My Blog

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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Just a few rooms left for Monaco Grand Prix 2012. Contact us now for the best, the very best balcony viewing and amazing yacht viewing from the harbour.

www.grand-tourist.com

 

So instead of just dreaming - do it! Kayak the length of a river from source to sea, travel in a sea plane, witness the Pacific at sunrise! We live on an amazing planet, it's important to appreciate it and to enjoy every minute. So often we are preoccupied with our own mundane existences and we don't consider the beauty of our environment and the incredible landscapes that surround us.

 Take Pacific Yellow Fin one of our newest partners - they operate a gorgeous traditional 'little ship' that cruises up and down the shores of British Columbia - for an absolute knock your socks of experience you can't beat your own private charter on this fabulous teak decked vessel. 

 For imagination, honesty and integrity come to the grand-tourist.com team - we will go above and beyond to create your perfect travel experience.

janet@grand-tourist.com   naomi@grand-tourist.com  catherine@grand-tourist.com

Contact us now to start planning your 'trip of a lifetime'.

 

 

 

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The Malaysian Grand Prix was an exciting event with rain falling during the race and then Ferrari, Sauber and McLaren in the final line up taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. Bernie Ecclestone will be delighted - two races in and  (so far) no win from Red Bull. Of course it's early days and anything could happen. So why not make this year the year to go to Monaco or Silverstone - we can offer exceptional race viewing, luxurious hotels and helicopter transfers in/out.

  

Contact janet@grand-tourist.com or holly@grand-tourist.com to discuss your perfect tailor-made Grand Prix experience. Tel: 0044 (0) 1829 751038

 

 

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The daffodils are in bloom, the sun is shining. Time to think about Monaco, Istanbul and fascinating destinations just a few hours away. By private jet, sports car or push bike  - Grand Tourist is here to make your dream come true.

 I've always wanted to go to Jerusalem - so three weeks ago I went. It was fascinating - a city of great history, culture and religion. Staying at the fabulous American Colony Hotel I was able to explore and discover Israel and the West Bank at my own pace.

Watch this space for more details - the beauty of the desert, Jericho and it's historic walls. Dead Sea, Bethlehem and Nazareth - all part of a rich tapestry of life and culture - as complicated and intriguing today as it ever has been.

     

 

 

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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 been a busy start to the year for Grand Tourist - trips to organise, clients to call. So far we've already confirmed several trips to Monaco Grand Prix, A birthday celebration in New York and a super luxury touring holiday in Europe.

My favourite request so far though has been a gentleman, with limited sight, wanting to stay by the sea - as close to the sea as possible. So that he can enjoy the noise of the waves, the sounds of the sea and the smell of the sea in the air. We have him staying in an amazing old fortress (now a comfortable hotel) on France's West Coast over-looking the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

We've also got a massive family trip to organise around the Western half of the USA by RV, it's looking like a 40 footer will be required - and believe it or not you don't even need a special licence (a regular driving licence will do)! So whatever your dream Grand Tourist can deliver it for you. Don't delay call us today! www.grand-tourist.com 01829-751038

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A magical private peninsula in the South of France awaits you. Private, secluded and just two hours from the UK.

Here on the Cote d'Azur the sun is still shining - yesterday the temperature was 26 degrees. At Cap Estel you enter a world of peace and tranquility, fabulous views of the Mediterranean Sea and extensive gardens. Just 25 minutes from Nice Airport.

Grand Tourist would like to suggest a two night stay at Cap Estel in a deluxe double room, air travel to/from the UK, private car transfers to the hotel. Prices are from  £ 995 per person, based on two people sharing.

 Why not push the boat out and go for a Junior Suite, spacious, luxurious and with private terrace! We can even charter a jet for you. Contact janet@grand-tourist.com or holly@grand-tourist.com or phone the office: 01829 751038

We'd be happy to set up a wonderful trip to the Cote d'Azur just for you!

 

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Without meaning to wish the year away, my attentions have turned to celebrating New Year in Berlin. 

The cosmopolitan and exciting German capital has it all - world-class art, architecture, attractions and nightlife. Combining the big city vibe with acres of parkland and meandering walkways. Berlin has been spectacularly reinvented and revived and is a destination which can be as relaxed or wild as you like!

   

Berlin is also "the place" to celebrate New Year. The laser, light show and spectacular fireworks at Brandenburg Gate is a sight to behold. Some of the top hotels host the finest New Year's Eve balls with commanding views across the city to ensure you benefit from seeing the night sky lit up in all its splendour. Alternatively, we will book you a restaurant with a wonderful view to make it a celebratory night to remember. There are a plethora of excellent restaurants to suit your tastes, including the fabulous two Michelin starred Fischers Fritz for the full gourmet experience, and we will book a superb four-star hotel in a central location making this a memorable start to your city break.

There are plenty of things to see in Berlin. For modern architecture, visit the imposing steel and glass dome of the Reichstag, designed by Norman Foster. On a historical note, you can also trace the Berlin Wall route, marked by yellow footprints tracing its route through the city and consider those risking everything to escape Communist East Germany. The Haus am Checkpoint Charlie small museum details photographs of escape tunnels, improvised balloons and tells the story of this once divided city.

During your stay, we suggest you take a half day trip to the nearby city of Potsdam. Spend time exploring this beautiful city with the Sanssouci palace - the former summer residence of King Frederick the Great and the vast landscaped park with a replica Dutch windmill, Chinese tea pavilion and Italian Romanesque villa which are just some of the many interesting sights here.

    

There's shopping abound - from funky boutiques, expensive designer stores, and undiscovered trends, often at more reasonable price tags than other European cities. Be sure you visit KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens, translated as Department store of the West), Berlin's largest department store and on the sixth floor showcases 400 different kinds of bread, 2,400 wines, 1,300 cheeses and 1,200 types of wurst (sausage)! Take time to savour some oysters and champagne in the bar afterwards!

For further details about visiting this fabulous city, get in touch with me today by phone or e-mail catherine@grand-tourist.com

 

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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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