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Behind every Sunvil holiday is a team of passionate travellers working together to bring our chosen destinations to life and with the aim to enthuse a desire to visit - perhaps most importantly to do this in a manner sympathetic to and in line with the vision of our local partners and tourist boards.
We are experts in our field with a knowledge built up over many years. The majority of our 20 strong reservations team have been with us for nearly two decades, have travelled extensively within our countries and many have lived, worked or have family connections in our destinations. We pride ourselves on knowing the intimate details, understanding what makes a place tick and for our honesty. Alongside our 100% financial protection, we like to think that our know-how offers complete peace of mind when choosing a holiday.
Right now international borders are closed and our furthest destination is the supermarket or the route of our permitted daily exercise. The lockdown may reduce movement but it cannot stop us dreaming; of holidays of the past and those trips of the future.
Keeping with our ‘All for the love of travel’ series, we would like to use this time to share our passion with you.
In our ‘Ask the experts’ feature we’d love to hear your travel likes and dislikes. Challenge us to find your next holiday, for when that time comes. Email us at asktheexperts@sunvil.co.uk.
To kick things off, here is the travel wishlist for our Chairman, Noel Josephides. Maybe you have some ideas of where he should visit next?
"I would like recommendations for my next holiday within Europe, visiting somewhere with a historical richness and ideally on/in close proximity to the coast. I love cities like Barcelona, Dubrovnik and Venice for their beauty and ancient architecture, transporting me back to a time gone-by. Equally medieval castles reflecting the age of chivalry capture my interest and imagination.
In terms of accommodation, I prefer smaller owner-managed hotels; if they have a historical air and a garden oasis all the better.
Whilst it may not be possible to offer ‘culture’ and ‘pure nature’ this is my ideal."
Where would you suggest?
Rosanna says: "I would recommend a trip to Sicily – the largest island in the Mediterranean. It is steeped in history having been conquered by many invading super powers of the time from the Normans, Spaniards and Romans to the Arabs and the Greeks. There are many ancient sites, of which some are still quite intact – the Temple and amphitheatre in Segesta and the Roman Villa in Piazza Armerina with its vast mosaic flooring.
The island has many white sand beaches and nature reserves as well as several smaller neighbouring islands, many of which can be reached as a day trip from certain points on the island. Plus a rich and varied cuisine; many vineyards some with award winning wines; two of the most active volcanoes in Europe – Etna and Stromboli; salt marshes dating back to Roman times near Trapani; many historic castles including Donnafugata near Ragusa – used as a backdrop in the acclaimed TV series Inspector Montalbano, Castello di Venere in Erice and Aci Castello to name but a few; and the fabulous baroque architecture found in many places in the south east of Sicily.
In terms of a holiday itinerary, I would suggest a fly-drive combining the island's capital, Palermo, with a stay at the Masseria Mandrascate in Valguarnera (Enna) and La Scibina in Marina di Ragusa."
Cristiana says: "Extremadura, Spain would be perfect. It is a historically rich land and largely overlooked by foreign travellers. I would suggest that you hire a car and visit Caceres, Jarandilla de la Vera, Hervas and Trujillo - these were the highlights of my time in the region, and with many interesting museums and archaeological sites they would satisfy your want to gain a deeper understanding about the places you visit.
Extremadura has retained its authenticity and its historical towns stand side-by-side with glorious countryside and valleys. Eating out is affordable with most restaurants serving local produce and Spanish wines.
I would design a fly-drive itinerary for you incorporating overnight accommodation at a selection of historical paradors."
Yasmin says: "I would suggest a two-centre city break to Jerez de la Frontera and Cadiz in Andalucia, Spain. Both cities are rich in history and having friends from the area I have been lucky to have had a great introduction to both places. Jerez is well known not only for its historic sites such as its Moorish castle (Alcazar) but also as being the home of sherry. Add Flamenco and the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and what you have is a combination of history and local traditions to experience.
Here you can head to a Tabanco – unique small sherry tavernas found in Jerez and really get involved in the local spirit and passion for flamenco. Also a visit to a bodega (wine cellar) is a must, to learn the history of this famous drink and also sample some.
A train connects Jerez with the coastal city of Cadiz, the journey no more than 40 minutes, stopping near to the once fortified ancient centre with its spectacular 18th century cathedral. Cadiz is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Spain and here you can lose yourself in the maze of streets of the old town, which is filled with cobbled and narrow alleyways."
Jonathan says: "My suggestion would be a week's fly-drive holiday in the southern Peloponnese, Greece. Staying at the Kyrimai Hotel, a converted 19th century warehouse in the pretty fishing village of Gerolimenas. This beautifully restored hotel is full of character with many original architectural features and is the ideal base to explore the stunning countryside, coastline and the many historical sites of the Mani region. The breathtaking town of Monemvasia located on a small island off the east coast of the Peloponnese, is a scenic two hour drive away."
Noel says: I would love to do all of them, one every year, starting with Extremadura, Spain.
27th April 2020
Sunvil's holidays are designed by passionate travellers just like you. Our reservations experts and product teams, many of whom have been with us for many years, are passionate about our destinations and, through their personal, first-hand knowledge can answer any questions that you may have. They are well qualified to advise and recommend, based on your own holiday criteria. We can point you to those special, little-known places, some not found even in guidebooks.
Call one of our experts to discuss your next holiday with Sunvil on
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