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This year's Monaco Grand Prix Historique was a fantastic event - and our viewing spot from the Cafe de Paris terrace was just incredible (the best seats in the house!).  Photos of the event can be seen here

The Grand Prix season is up and running, and so far every race has been thrilling - with three different winners!

Why not join us in Monaco for a weekend of glamour and glitz?

We still have a small number of rooms left in Monaco and some incredible race viewing - from our superb balcony over-looking the circuit or from a super yacht in the harbour if you prefer.

Don't hesitate to contact us today for a weekend that you've got to do at least once in your lifetime!!

Fine dining, cocktail parties, paddock passes, pit walks. Contact janet@grand-tourist.com for your personalised Monaco experience.

 The Monaco Grand Prix takes place 24 - 28 May 2012

 

 

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Yummy!  The "World's Best 50 Restaurants" will be announced later this month!!  Every year, restaurants all over the world are judged by a jury of food journalists and industry experts.  Restaurants are marked on their dining experience, innovation, creativity and of course, fantastic food.

One of last year's runners up was Chicago restaurant Alinea.  Here, head chef and owner Grant Achatz has an ultramodern approach to dining.  Everything about his restaurant is unique, from the unusual flavour combinations to the theatrical tableware - which includes test tubes, and multi-layered bowls that come apart!  An 18 course tasting menu includes delicacies such as urchins, venison and black truffles.  

Number ten on the 2011 list was Per Se.  This New York City restaurant boasts outstanding views of Columbus Circle - and a very impressive three Michelin stars!  Here, chef Thomas Keller changes his spectacular menu on a daily basis.  Dishes range from Oysters & Pearls to good old Mac & Cheese!  A must for any foodie visiting New York.

Last year's winner however was Noma, the amazing Copenhagen restaurant run by Rene Redzepi (the first chef to feature on the cover of Time Magazine.)  Everything about the restaurant is Nordic, from the location in an old whale blubber warehouse (?!) to their Icelandic skyr curd and Greenland musk Ox. 

Copenhagen is a charming place to spend an indulgent and leisurely weekend: explore the quirky shops of the city, head to one of Copenhagen's jazz bars, and visit Rosenborg Castle (it really is like something from a Hans Christian Anderson fairytale!)  It is also just a two hour flight from the UK - not too far at all for the world's best restaurant!

Contact Grand Tourist today for your "deliciously perfect trip"

    

 info@grand-tourist.com

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The Merrion is Dublin's most luxurious five star hotel.  Created from four beautifully restored Georgian townhouses, its rooms and suites are elegantly decorated with fine linens and exquisite furniture.  Some rooms overlook the lovely landscaped period gardens.  With two gourmet restaurants, a first class spa, and intimate cocktail bar, the Merrion is not only an outstanding hotel, but is also home to one of the country's most important collections of contemporary Irish art.  

      

We just had to tell you about the Merrion's afternoon tea which is served in the hotel's cosy Drawing Room, and is inspired by the Merrion's private art collection.  Sitting by the crackling fire, and with a harp gently playing in the background, guests can enjoy a range of black teas, delicious green teas, fruit and herbal infusions (all served in Wedgewood bone china).  Finger sandwiches include oak smoked Irish salmon on soda bread, and their fruit scones are served with raspberry jam - and a generous dollop of County Cork clotted cream!  Their "Art Tea" Battenberg cakes are bright blue and pink - specifically created to match the colour scheme of one of the paintings that hangs in the Drawing Room.  The final course is the most impressive….it includes three delicately designed Art Pastries (which are almost too pretty to eat!)  Our favourite is the coconut and blueberry macaroon, a delightful sweet treat inspired by the painting Woman in White.

Located in the centre of Georgian Dublin, the Merrion is an outstanding place to not only enjoy afternoon tea, but also to enjoy a lovely weekend break.  For your unique trip to Ireland, speak to Naomi or Catherine +44 (0)1829 751038.  Or email info@grand-tourist.com 

www.merrionhotel.com

 

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New York is full of exciting and quirky neighbourhoods, and SoHo certainly fits both of those descriptions.  A true example of urban gentrification, SoHo delights visitors with fascinating shops, excellent restaurants, interesting architecture, and art galleries.  (In case you were wondering, the name SoHo is an acronym for "SOuth of HOuston Street").

Yesterday I was introduced to a very nice chap from the Trump Soho Hotel.  This is New York City's premier boutique hotel.  

   

Rising over Spring Street, this impressive 46-story SoHo hotel has floor to ceiling windows in its deluxe room and suites, boasting incredible views of the city and of the Hudson River. Relax with your Kindle and "kawfee" in The Library, and enjoy cocktails at Bar d'Eau, with its fabulous landscaped pool deck and boules court.  The spa at Trump SoHo has indoor and outdoor relaxation rooms, a salon and first class gym.  I was told it also features New York's only private hammam (Turkish bath).  The Trump SoHo is a dramatic yet elegant 5 star hotel - perfect for romantic breaks, fun-filled trips with friends and for family holidays (the hotel will turn kids into Donald Trump's 'little apprentices' by providing them with their very own business cards!)

 Why not enjoy New York City with Grand Tourist.

New York will keep you captivated as you explore skyscraper-studded Manhattan, experience first class world cuisine, and of course - investigate those all important shops!  My suggestions would be to:

- book a table at the Antique Garage Restaurant.  This unpretentious celebrity hangout offers delicious Mediterranean mezes and live jazz performances.

- explore the shops of Madison Avenue.  Ralph Lauren, D&G, Louboutin, DKNY, Barneys and more!

- visit the Guggenheim Museum.  When it comes to modern art, the Guggenheim has it all.

- treat yourself and pop into Mariebelle.  This famous chocolatier is just a couple of blocks from the Trump SoHo Hotel!

   

The Trump SoHo really is an amazing hotel to stay in as part of your tailor-made New York City experience. Contact naomi@grand-tourist.com for more information

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It's 24 degrees in Tuscany at the moment so it's not too late to catch some sunshine (and enjoy a spot of designer shopping) in the incredible city of Florence. 

This is a wonderful city of art and culture - and home to the recently opened Gucci Museum.  The museum displays a fabulous collection of clothing, accessories, glamorous gowns and rare home and lifestyle items - and a travel themed room displaying luggage pays tribute to Gucci's job as a porter at London's Savoy Hotel in the late 19th century.  There's even a Gucci customized Cadillac! 

A celebration of yet another iconic Italian designer can be found just a short walk from the Gucci Museum.  The Salvatore Ferragamo Museum holds an impressive collection of photographs, drawings, footwear and wooden casts of various famous feet.

        
Grand Tourist can create the perfect short break for you this autumn - combining stylish accommodation, museum visits and shopping opportunities in the city of Florence and its surrounding desginer outlets.  Go on - treat yourself!  We would love to hear from you!

info@grand-tourist.com

 

 

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The ultimate girls weekend: luxurious hotel, shopping, pampering and champagne....

From start to finish, this is a weekend of total and utter indulgence!  Think five star accommodation, celebrity hotspots, beauty treatments, a West End show, fabulously delicious food and champagne.... This is a weekend you wont forget!

Grand Tourist's ultimate girls weekend would make a very special treat for a very special daughter - the perfect Christmas gift for your girlfriend - or simply a fabulous girlie getaway in one of Europe's most stylish cities.

See our Experiences page for details - or email info@grand-tourist.com for your perfect London experience.

     

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Just an hour’s drive from the cultural city of Florence there’s a magical world of rolling green hills, hill top towns and historic castles. This is the Valley of the River Arno, green and verdant, charming and authentic.

   

Here in the Tuscan hills Grand Tourist is delighted to offer short walking holidays (with walks in the Casentino National Park) and our signature trip ‘Learn Italian in Style’ (a one week language course designed to improve your Italian). 

Staying in a comfortable family-run country house hotel is the perfect way to experience the ‘real’ Italy.  Delicious food, friendly staff and incredible views – this really is a magical destination.

     

Nearby you can find fascinating Arezzo – with its incredible piazzas and palaces. On the doorstep there are characterful villages, weekly fruit & vegetable markets and small vineyards.

Magical Tuscany awaits you!

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After enjoying a delicious plate of oysters for lunch (we decided to treat ourselves to lunch at our local gastro-pub today!) I started to think about the Galway Oyster Festival....

Oysters have been hailed as a precious gourmet delight by food lovers throughout the centuries, beginning with the Roman emperors who paid for them by their weight in gold. The Greeks served them with wine and the Romans were so enthusiastic about these marvellous molluscs that they sent thousands of slaves to the shores of the English Channel to gather them.  Kick back on the west coast of Ireland at the Galway International Oyster Festival (23rd - 25th September 2011).  The festival began in 1954 and was recently described by the Sunday Times as "one of the greatest shows on earth".  Sip on champagne and enjoy fresh oysters as traditional Irish musicians, a colourful parade and "champion oyster openers" keep you entertained! 

   

Enjoy award-winning cuisine and some of the warmest hospitality in Galway (the City of Tribes) with Grand Tourist.  We will arrange private transfers and overnight accommodation in a luxurious and atmospheric hotel, and can arrange outstanding spa treatments, or even a round of golf - providing you with the perfect short break in this delightful part of the world.

Travel in style and fly into Galway from the airport of your choice on a luxury private jet.  A relaxed and convenient airport experience, polite and courteous pilots and complimentary refreshments on board - the finest experience in luxury travel awaits you.   Contact info@grand-tourist.com for your personalised trip.

 

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