in Europe. On leaving Sienna we travel to the Unesco World Architectural Heritage town of San Gimignano the home of the beautiful Medieval Towers surrounded by the wonderful Tuscan countryside.

Day 8
Sadly we leave Tuscany and return to Annecy for our overnight stop.

Day 9
Today we return to Reims for the second overnight stop.

Day 10
We make our way to Calais for the return Ferry crossing to Dover.

FRIDAY 12TH - SATURDAY 20TH JUNE 2009

Lake Caldaro
Bolzano & Merano
Vicenza
Riva del Garda
The Dolomites

Hotel Lady Maria
The Lady Maria Hotel is run by the Bovicin Family and a warm welcome awaits all their guests. All rooms have en-suite facilities with telephone, television, hairdryer and safe. There is a lift to all floors. The hotel has a bar, tavern, television and reading rooms and the restaurant is renowned for the quality and quantity of good food! There is also a wellness & Beauty Centre with swimming pool, jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath & solarium.

Day 1
We travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. We continue our journey with comfort stops to our overnight stop in Germany.

Day 2
Today our journey will take us through Germany, Austria and into Italy arriving at our hotel in time for our evening meal.

Day 3
Today is free to explore the village of Fondo at your leisure. Fondo is the main village in the upper Val Di Non regionand whose main feature is the Lake Smeraldo just a short walk from the hotel.

Day 4
Today we visit Lake Caldaro (Kaltern). Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and mountains Caldaro is popular with the locals and tourists alike, Because of its position and depth in summer it is one of the warmest lakes in the alpine region reaching a temperature of 28C.

Day 5
Our tour today takes us to Riva del Garda the most northerly village on Lake Gards, surrounded by lush groves of olives, vines and citrus trees. The town of Riva, arguably the best known of all the lake resorts, the old town is a maze of cobbled streets and squares dominated by the 12th century moated castle, whilst the tourist part of the town is crammed with fashionable shops, bars and restaurants. In the afternoon why not take a boat trip on the lake to the beautiful village of Limone (Optional)

Day 6
Our tour today takes us to the fashionable town of Trento, with a history that reaches back 2000 years. Most of the medieval buildings in the centre have been restored to their original pastel colours with wooden balconies making the Piazza Duomo one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.

Day 7
Today we visit the Trentino Dolomites, described as the most beautiful mountains in Europe. Spectacular sightseeing on a grand scale, this is where picture postcards become reality with meadows, forests and of course, the jagged snow capped peaks of the 10,000ft Marmolada. a towering mountain known as the 'Queen of the Dolomites' the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

Day 8
After breakfast we leave this beautiful area and travel to our overnight stop, arriving in time for our evening meal.

Day 9
We leave our overnight hotel after breakfast and travel back to Calais for the short sea crossing to Dover arriving home in our local area late evening.

SATURDAY 4TH - MONDAY 13TH JULY 2009

Ljubljana (Capital of Slovenia)
Vintgar Gorge
Postojna (Europe's largest caves)
Lipica (Home of the Lippizaner horses)
Julian Alps

Hotel Krim
The Hotel Krim is in the centre of Bled, 200 metres from the lake shore. All rooms are ensuite with TV and telephone, most have a balcony all are served by a lift. Other facilities include a spacious restaurant, Aperitif bar, outdoor terrace, coffee bar, sauna, solarium and massage parlour.

Day 1
We travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. We continue our journey to our overnight stop in Dillingen at the Bawlsberger hotel.

Day 2
After breakfast we head for Slovenia, travelling through Germany and Austria arriving at the HOtel Krim in time for our evening meal.

Day 3
After our long journey a day to relax in this beautiful resort, take a boat trip on the lake or a horse and carriage ride around the lake, visit the castle or just have a lazy day in this very restful place.

Day 4
Today we visit Ljubljana the capital of Slovenia. A short guided tour to see some of the beautiful Baroque architecture and then free time to explore this wonderful little city, take the Road Train or the Funicular Railway to the castle, from the tower your have magnificent views over all the city.

Day 5
Our journey today takes us to the beautiful Lake Bohinj, Slovenia's largest glacial lake, and afterwards to one of the most popular natural sites in Slovenia the Vintgar Gorge. The clear green waters of the Radovna river crash against rocks, cascades river rapids and into clear pools as it makes its way through this 1600 metre long spectacular gorge.

Day 6
Another free day to enjoy Lake Bled.

Day 7
At Postojna a train will take us into the underground world of the largest cave in the Karst region (20 kilometres) to see the magnificent caverns and glistening stalactite and stalagmite formations in all shapes, colours and sizes. After lunch we make our way to Lipica the oldest stus farm in the world dating back to 1580, home of the Lipizzaner horses where we will see a performance by these wonderful animals.

Day 8
A guided tour of the spectacular Julian Alps is our excursion today. The north-west of Slovenia is dominated by these white limestone mountains, the highest peak being Mount Triglav at 2800 metres, it's a landscape of soaring peaks, deep valleys, crystal clear rivers, forests and meadows filled with wild flowers.

Day 9
Sadly after breakfast we leave beautiful Lake Bled and return to our overnight stop in Germany.

Day 10
Return to the UK arriving back in the local area late evening.

   

THURSDAY 16TH - MONDAY 20TH JULY 2009

Spectacular Fireworks
Oberwesel Wine Festival
Limburg
Rudesheim

Hotel Lamm
A family run hotel on the banks of the river Rhine, all the comfortable rooms are en-suite with television, safe, telephone, haridryer and WiFi. The restaurant will treat you to local and international dishes, with world famous vineyards a bottle of wine will complete your meal.

Day 1
We travel to Folkestone for the short sea crossing to Calais. Our journey contiues through France, Belgium and into Germany arriving in time for Dinner.

Day 2
Today we visit the medieval town of Limburg an der Lahn. The old town boasts many half-timbered houses, some of them dating back to the 13th Century, but most of them are from the 17th & 18th Centruy. The white houses with red & black framework give Limburg a particularly cheerful atmosphere. Built between 1200 & 1235, The St. George Cathedral is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in the region.

Day 3
A lazy day in Assmannshausen before this evenings trip on the Rhine. Take a ride on the chair lift or just stroll along the river. After dinner we board the boat in Assmannshausen, we make our way to Oberwesel where we will have around 3 hours at the Summer Wine Festival. We rejoin our boat for the boat parade and the Rhine River Lights firework display between the Lorelei Rock and Rhinegau. The boat then returns to Assmannshausen. There will be live music on board.

Day 4
A late breakfast today. In the afternoon we make the short journey to Rudesheim. The town has many attractions such as the Drosselgasse, this narrow street just 144 metres long attracts visitors from every continent. Live music, singing and dancing can be enjoyed in its wine taverns and gardens. The Niederwald monumnet can also be reached from Rudesheim giving wonderful views over the Rhine Valley.

Day 5
Sadly we return to the UK.

   

SATURDAY 8TH - SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST 2009

Holiday Highlights (included in price)
Full day to Venice
Brenta Dolomites
Sirmione
Riva del Garda

Hotel Holiday
The Hotel Holiday is located at the northern end of Lake Garda, surrounded by spectacular mountains, its top priority is a friendly first class service. All rooms have a balcony, telephone, hairdryer and satellite TV. The hotel has a relaxing lounge area, colourful bar and air-conditioned restaurant.

Day 1
We travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Our journey continues through France into Germany for our overnight stop in Dillingen.  

Day 2
After breakfast our route will take us through Germany, Austria and over the Brenner Pass into Italy arriving at our hotel in Torbole in time for dinner.

Day 3
A short trip to Riva del Garda the most northerly town on the lake. Plenty of places to explore from small alleyways to the Fort which houses the Civic Museum with an art gallery and exhibits of weapons, prints and rare books, (free entry for over 60's). In the afternoon why not take a boat trip to the beautiful lakeside village of Limone (optional).

Day 4
A free day to relax in Torbole.

Day 5
A guided tour of the Brenta Dolomites is our excursion today. Spectacular scenery is guaranteed, these magnificent mountains 40km long and 12km wide were named after the French geologist Deodat de Dolimieu who first discvoered the composition of the rocks.

Day 6
Today we travel to the southern end of the lake to Sirmione. Situated on a long peninsula its history dates back to Roman times and its thermal springs have been popular for centuries, the entrance to Sirmione is dominated by its moated 13th century castle the Roca Scaligera.

Day 7
A full day tour to Venice. Built on one hundred and seventeen small islands with one hundred and fifty canals and connected by four hundred and nine bridges this unique city dates back to 421 AD. Places of interest: St Marks Square (the heart of the city) where you will find the 500 year old Clock Tower; St Mark's Basilica; the Doge's Palace and Piazetta san Marco. Other sights not to be missed The Grand canal anf Rialto Bridge. To reach Venice we have to take a water taxi (not included) the only way to reach the centre.

Day 8
We return to our overnight hotel in Germany.

Day 9
Today we travel to Calais for the return ferry crossing arriving back in the local area late evening.

FRIDAY 11TH - SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2009

Barcelos & Braga
Bom Jesus
Viana do Castelo & Ponte de Lima
Douro Valley
Oporto
Graham's Port Wine Cellars

Novotel Hotel
This superb hotel enjoys a fine location on the sea front overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the white sands of Povoa de Varzim. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a pleasant bar, the Restaurant Cote Jardin, gardens and a television and billiard room. All the en-suite bedrooms are furnished to a high standard and feature satellite television, telephone, air-conditioning, mini bar and hairdryer.

Novotel Hotel Rua da Imprensa Regional s/n 4490-518 POVOA DE VARZIM PORTUGAL Tel (+351)252/298900

Day 1
We travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. We continue our journey thrugh France to Orleans for our overnight stop.

Day 2
We will be travelling through three different regions of France today. The Loire Valley one of the most magical area's of France, numerous Chateaux, Gradens and cathedrals are to be found in this enchanting countryside. Poitou Charente has a magnificent coastline and is also well known for its superb cognac. Lines of golden beaches an abundance of vineyards, mountains and beautiful countryside this is Aquitaine. We cross into Spain for our second overnight stop in San Sebastian.

Day 3
From San Sebastian we travel across Spain passing by Burgos and through the Sanabria region into Portugal and our home for the next five nights Povoa de Varzim.

Day 4
Morning at leisure to enjoy Povoa de Varzim followed by a visit to Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima where you are sure to enjoy the picturesque houses, the beautiful pedestrianised centre and shops, the imposing bridge, as well as the many historic attractions.

Day 5
A full day excursion along the Douro Valley. This beautiful region remains laregly unspoilt and plays host to many wonderful villages that seem trapped in a time long gone by. You will have plenty of opportunity to purchase some fine goods this region of Portugal is renowned for, including the port and Vinho Verde wines.

Day 6
Today is market day in Barcelos, the largest open-air market in Portugal. Once we have sampled the delights of the market, we travel to Braga, known as the Portuguese Rome. In the afternoon we shall visit the sanctuary of Bom Jesus with its beautiful and awe-inspiring Baroque staircase.

Day 7
Today we visit Portugal's second largest city - Oporto. Ample time to discover the delights of this wonderful city, folowed by a visit to W & J Graham's Port Wine Cellars to learn about the production of Portugal's most famous export.

Day 8
After breakfast we bid a sad farewell to Povoa de Varzim and return to San Sebastian for our overnight stop.

Day 9
We retrace our steps through the beautiful French countryside to Orleans for our second overnight stop.

Day 10
We return back to the UK.

MONDAY 21ST - MONDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER 2009

The Cows Return
Hall in Tirol
Innsbruck
Eagles Nest (Optional - weather permitting)

Hotel Tirolerhof
The Hotel Tirolerhof is run by the Erharter family and is located in a superior position in the Wildschonau Valley. It has a dining room which offers international standards and typical Tyrolean cuisine. There is a restaurant, guest lounge and bar, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and tanning beds. All bedrooms have a balcony and ensuite facilities, with TV, radio and telephone. There is also a lift.

Day 1
We travel to Folkestone for the short crossing to Calais. We continue our journey through France and Germany to our overnight stop at the Hotel Bawlsbergerhof in Dillingen.

Day 2
After breakfast we continue our journey through Germany to Austria with comfort and lunch stops on route, arriving at the Hotel Tirolerhof late afternoon.

Day 3
Today we visit Hall in Tirol. Since the Middle Ages Hall has been known as an important coin pressing and trade city. Even today, it's many narrow alleyways full of picturesque sites, its traditional facades and unique atmosphere remind visitors and inhabitants of ancient times. After lunch we visit Innsbruck capital of the Tirol. Home of the Golden Roof, The Imperial Palace, Imperial Church and many other classic Baroque and Gothic buildings.

Day 4
A relaxing morning with a chance to take a cable car ride, in the afternoon we will make our way to Kufstein. The imposing Fortress of Kufstein is a jewel in the lower region of the Tirol, a museum is housed in the fortress tower and charts the town's and region's turbulent history.

Day 5
Today (weather permitting) we travel to Germany to the Eagles Nest. Built as a teahouse for Adolf Hitler's 50th Birthday, a special mountain bus will take us the 4 miles on the edge of the cliff road to the lift that transports through the heart of the mountian straight into the Eagles Nest. (Admission to the Eagles Nest is not included)

Day 6
'ALMABTRIEB' (driving the cattle down from the Alpine pastures), it is the conclusion of the Alpine pasture grazing season and the beginning of hte winter season when the cattle are kept in sheds, usually between Michaelmas and mid October. The cattle are decorated with branches, ribbons sequins and mirrors (a custom called Aufkranzen) and large bells are hung from their necks.

Day 7
We return to our overnight stop in Dillingen

Day 8
We return to the UK.

MONDAY 5TH - MONDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2009

Principality of Monaco
Nice
San Remo
Menton
Dolceacqua

Hotel Torino
One of the best hotels in Diano Marina, centrally located but in a quiet undisturbed position. Elegantly furnished rooms all with en-suite facilities, direct dial telephone, satellite television minibar, safety deposit box and all are air conditioned. Breakfast is served in the rooftop Eden restaurant with a panoramic view of Diano Marina.

Day 1
We travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. We continue our journey through France to our ovenight stop in the Kyriad Dijon Est Mirande.  

Day 2
After breakfast we head for the South of France passing by Aix-en-Provence, Cannes and Nice and arriving in Diano marina in time for dinner.

Day 3
Today we return to France with a visit to Nice on the way we will visit the medieval village of Dolceaqua, perched on a rocky spur the remains of hte 12th century castle dominate the village. The houses, sometimes six floors high, lead down to the river, a single-arched bridge with a span of 33 metres joins 'la Terra' to 'Borgo', the new part of the town built in the 15th century. Nice, the fifth largest city in France attracts visitors from all over the world. Both elegant and simple, Nice's charm comes from its exceptional climate as well as its beauty, the famous Promenade des Anglais, Belle Epoque and Baroque influenced buildings and beautiful floral gardens are all part of this lovely city.

Day 4
A day to enjoy Diano Marina.

Day 5
Our tour today takes us to the capital of the Riviera of Flowers San Remo, dating back to roman times it is famous throughout the world for its perfect climate, it is also famous for its production of flowers. The flowers which are cultivated on the hill of San Remo are then exported all over the world. After lunch we visit Menton, thanks to a sub tropical microclimate winter is practically unknown in Menton. Therfore you should you can enjoy a beautiful sea and nearby sunny mountains all year round.

Day 6
The Principality of Monaco playground of the rich and famous is our destination. Monte Carlo famous for its Casino, The Opera House, The Royal Palace, Place de Palais (for the changing of the guard) and Monaco Cathedral (resting place of Princess Grace) are some of the many attractions that you will see.

Day 7
After breakfast we return to Dijon for our overnight stop.

Day 8
Today we return to the UK.