Holiday Reviews: Europe

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• Holiday Reviews: Europe
• Holiday Reviews: USA, Canada & South/Central America
• Holiday Reviews: Egypt & Africa
• Holiday Reviews: China & Asia
• Holiday Reviews: Australia & New Zealand

Holiday Review: Crete & the Greek Islands

Our holiday started on May 1st two days in crete at The Grand Hotel which was fabulous.

On Thursday the 3rd of May we joined our cruise ship the ship was very good, the staff excellent, our complaint was being told when we arrived on the boat that all trips had to be paid for we have travel with Archers before and the only extra we where told about. I would like to point this out to other travellers who might be under the same impression that myself and many other's where under. It put extra costs to our holiday that we had not budgeted for. There is no mention of this in your brochure.

The cruise itself was fantastic, the sights out of this world.

ARCHERS DIRECT:
Thanks Paul. At each port of call the cruise lines are able to offer a variety of excursions and we believe it's better for our customers to choose the excursion of their choice rather than us deciding on their behalf. We do suggest local excursions in our brochure and website itineraries but we are always careful to highlight these as optional.

Paul Bugge, UK

Holiday Review: Baltic Capitals Cruise

For the past two years, my husband Bob and I have been on holidays booked through Archers Direct. The first was to the Baltic, visiting the fascinating capital cities of those countries that border that sea. Having thoroughly enjoyed it, we decide to take a Costa Cruise to Norway in 2003 and this was equally captivating as we sailed the fiords and viewed the wonderful scenery.

During the winter of 2003 we told our many friends of our wonderful holidays with Archers and thought about where we would like to go next.

Now we are busy telling more friends about this year's holiday and looking though the Archers brochures, planning our next exciting trip for 2005.

E Duke, Doncaster

Holiday Review: Eastern Mediterranean Cruise

For the past two years, my husband Bob and I have been on holidays booked through Archers Direct.

The first was to the Baltic, visiting the fascinating capital cities of those countries that border that sea. Having thoroughly enjoyed it, we decide to take a cruise to Norway in 2003 and this was equally captivating as we sailed the fiords and viewed the wonderful scenery.

During the winter of 2003 we told our many friends of our wonderful holidays with Archers and thought about where we would like to go next.

Now we are busy telling more friends about this year's holiday and looking though the Archers brochures, planning our next exciting trip for 2005.

E Duke, Doncaster

Holiday Review: Moscow & St Petersburg

I have just come back from your Moscow-St Petersburg tour with my daughter. I would just like to let you know how much we both enjoyed the tour.

Your guides on this tour really made it and they were hard working, helpful, with a lovely sense of humour. I found it a wonderful experience.

Mr & Mrs Bradbeer, Devon

Holiday Review: Highlights of Andalucia

I must tell everyone about the amazing holiday my husband and I had with Archers when we joined the tour of Andalucia.

We visited Granada, Cordoba, and Seville to mention just a few of the breathtaking tours.
We went in May, and the wonderful aroma of orange blossom remained with us for the whole holiday. All the tour guides were very informed, and welcomed us, referring to us as their 'family' throughout the tour. We could not believe how much we had crammed into 8 days.

We would confidently recommend Archers to everyone, and four of our friends have already taken our advice, and enjoyed their holiday as much as we did.

Mrs Brown, Southampton

Holiday Review: Grand Tour of Turkey

Thank you for a really enjoyable and satisfying holiday - our first with you but hopefully not our last.

Much of the success of the holiday was due to the efforts of our Guide, Gokham. Always polite, always helpful and despite various difficulties encountered, always calm. We were impressed by the way he got us booked into each hotel, allocated rooms and distributed keys speedily and without fuss or bother. He was always there when needed, but never intrusive.

Despite, or perhaps because of, the make-up of the large party, which consisted of no less than 11 different nationalities and a wide age range from students to senior citizens, the group 'gelled' very quickly.

The daily seating plan changes met with favour all round and during some of the long journeys when some of the scenery was less interesting, Gokham kept us amused with historical, geographical and cultural facts and from time to time a selection of jokes.

The itinerary could not have been bettered. We saw all we had hoped to see and more. All hotels were clean, comfortable and well situated and the food was excellent. All in all, good value for money.

Again, many thanks.

Mrs Kathleen Baldwin, Hythe

Holiday Review: Scenic Scandinavia

I would like to say how much we enjoyed this tour. As it went on there was a surprise round every corner. The driver Kim and courier Daniel were really great, they made the holiday great fun. We had monuments, waterfalls, castles, the cruise and thrown in in Norway snow, great fun.

The whole lot was very good, great mix of company, American, Indonesian, Australians and a few English thrown in.

Doreen & Tony Watts, Hampshire

Holiday Review: Grand Tour of Turkey

We have just returned from the Grand Tour of Turkey and once again Archers have done us proud.

We have been with Archers on about eight holidays now and can honestly say that we have never been disappointed on any one of them. From the standard of the hotels, the food, choice of locations and the excursions, they have all been excellent and great value for money.

The sights, sounds and smells of Istanbul were a wonderful experience and one that we would like to return to. Gallipoli was very moving and it was intriguing to see the beaches and the terrain that was once a major battlefield. The highlights were undoubtedly Pummakale and Cappadochia, we tried to explain to people exactly what we had seen but it was impossible without the help of photographs. To enter the area of Cappadochia was truly awesome and very hard to believe what we were seeing, most definitely one of the natural wonders of the world.

I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience something different. We are already looking forward to next years holiday (with Archers of course)

Dave & Elaine Dempsey, Watford

Holiday Review: Discover Sicily

We returned from our Holiday in Sicily (Discover Sicily) on 19th September, and would like to congratulate Archers for a most enjoyable tour.

We stayed at the Hotel Bai Del Capitano in Cefalu for 3 nights, which was a bit out of the way, but ideal for a short stay on tour. The hotel was small and very clean with friendly and helpful staff. It
had a lovely pool, gardens and a roof terrace from which you could see the beautiful sunsets.

We stayed at the hotel Sant Alphio Gardens in Giardini Naxos for 11 nights on our second part of the tour. This hotel was much larger, but also very nice. The pool was not very busy so there were no problems getting a sunbed, and the food was very nice. The hotel was approximately half an hour walk from Giardini Naxos harbour, but there were bars and restaurants along the way.

Our representative on the tour for the week was Giancarlo, who was very caring and informative and was very passionate about his country. He made sure everything was ok for us and when we arrived at the airport he made sure we were at the correct check in desk and said goodbye to everyone personally.

Also our driver Enzo, even though he could not speak much English, tried to communicate with everyone and was always cheerful and a very careful driver, which made the tour more enjoyable.

Thank you Archers for another superb holiday.

Mr & Mrs Brooks, Kent

Holiday Review: Scenic Switzerland by Rail

Our group of Americans; Australians, and Brits. met with our delightful guide Firenze in Zurich, and together we boarded a train on the following morning to the picturesque city of Lucerne. Some took the Lake Excursion whilst others explored the beauty of the surroundings on foot in brilliant sunshine. The Folknight aquainted us with some Swiss culture and cuisine.

The next day we took the Golden Pass train for a memorable journey to Lausanne. The delights of the day were not only the spectacular scenery, but visiting towns of interest en-route, including Meringen; Interlaken, and Gstaad.

Our Guide was experimenting with individual radio headsets to give us awareness of items of special interest as we walked around; and to brief us on the daily programmes.

On the shores of Lake Geneva we travelled to the beautiful resort of Montreaux with it's extensive floral promenade stretching to the impressive Chillon Castle. After lunch we travelled by an excellent train to Visp; thence by rack-railway to the delightful care-free ski resort of Zermatt. Two nights in the exceptionally pleasant family-run Hotel Walliserhof, were interspersed with our exciting (and cold) trip to the Gornergrat summit. Sadly the Matterhorn was mostly cloud covered.

Our eagerly anticipated next train adventure was the Glacier Express the whole way to St. Moritz, and all on narrow gauge. We were not disappointed with the spectacular scenery through the Alps - from fertile green valleys through long tunnels to emerge to thick snow everywhere!
Our next two nights were in the comfortable Sporthotel Baeren in up-market St. Moritz.
From St. Moritz we took the Bernina Express train (one-in-fourteen gradients without racks!) to Tirano in Italy. The line features viaducts rather than tunnels; with amazing views both up in Alp Grum or down by Lake Poschiavo. Tirano was well worth the visit for it's beautiful Cathedral and picturesque Old Town.

Next day, leaving the snow of St. Moritz, we boarded our train for the last time and relaxed our way back to Zurich via Klosters - no Royal visitors in sight!

Back in Zurich we had the opportunity to re-visit the City using local trams, or relax in the Novotel swimming pool. Sadly we said our goodbyes having made many friends.

Yet again, the Archers quality is sustained for another different and fascinating holiday.

Jack & Christine Brown, UK

Holiday Review: Discover the Dalmatian Coast

Dubrovnik has been billed as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' and Croatia as 'the Mediterranean as it used to be' so it had quite a lot to live up to as a holiday destination. This was our first visit to Croatia and we were quite excited at the prospect of a busy week here since our friends, colleagues and the guidebooks all said positive things about it.
On Tuesday evening we were whisked from the airport to our Hotel by private taxi in just under 10 minutes to be based in a small coastal village called Cavtat for a week. The Hotel Croatia was an idyllic private hideout whose setting wouldn't put James Bond's enemies to shame. Although it was a vast hotel with 480 rooms there is a warm welcome and very efficient staff to see everything is in order. We have already made enquiries about returning next year only to be informed that the hotel is having a complete overhaul and refurbishment and will be closed from November 2007 until May 2008. If they are trying to improve on an already immaculate place then we might be returning to paradise next year!
Unfortunately we arrived in gentle rain and had to persevere with poor weather for the first few days. The rain was very welcomed by the Croatians though because there had been a series of serious brush and forest fires which had caused death and destruction in the vicinity around Dubrovnik. This foul weather culminated in a tremendous storm in the early hours of Friday morning which lasted until lunchtime. The locals told us that there hadn't been a storm like that in living memory-just our luck but at least it was warm rain. After that we basked in beautiful sunshine and got quite healthily tanned and everything looked far more beautiful and appealing.
The itinerary organised for us showed us four main highlights of the local and more distant areas of the Dalmatian coastline. All the trips were well organised although the full days were very long but informative. They certainly wetted our appetite for further exploration of both Dubrovnik and our hotel locality in Cavtat without the need to travel long distances. Local transport on the boat or bus seemed to be very reliable in our experience.
The highlight of our stay was completely unplanned since we did not know of its existence before we arrived in Cavtat. We happened upon the Epidaurus Festival which was being held in Cavtat from 21st-30th September 2007 (Epidaurum is the ancient name for modern Cavtat). This was a locally organised festival of Arts and Music and it allowed us to see a live concert nearly every evening of our stay. It only involved walking down the 128 steps from the hotel to the town below. Ironically we stayed in Dubrovnik on Thursday night to see the Dubrvnik Symphony Orchestra perform. Then saw them at the Cultural Centre (like the Village Hall) on the Saturday night at the closing concert of the festival. We paid 200 kunas for the concert in Dubrovnik-excellent value and 30 kunas for the concert in Cavtat-amazing value!!!!
Would we return again? Definitely
Would we be based in Cavtat? Enthusiastically
Would we stay at the Hotel Croatia? Luxuriously
Would we travel with Archers? Thankfully

Many thanks for a truly memorable holiday, which we were certainly ready for this year. Your tours should however come with the warning that our guide on the Prague, Vienna, Budapest tour gave us last year-this not a holiday but an education! You certainly pack in plenty to do in really wonderful locations. I can't wait to book our next break with you.

Jacquie Faller, UK

Holiday Review: Discover the Heart of Spain

Dear Archers,

Over the years my husband and I have enjoyed many holidays with Cosmos/Archers and last week was no exception.

We always seem to set off in the same way, vaguely knowing where we are going but never having managed to do the intended research about the places we will visit. The result is that it is rather like being given a treasure chest, knowing that there is possibly something special inside but having no idea what. The thrill is that each holiday has revealed a collection of gems.

We booked our recent Heart of Spain tour so that we could visit the Prado and Reina Sofia art galleries, a long held ambition. Anything else on the tour would just be a bonus, we thought. Wow, what a bonus! We experienced delight after delight, beautiful Toledo, the magnificent, Roman aqueduct, cathedral and story-book castle at Segovia, the medieval, walled city of Avila, historic Salamanca brimming with sights and beauty from many periods in history, their stone walls glowing with golden warmth in the Spanish sunshine. Our last, new, overnight stopping-place was to be Burgos, just a name to us when we set off but what a joy and certainly the most breathtaking cathedral of the tour and possibly of any tour.

We left Burgos to head back to Madrid for our return home the next day thinking that we had had all our wonderful treats but there was still at least one more to come. As the coach slowly made its way up a narrow track leading across fields to a distant hillside, we were not alone in wondering why the organisers thought it necessary to add yet more to the many and varied things we had seen but Archers proved again that they usually know best.

The archaeological site at Atapuerca with its evidence and exhibition of the remains of Europe's earliest humans fascinated everybody and was such a contrast to the examples of man's skill and building that we had seen on the rest of the holiday.

Added to all this we had Ines, a warm, hardworking guide, good hotels and suitcases that disappeared and reappeared right on cue. What more could anybody ask!

A big thank you Archers from us both.

Margaret & Frank Wilby, UK

Holiday Review: Discover Tuscany

My wife and I have just returned from a 2-week holiday in northern Italy made up of a week on the Discover Tuscany tour and a week in Lido Di Jesolo.

This was our first trip with Archers and I have to commend them and there staff on a faultless holiday. All our transfers were seamless and well planned and the excursions were well organised and conducted by our tour manager Sonia and driver Jhuri.

The hotels were allocated on arrival the first week with the Hotel IL Burchiello on the first night, what can I say - clean, comfortable, friendly, good food and on a scale of 1 to 10 for a 4* hotel I have to give it an 8.

We then went to Montecatini Terme for the rest of our first week and spent it in the Hotel Santa Barbara which overlooked the town and the view was fantastic and again I have to give this hotel an 8 - clean, comfortable, etc.

During the first week we toured as per the itinerary and were escorted by Sonia, and when handed over to our guide we were all issued with a whisper radio which meant you could here all the information the guide was giving no matter where you stood, the guides were informative and knowledgeable. All I can say is wow - what a week! The pace is buzzy but even the eldest members of our party kept up with no problems.

Our second week we chose to stay at the Hotel Cambridge again the hotel was all you could want for a worry free holiday and I would give it an 8.

Lido Di Jesolo gives you the best of both worlds, as it is a tourist town surrounded by beauty, i.e. Venice and the islands and all sorts of small towns, which are easily accessible by local buses.

I have tried to keep this short but again I must say it was a hassle free holiday, which I could recommend to young and old alike, and I will have no hesitation in booking with Archers again.

Good Trip to all

Karen & Paul, UK

Holiday Review: Discover Provence & the French Riviera

I would like to thank you so much for a most enjoyable holiday. The sights I have seen will always remain within me.

The tour representatives were excellent, most friendly and helpful. These cover two tours one previously taken for my 50th birthday, where I travelled with Archers on the Eastern USA & Canada tours and visited the most memorable sights. Niagara Falls was awe inspiring, a truly tremendous sight trip. An evening meal out with the group to the CN tower (Toronto) was the icing on the cake. This will stay with me forever, thank you.

New York was my first time, every sightseeing trip was memorable from the minute I boarded the plane in Manchester. I sat next to a lady who was on her way to another of your tours, New England. We enjoyed New York free time together, Central Park, shopping, horse drawn ride through Central Park, meal and of course shopping before we parted ways on our separate tour again.

I celebrated my 50th in Ottawa Canada where a free three-course meal of the highest standard was provided for birthdays, a custom of the city.

I cannot tell you how over the past two years I have sung your praises to family, friends and strangers alike. Memories of Amish Pennsylvania lingers on, Washington, the St Lawrence River boat trip and all the cities sightseeing.

I had the chance to book another holiday to Provence and the French Riviera (had gone in May with Leger, very disappointed), this August. You have what other tour companies have abandoned, local reps. Reps on both the "Eastern USA & Canada" and "Discover Provence & the French Riviera" were fun, natural and easy to get on with. These two holidays will stay with me, the best holidays I have ever had. Long may you continue. I could go on much more about hotels, food, transfers and much more; must stop.

Thank you, thank you very much Archers. I remain your customer now and in the future.

PS - Already planning my next holiday. On this trip, the group discussed our previous trips, so we are all trying each one we have not done, because word of mouth is the best way to sell these wonderful holidays.

Grace Mitchell, Stockport

Holiday Review: Norwegian Fjords Cruise

For the past two years, my husband Bob and I have been on Costa Cruise holidays, booked through Archers Direct. The first was to the Baltics, visiting the fascinating capital cities of those countries that border that sea. Having thoroughly enjoyed it, we decide to take a Costa Cruise to Norway in 2003 and this was equally captivating as we sailed the fjords and viewed the wonderful scenery.

During the winter of 2003 we told our many friends of our wonderful holidays with Archers and thought about where we would like to go next.

Now we are busy telling more friends about this year's holiday and looking though the Archers brochures, planning our next exciting trip for 2005.

E Duke, Doncaster

Holiday Review: Discover Green Galicia

I have just returned from Gallicia and would like to take this opportunity to submit a review about the holiday. Galiicia certainly lived up to its reputation for being green and was also extremely rich in history and culture. From a choice of hotels my husband and I opted for the Oca Vermar. The room, which overlooked the beautiful national park opposite, was quite spacious and the hotel was in close proximity to some excellent beaches with pale blonde sand . Many a happy hour was spent in the evening watching the sunset from the dining room where well thought out meals were dished up by friendly waitresses. The local wine flowed freely and vegetarians were well catered for.

The tour itself was well thought out as although it didn't involve too much travelling we seemed to fit in everything from cities with cathedrals and monasteries to fishing villages. But best of all was our wonderful tour guide Diego who was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area (perhaps not surprising as he is a historian), spoke superb English and was absolutely charming. Many a happy evening were spent when Diego joined the party for dinner and told witty anecdotes about local folklore and his trips to Britain.

My husband and I fully intend to travel with Archers on future holidays and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to friends and colleagues.

Tamasin & Mark Reardon, UK

Holiday Review: Treasures of Italy

My wife and I with a friend have just returned from this trip and I would make the following comments:

Overall we enjoyed it very much. Very well organised with very good guides at each of the points of interest.

However, we did think that there was too much packed into it. We, like the rest of the group, did all the optional tours, this we felt was a mistake, as it left no time whatsoever for any free time..

Some of the trips were unsuitable for the older people on the coach, such as the Tivoli Gardens, which gives no mention of the layout and that older people will find it difficult to come back up to the top. Added to that the lift from the bottom of the house to the top, was closed due to the time of day(i.e early evening). This meant several flights of stairs which were both steep and long, had to be climbed, by people using walking aids. We felt that this information should be given in advance.

On the Friday when we were due to go to the Vatican & Sistine Chapel, we were informed that it was closed, due to the most important Holiday and Mass on the calender. As it is held every year on the same weekend, we fail to see how this was not catered for. As a result Friday`s tour was packed into Saturday, leaving a much shortened time to enjoy what Rome had to offer.

The visit to Capri, in our opinion was again subject to a lack of information. We were not told that the "Chair Lift" was of the kind used in Ski Resorts, which again those in our company with walking aids found very difficult.

On a direct complaint here, we were incouraged by our guide to use a certain Restaurant for lunch and at a good price. This turned out to be the worst lunch we had, with other Restaurants offering far better meals for less cost.

These comments sound as though we did not enjoy the tour, we did, but for the age group that tend to take up these tours, more consideration needs to be given, such as one stop on a five and a half hour coach journey is not sufficient, when the time you have is no more than half an hour.(sometimes less)

Our Tour Director Katerina was a wonderful girl, full of information and very willing and able to help with any problems, but again failing to take into account that older people just cannot walk as quick as she can, at one point I reckoned that our party stretched some fifty yards behind her. This was not a fault that was peculiar to her. There were times when we were out of communication with guides, even though we were in possession of radio links.

Enough of the negatives. the tour was designed to give a flavour of Italy and to that end it was successful. The Hotels were all good ,some better than others, but all good and the staff very friendly. If I were to ask anything of you, it would be to consider splitting Italy into two halves, we passed through a wonderful wine region, with no opportunity to vist a Vineyard for instance. A Northern Italy Tour and a Southern Italy Tour would be a preference, with a greater opportunity of free time at each stop over. ( I say this in response to a couple on our coach who were going on to a further tour after finishing the Eight day one and they expressed great concern that the next one would be as hectic as this one.)

We have been with Archers on several trips and will continue to recommend them, but perhaps having someone from your company and the the age group that tend to take up these tours, should go on the tour and experience the highs and the lows, which I feel would lead to a better understanding of what your customers are experiencing.

I do not know if you will publish this review, but if you do, to the people who read it, don`t let it stop you from taking up this trip. It may be that there were more people on our trip, that had walking difficulties, than others have had. My view on Italy has changed as a result of going. I wanted to see certain things, which I did and they were beyond my expectations.

Will I go to Italy again Yes, will it be with Archers Yes.

Monica & Dougie Dodds, UK

Holiday Review: Treasures of Italy

Just returned from Treasures of Italy tour, and what a brilliant week! Our tour director, Denis, was absolutely fantastic, and nothing was too much trouble for him. He kept us amused while travelling, and made sure everything ran smoothly. The whole time was very well organized..

The sights visited were amazing and we were kept well informed about each one.
The optional excursions were good, we really enjoyed them.
We were pleased with all the hotels, they were clean and comfortable.
This tour has early mornings and a fair amount of walking, but the reward is that your visits will be cooler, less busy, and you will see most of Italy!

We will be booking again next year and will try something different.
Thank you so much Denis for an unforgettable week.

Julie Jones & Family, UK

Holiday Review: Treasures of Italy

Just returned from the Treasures of Italy tour at the end of August. Overall it was an enjoyable experience but extremely tiring.

Bearing in mind that you are travelling from the north of Italy to the south and back again, in a week, it was expected that it would be a little arduous. It was. There were a couple of 7-hour journeys early in the week and this was making the coach ride a bit of an ordeal. I would rather have had the journey split into 3 or 4 legs with 20 minutes break every hour and a half or so. However, we got two mammoth journeys spaced only by one break and that of an hour.

However, I had checked the hotels on www.tripadvisor.com and it looked as if we were about to be staying at some absolute hovels and whilst the hotels were not 5 star, they were clean and practical. You have to bear in mind that we were not paying 5 star prices here.

We did most of the optional excursions. The one on Capri is essential and really should have been in as part of the holiday (at extra cost) as without it you are dumped at the harbour for about 8 hours. We took the "flavours of Italy" evening in Sorrento and this gave us a good meal at a good price. We declined the singing and dancing excursion afterwards and got mixed reports the following day. Some thought it good and some thought that it was like a school play. In Rome, the evening tour with meal was excellent. The whole party was put into a private dining room and we got an excellent meal and were entertained by musicians and the waiters. The following nights trip to Tivoli with a meal was also good.

You must bear in mind that there is an awful lot of walking to be done. You don't appreciate the early morning call and departure at the time but it meant that we got to places before the crowds and before the relentless sun. A lot of the walking tours had those earpieces and I must admit that by the time we got to the Colosseum and Forum in Rome I had given up the will to live and turned mine off.

On the last full day there was to be another tour with earpieces around Florence and as we had been to Florence before we declined and went and found a nice bar for a pizza and a beer and a sit down. We enjoyed that! I must say that we did feel a little cheated in Florence as we were all guided from the bus to a leather workshop and were given the hard sell for about 45 minutes. We had to do this as the guide was waiting by the exit with city maps and details of where we were meeting. Had we not declined the walking tour then we would not have had time for lunch.

Also, on the last morning we were told to be ready for departure to the airport at 4.30! It's as well that we didn't sleep very well as the phone went at 4.10 by a stroppy woman saying "we are waiting for you" and then a few minutes later we got another call saying that they "we're about to go". Not the best of starts. 4.10 is before I would normally get up in the middle of the night to go to the loo!

The Glasgow/Newcastle direct flight was excellent. It used BMI and there were acres of leg room. We even got an emergency exit seat on the way home as the young girl at check in saw that " I was very tall".

Overall the holiday was very good but also very tiring. Our driver, Beppe, was excellent and our director, Rita, treated the whole lot like a military exercise so no-one dared to be late back to the bus, however she made sure that everything went smoothly. I'm sure that there must have been a hole in the top of her head so she could breathe because once she got the microphone in her hand there was no stopping her.

Most of the bunch we were with were also decent people (apart from one woman who had a fag permanently in her mouth every moment we were not on the bus and blew smoke all over the place).

K & J Nicholson, West Bolden, Tyne & Wear

Holiday Review: Discover the Mountains & Trains of Austria

In June we flew to Munich,
Then coach to Zell-am-See
Our hotel was excellent
Many things to do and see

The weather was warm
Not to hot for me, fortunately
The Austrian ice-cream sundaes
Were a tasty speciality!!

Thank you to Archers
For planning our holiday so well
Many people I would like to tell

Danke schon; auf wiedersehen.

Mr J, Mrs N & Miss J White, Feltham

Holiday Review: Prague, Vienna & Budapest

Dear Archers,

I would like to pass my thanks onto the Tour Director (Barbara) and the driver (Kristian), for their efforts and skill in adding to the great itinerary of this exceptional tour.

The three main cities at which we stayed in were added to by stops in Bratislava (Slovak Republic), Brno (Czech Republic), and a superb two-hours lunch stop in the picturesque Cesky Krumlov (Czech Republic).

We added to the itinerary by taking in ALL of the optional excursions, which included three cultural evening dinners, with dance, which were great fun, plus a truly unforgettable evening concert at the Vienna Hofburger Orchestra playing Strauss and Mozart.

The cities offer so many sights and experiences, and combined in a fantastic tour - Great value.

Regards
Steuart & Janice Neale - veterans of over half a dozen European tours & Cruises with Archers/Cosmos

Steuart & Janice Neale, UK

Holiday Review: Spanish Panorama

Many thanks for a wonderful holiday in Spain "Spanish Panorama".

Even though I was diverted via Frankfurt a few weeks before departure - even though I sat in the plane at London for 2 hours and missed my connection to Madrid and was put on Spanish Air to Madrid. My luggage arrived with me and a taxi was waiting for me - can you believe that?! Boy you do know how to raise the stress levels.

Your tour Director Ires Torro is the best director I have ever met. She is absolutely lovely, very funny - very informed on every town and city we visited - very happy obviously loves her job and we were allowed to shop.

Please, I would be very grateful if you could convey to your colleagues in Spain how great she is. I have toured for about 10 years on my own now, and she is really wonderful.

Thanks again for a really good tour.

Mrs V Rimmer, St Albans

Holiday Review: Cities of Eastern Europe

I am now some four weeks returned from the above tour and not that the dust has settled and the euphoria subsided and I can view matters in a more objective manner, I would like to congratulate you on putting together a most interesting, informative, entertaining and, above all, enjoyable tour.

Altogether I have been on some 6/7 Archers/Cosmos tours, have enjoyed every one, and hope to continue touring with you in the future.

This tour lived up to your usual high standards and I would like to express my thanks to the Tour Manager, Petra Polauova, for her friendliness, enthusiasm an dedication, not forgetting having the acumen to implement and enforce a necessary fair and reasonable seat rotation system as the voluntary system was being abused by some tour members.

I would also like to express my gratitude to, so often the unsung heroes, driver Eddie, for his unfailing courtesy and, of course, his skilful, safe and careful driving. Together they made an excellent team and did much to enhance the enjoyment of an already excellent tour.

I have booked for China next year and look forward to many more trips in the future.

Mr McInnes, Airdrie

Holiday Review: Highlights of Germany

I would like to say how much my friend and I enjoyed our recently holiday with you in Germany. We saw such a variety of places and found all of them interesting, while on the included city tours the guides gave us plenty of information and detail.

All the hotels were specious and most comfortable and the breakfast buffets plentiful with lots of choice.

Beata, our escort, was bright and cheerful, always pleasant and able to give good advice regarding eating places and Michael drove us carefully and safely throughout our tour. He, too, was most pleasant and friendly, reliable and always helpful. Our thanks go to them and all those who planned and organised this excellent tour.

Miss R Waters, Leicester

Holiday Review: Highlights of Germany

My wife and I have been on eight Archers/Cosmos holidays and we have just signed up for the ninth. And I expect there will be many more. We endlessly chat about hot good they have all been and we can never agree about what was best or even about what was the best things we have seen - it is a very good-natured argument.

My own favourites have been Alhambra, Canada, the Mezquita at Cordoba and the awesome Neuschwanstein Castle while my wife simply loved Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore, the magical island of Capri, and the Tuscan countryside. What we can agree, however, is that every holiday has been terrific - we have seen wonderful things and been to great places. We also have had excellent tour directors and our fellow travelling companions have all been great company - every holiday has been a winner, only personal preference provokes discussion. As soon as the new Archers brochure comes out it is avidly studied - it is my favourite book! We are looking forward to more travels in 2007.

Thanks to all at Archers for some truly wonderful holidays.

Dr G. T. Bell, Renfrewshire

Holiday Review: Highlights of Germany

Just had to write to say how much I enjoyed the Tour of Germany this year, Budi our Tour Guide and Dieter our driver were both professional and friendly and I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see Germany.

On our coach we had Americans, Australians, Kiwis, British and what a fantastic group of people there where, who clicked from the start, all our Hotels were good as were the optional tours, the weather helped as it was in the 80's all the time but you always had the air conditioning on the coach to go back to, this tour was at a good pace and not rushed and we saw so many lovely places.

This is my 5th tour that I take alone and have not been disappointed yet, here's to the next one. Thankyou Archers

Miss R Waters
Leicester

I would like to say how much my friend and I enjoyed our recently holiday with you in Germany. We saw such a variety of places and found all of them interesting, while on the included city tours the guides gave us plenty of information and detail.

All the hotels were specious and most comfortable and the breakfast buffets plentiful with lots of choice.

Beata, our escort, was bright and cheerful, always pleasant and able to give good advice regarding eating places and Michael drove us carefully and safely throughout our tour. He, too, was most pleasant and friendly, reliable and always helpful. Our thanks go to them and all those who planned and organised this excellent tour.

M Chambers, Blackburn, Lancashire

Holiday Review: Rome, Vesuvius, Capri & Sorrento

Archers scored with us all at this lovely hotel on the isle of capri - the original hotel in our itinerary was full of other archers clients!

A touch of romance at numerous venues on the rome sorrento capri tour. These optional viewing extras came free !!!

Gloria Dennis, UK

Holiday Review: Alpine Italy, Austria & Slovenia

I felt compelled to write about our tour to Alpine Italy, Austria and Slovenia on 8th - 16th July. It was wonderful, infact the best tour of the five we have so far done with Archers/Cosmos. Slovenia was beautiful, the people friendly, the caves at Postojna were amazing and Grossglockner was fabulous - snowball fights in
T-Shirts!! The guide, Denis, and the driver, Genaro, were the best we have had on any tour and the hotels were lovely, with the exception of Turnerwirt, but at least the beds were comfortable and the staff friendly and it was situated very close to a lovely pub!

Thanks very much for a wonderful holiday and here's to the next five tours!

Mr & Mrs Rudd, East Yorkshire

Holiday Review: Scenic Switzerland by Rail

Having recently experienced the Scenic Rail Tour of Switzerland, which was fantastic, I want to tell you about our Tour Manager, Christian Lucchini.

This young man is exceptionally good at his job. He is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, giving us the history of the country, towns and villages we visited.

He was very respectful of the elder members of the group and also the single travellers (like myself). He was available 24 hours if required.

Christian worked tremendously hard to ensure our entire journey was superb, and did this always with a pleasant manner and a happy smile.

We all felt that he had contributed a great deal and added something extra to our wonderful holiday.

Mrs S Evans, Nottinghamshire

Holiday Review: Scenic Slovenia & Croatia

We have recently returned from our holiday touring Slovenia and Croatia.

The travel arrangements from UK to Lubjlana were excellent .On arrival we were met and taken to our overnight hotel where we had our welcome meeting outlining the next days arrangements.

Every day was well planned and carried out with the utmost efficiency and our comfort in mind. The hotels were of a good standard and the food good and varied. The luggage was always taken care of and we did not need to handle it much at all. The trips were carefully planned and sufficient time allowed for one to wander off alone if you wanted to.

All in all a most enjoyable and educational holiday.

As a bonus we opted for the Porec add-on. This proved to be a good move as it allowed one to relax at a wonderful resort after a weeks touring-I thoroughly recommend.

We personally looked forward to seeing the Mostar bridge in Bosnia. We were not disappointed as my photo shows.

N B Warren, Northants

Holiday Review: Discover Romantic Italy

We thoroughly enjoyed this 8 day tour although you have to be prepared to do plenty of walking.

The weather was very hot but where possible the tour director organised excursions around the cooler parts of the day. Venice was amazing and well worth the visit as was the outing to Parma. The included visit to the Cinque Terre was excellent as all 5 villages are extremely beautiful. The only excursion that was a disappointment was to Milan. We weren't impressed by the over inflated prices and found Verona and Vicenza much, much nicer.

It was lovely being based in one hotel for 5 days instead of moving around every couple of days and Salsamaggiore was a busy, but very nice Italian spa resort. The only other downside was Marco Polo airport - a nightmare for checking in. We were there early and still only got booked in as our flight was boarding.

All in all though this tour was well worth the money.

No name given, UK

Holiday Review: Highlights of Andalucia

What a fabulous holiday. The tour was great with a good range of hotels, and a really good tour director called Samuel.

First stop Malaga and overnight at the Novotel, which was a little way out of the city but we had a typical Spanish meal and enjoyed trying to speak the language.

After a good breakfast we were off on the tour Granada, Cordoba, Seville with sight seeing in all the grand places and overnight stays in good hotels. Flamenco gypsy style in Granada, the Alhambra, the Cathedral in Cordoba, all added up to make a fabulous tour.

Seville was a treasure and the hotel had a roof top swimming pool which overlooked Seville. Having been on this tour before I wanted to go to the classical Flamenco show in Seville at a place called the Patio, perfect, I would recommend anyone who likes Flamenco to visit this venue.

The week on the Costa del Sol was brilliant, The Hotel Balcon de Europa was very good, food was good the rooms perhaps could do with a little brightening up, but on the whole it was smashing. Friendly staff, clean beach, delicious grilled sardines from the beach bar, overall I would recommend this holiday to anyone.

We are in our 50/60's and there were 4 of us on this holiday we all enjoyed it and look forward to our next holiday hopefully with Archers.

Pat Waistnidge, UK

Holiday Review: Scenic Slovenia & Croatia

Attached are 3 entries for the Photo competition

- Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

- Ljubljana river cruise by night

- Dubrovnik old town and harbour

John Madew, Cheshire

Holiday Review: The Magic of the Italian Lakes

We have recently returned from this holiday which we thoroughly enjoyed.

The tour manager (Katerina) was excellent in her organisation and knowledge and her very clear communication. We felt that the tour was very well planned and all the timings perfect.

The optional excursions were all well worth doing and the included ones were all memorable and well thought out. It was a very varied itinerary and the inclusion of Venice and Switzerland were added bonuses.

The second week at the Hotel Sole at Riva was excellent. We were picked up from the Bristol Hotel by private Taxi at 10am and driven to the door of the Sole. Our room was ready for us - and arguably the best in the hotel with a balcony and views of the lake which exceeded all expectation .

We were surprised and delighted to receive complimentary champagne and a basket of fruit which were delivered to our room shortly after our arrival. Everything about this hotel was first class - the room, the service, the food and the staff .

We have had many holidays abroad and this one proved to be among the most enjoyable. We will certainly book another holiday with you in the future.

Brian and Carole Parsons, UK

Holiday Review: Malta

We booked our holiday to Malta mostly on line.

My wife injured herself at work, requiring her to be in a wheel chair just 4 weeks before we were due to fly. We spoke to archers over the phone regarding this problem, and they made all the arrangements for wheelchair transfers and people to meet us at both airports - this all went like clockwork. we were met as soon as we past from the arrivals exit, by a minibus driver to transfer us to Qwara ,(he wouldn't take a tip from us even after taking both our cases and loading and un loading the wheel chair and taking us into the hotel reception).

We had a sea view room with a balcony on the first floor next to the lift. The hotel Qwara Palace was very nice with a choice of three or more main meals at evening dinner or you could eat at the pizza restaurant or bar restaurant. The main pool area was large with plenty of sun beds, one smaller pool for the little ones was a nice touch so was the indoor pool with two whirlpool tubs too keep those midday rays of delicate skin.

We took our first trip out, on the evening we arrived. it was via horse and cart around the local area, a little pricey but well worth it. the next morning we were met by our rep with drinks and a host of local information.

We booked two trips with her . the round Malta cruise and a trip to Gozo with lunch. both trips were good but with a wheel chair, the stop at Comino to swim at the blue grotto was not so easy, access was limited for my wife (to many steps)so she was unable to do much during the three hour stop.

Night time in Malta is when it really comes to life, fireworks can be seen most nights and all the locals come out for walks along the proms next to the sea front. We went every night for an evening stroll- well a push anyway to the next town Bugiba and back passing street traders but were never hassled-so refreshing.

We hired a car one day to travel round the island at our own pace, driving on the left same as here. Unfortunately I did travel too fast through the tunnel at Triq Mikiel Anton Vassalli regional road and yes the speeding fine does catch up with you in the UK and yes you do have to pay it (the wonders of the EU).

Our trip to Gozo was very nice an escorted tour visiting Azzure window and the inland sea, several small villages and lunch overlooking a small bay. the afternoon we visited the Ggantija temples the oldest megalithic free standing structure in the world. this is where my photos look like I've captured Bart Simson banging on the wall.

Our final day trip was to Valletta. It was from here at the Barracca gardens (free to get in)that you can see the firing of the noonday gun and also enjoy the fantastic views of the harbour. Whilst in Valletta you should go to fort Almo and see the George cross awarded to the Maltese people and reflect on what they went through during the war.

The old joke about Malta, is it will be nice when its finished- a lot of building work is being undertaken on the islands and some of its charm has been lost in its strive to become a part of the modern EU . but look beyond this and some fantastic places still exist.

A test of how good a holiday is to me, is "would I return" my answer in this case is "I wish I was still there"

Paul Henson, UK

Holiday Review: Discover the Heart of Spain

Many people only want holidays on the coast with sun, sea and sand, but for those who want to get to the real heart of the country, there is nothing to beat an inland tour. On the Archers Direct 'Discover the Heart of Spain' trip, we really discovered the culture of Spain, including history, architecture and local cuisine.

The cities were superb. Our first exciting visit was to Toledo, the city famous for centuries for its metalwork, particularly sword-making, and for its damascening, a method of decorating metal with inlaid threads of gold or silver, which makes very striking jewellery.

We loved Segovia with its awesome roman aqueduct and fairytale alcazar, "borrowed" by Walt Disney for his Sleeping Beauty castle. In Avila, we were astounded by the hugely impressive and complete city walls.

Salamanca, the wonderful city of education with its old and new Cathedrals, the oldest University in Spain and a fabulous Plaza Mayor, was fascinating. Burgos, resounding with memories of its hero, El Cid and the pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela, had another spectacular Cathedral and pleasant riverside walk.

Madrid is perfect for the city lover with its famous Prado museum, huge Royal Palace and buzzing Puerta del Sol. Our own strongest memory of Madrid is the fact that we were there for David Beckham's last match with Real Madrid as the streets resounded with car horns and excited crowds when they won the match and the top position in the Spanish Premier League.

All this, and additional visits to Valladolid, with its Plaza Mayor filled with artistic sand sculptures, Palencia, a winery and an archeological site, gave us a really comprehensive tour. Our memories are filled with images of storks on chimneys everywhere and references to Don Quixote as we skirted the La Mancha region. Somehow we managed to fit in such detailed guided tours, together with time on our own to explore, relax in a few tapas bars or sit in a sunny square, watching the world go by.

The icing on the cake came from the knowledgeable guides and the comfortable hotels.

Anne Rothwell, UK

Holiday Review: Costa del Sol

Nerja - Perla Marina Hotel

Lovely quiet hotel. I love the pool because the deep end is only 5ft & I never have to go out of my depth!!

Have been here 6 times with Archers because unable to book it myself cheaper! A must is a sea view worth the extra money. Half board not worth the extra because there are so many good restaurants near the balcon de europa.

Last holiday in April this year & am looking to book again for September. This is the view from balcony please note the book. Lager, nail varnish, bikini & towel.

Lovely can't wait to go again.

Kate Smith, UK

Holiday Review: Discover Tuscany

Usually holiday on my own but waste a lot of time trying to find out about local transport etc. and on a short break this can really eat into the time.

This package was perfect because I didn't have to think about anything except getting to and from the airport - everything else was taken care of. The schedule was ideal for someone who doesn't want to spend days on a beach and/or isolated because of single status; nor do I want to be pigeon holed by age or single status.

The cost of the package was also ideal for someone who has to have an eye on their budget without sacrificing comfort - in fact my hotel room was excellent and much bigger than I have previously had in Italy.

My only complaint was the time allocated for the day trip to Lucca and Pisa. Lucca deserves much more time than Pisa - Pisa is the pits. If Pisa didn't have a leaning tower, someone would have to build one to make the place worth a visit. The best part of the programme was the optional trip to Sienna - maybe it should replace Pisa.

Thinking about taking another of your Italian tours next year - probably Rome. Saving up, starting now.

Margaret Borsey, UK

Holiday Review: Bohemian Rhapsody

My husband and I returned on 21 June after travelling on the Bohemian Rhapsody tour. Having never done a coach tour before, we were slightly apprehensive as we like to do our own thing - not having our time earmarked 24/7.

We were so impressed at the high standard of hotels and coach journey. Our tour included a sightseeing excursions with a local guide and then we were able to browse the cities in our own time as we had at least 1 day free.

Our guide, Esther, was brilliant, nothing was too much trouble. She ensured everyone on the tour had a wonderful holiday. We also met other travellers on the tour from far and wide, Canada, Australia, America, Wales and England whose company we thoroughly enjoyed.

In summary, we had a most wonderful cultural tour and learnt so much about the countries we travelled in and through.

Gerald and Jill Green, UK

Holiday Review: Moscow & St Petersburg

We have recently returned from one of your tours to Moscow and St Petersburg.

We would just like to say how much we enjoyed the tour. The reps and local guides were fantastic - very helpful and knowledgeable - and they made the whole trip run very smoothly.

We would certainly recommend this tour and Archers Direct to friends and family. The tour was great value for money and Archers again organised lovely hotels in good locations. In fact, we have already had two sets of friends going on your holidays due to our recommendations…

Thanks to all at Archers for some truly wonderful holidays.

Mr & Mrs Brandon, Cheshire

Holiday Review: Russian River Cruises (St Petersburg to Moscow)

We had a wonderful holiday and even the weather co-operated by being unseasonably warm for May. We saw some fantastic places and the cruise boat, although a little basic, was good value for money and the meals were good too.

Our only problem was the chaos at Moscow airport when we arrived but once that was sorted everything went smoothly.

Thank you also Archers for being so helpful when one of our party had to cancel due to illness four weeks before we left.

We took almost 200 pics in Russia and definitely intend to go there again. Thanks for a wonderful holiday.

Val Gornell, Cumbria

Holiday Review: Russian River Cruises (Moscow to St Petersburg)

We had a wonderful holiday and even the weather co-operated by being unseasonably warm for May. We saw some fantastic places and the cruise boat, although a little basic, was good value for money and the meals were good too.

Our only problem was the chaos at Moscow airport when we arrived but once that was sorted everything went smoothly.

Thank you also Archers for being so helpful when one of our party had to cancel due to illness four weeks before we left.

We took almost 200 pics in Russia and definitely intend to go there again. Thanks for a wonderful holiday.

Val Gornell, Cumbria

Holiday Review: Discover Sicily

My wife and I went to your discover Sicily tour and we extremely enjoyed it. The tour, the hotels and especially Giancarlo the tour guide where first class.

Giuseppe Evangelista, UK

Holiday Review: Ischia

What a beautiful Island....even though we took your choice hotel when we took Island tour, we were delighted that you had given us the best area in our opinion.

Casamiccola and Lacco Ameno were just what we wanted, we could walk or catch bus if feeling lazy to either resort. We took boat trip around island + a day to Sorrento..as our optional trips they were both brill,,,only fault found that the commentary on round Island trip was not even in broken english,,but we still enjoyed it all.

Hotel was only basic but what we expected for price. The time allowed for Airport trip on return must be looked at...it was to last minute to get onto plane...we were panicking as the plane was boarding as we got to chekin.. it was panic stations.

We have always enjoyed Archers holidays this being the 3rd,,,we have travelled with Cosmos also.

Gillian & Cyril Robinson, UK

Holiday Review: Ischia

We have recently returned from a wonderful two weeks on Ishcia.

We'd been before, but this was our first trip with Archers. Everything about the hotel - the Grazia Terme - was perfect. Your representative - Veronica - was charming, and we felt as though we were talking to a friend, not a "rep".

We'll be back!!

And here's a couple of entries for the photo competition - taken from Lacco Ameno harbour early one morning - with Vesuvius in the background.

Pam & Bob Ward, UK

Holiday Review: Grand Tour of Turkey

We've previously visited Turkey on daytrips and enjoyed it but felt this type of resort was not for us, what a change of mind!! We toured "Classical Greece" in Sept 2006 with Archers and thoroughly enjoyed it and with research we thought Turkey would be a super follow on to the historical theme we started in Greece.

It was full of wonderful sights ,modern villages too, Pamukalee and Capodocia was a true wonder. Our guides were great , full of information that you would not find in history or reference books.

Later this year we are booked to tour America, we hope we're not in for too much of a culture shock...but if it is as good as our previous holidays with Archers we'll have a fab time. Really looking forward to it.

Carol & Dave Bowen, UK

Holiday Review: Discover Jersey

Our visit to Jersey, May 2007, got off to a poor start, as the flight was turned back from Jersey due to fog.

HOWEVER, in landing back at Manchester, a quick phone call to the Archer's agent sorted out a room for the night at the Crowne Plaza hotel at the airport and a re-booked flight the following morning. What's more, on arrival in Jersey, we were taken straight to the tour which was taking place.

Excellent arrangements, which reflect well on a company of Archer's status. The rest of the holiday was shrouded in poor weather, but the tours were well organised and the hotel very good.

Revd Alan and Mrs Sue Wright, UK

Holiday Review: Venice, Florence & Rome

We are writing to thank you for an amazing holiday to Venice, Florence and Rome and Hotel Caravel in Sorrento.

The staff and the care were unsurpassable. Our rep Rita was superb as was our coach driver Francesco. The coach was immaculately clean every-time we went out in it. Our other rep Alison was also very helpful at all times. Italy is such a fabulous country and we packed a lot of it on our tour.

Great sights, great memories and great company of our fellow travellers. Thank you

Mr & Mrs Dewhurst and Mr & Mrs Heyes, Bolton

Holiday Review: Venice, Florence & Rome

My husband and I found the trip very exhausting, however, that may be due to the fact that we did every excursion that was going. What we should have done was to be far more selective and we will take account of this next time for another coach holiday again. Personally I didn't feel we had any down time, and no time to shop (husband was pleased).

In saying all that I did see a lot of Italy, and the particular points of interest. Some of the local guides did go on a bit and eventually I switched off, (literary). It would again be better if we had a choice to be with them on an excursion or just left to our own devices. My degree is in Art History and therefore I didn't really need the explanation of certain pieces of art and architecture …. In hindsight I should have just gone on my own, but we did get in quicker being part of a Tour.

I would, however, like to thank the Archers team, and in particular our Tour Operator was great. For our 30th Wedding Anniversary whilst we were in Venice she arranged a gondolier ride in the singers gondolier and we had a cake and candle at the excursion meal.

My husband like the trip to the 'Barons' restaurant and found that really funny, however, the trip was cut short and we were all marched onto the bus as we had to go back to the hotel????

Virginia Castle, England

Holiday Review: Discover Tuscany

In June 2007 my husband and I went with Archers on the Discovering Tuscany tour followed by a week's stay in Lake Garda. The weather for the two weeks was very hot.

We arrived in Venice at the Poppi Hotel where a selection of cold meats and cheese was provided for us as we had missed dinner. The Hotel Poppi is not somewhere where we would want to spend much time as it is on a very busy road with nothing else around, quite a way out of Venice. Our room was very small and dark but adequate for one overnight stay.

After a lovely day in Venice we were taken to Montecatini where we stayed in the Grand Plaza Hotel, right in the square in the middle of the town. The public rooms in the hotel were well presented, although the hotel had obviously seen better days. Our room was quite large but in need of refurbishment, as was the old fashioned bathroom. The hotel staff were very friendly, with the exception of one receptionist who everyone complained about. Our safe was broken on arrival and despite repeated requests it was never mended so we could not use it. The pool in the hotel was very nice and welcome after a day's sightseeing and there was also a nice courtyard where you could relax with a drink before dinner. The food in the hotel was on the whole very good with waiter service.

Our tour leader, Raja was excellent and I cannot praise her enough for her organisational skills, helpfulness and her wealth of information.

We were very surprised at how nice Montecatini was. A trip on the funicular railway to Montecatini Alto is a must where the views are fantastic and also a visit to the thermal spa is a relaxing experience if you can work out how to get in there as we couldn't find any signs in English! It was well worth the 5 euro entrance fee to wander around the beautiful grounds, have a coffee and pastry and listen to the small orchestra playing a variety of styles of music. The atmosphere in the town was lively, especially at night, when everyone seemed to congregate in the square and in the cafes and bars around the square.

Whilst based at Montecatini we took trips to Florence, Lucca and Pisa, a trip to the Chianti wine growing region of Tuscany and an optional extra to a beautiful restaurant just outside Montecatini for a typical Tuscan dinner. The trips were very well organised, although the supposed half-day trip to the countryside ended with an unadvertised stop at Greve in Chianti and we didn't get back until after 3pm. Whilst in Florence we took up the option to go to the Uffizi Museum which was fantastic if you appreciate art. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the works of art but unfortunately his pronunciation of some words and the overall background noise made it difficult to hear his commentary. The Botticellis were magnificent. If you like shopping then Florence is the place for you! Lucca was a picturesque mediaeval town - you could walk or cycle around the town walls which we would love to do when we return at a future date.

We had chosen the Hotel Splendid at Limone for our second week and were absolutely delighted that we had. It was in a perfect position very close to the lake and every room had a balcony with lake view. The scenery in Limone was superb and we would definitely return to the hotel in the future. There were two very nice outdoor pools and a lovely indoor pool as well as plenty of terraces to sunbathe on and we always seemed to be able to get a sunbed and umbrella despite the number of Germans in the hotel! One nice touch in the hotel was that all the drinks at dinner were free and 'on tap'. These were red, white or rose wine, beer, still or fizzy water and fruit juice. All meals were buffet style and there was a wide selection so you could always find something you liked. The staff in the hotel were very helpful and friendly. The hotel was well situated for the boats and we took a trip over to Malcesine which was a lovely town with castle overlooking the lake.

Whilst staying in Limone we went to the opera in Verona to see Nabucco. This was certainly an unforgettable experience, although a little uncomfortable as we had step 'seats'. We had been advised to take cushions which did help but you can hire cushions at 3 euros each. Next time we would pay the extra for a proper seat! If you are on the steps you can take a picnic and drinks with you, but no glass bottles. Everything on sale in the arena seemed to be 5 euros (paninis, wine, water), so it is advisable to take your own.

Overall, we had a very enjoyable holiday and it was certainly good value for money. The first week was probably more tiring than perhaps we had anticipated but the second week was a perfect contrast as we were able to relax completely in beautiful surroundings.

Susan Parry, UK

Holiday Review: Discover Tuscany

After being bounced by another tour company from a Tuscany touring holiday we found Archers Direct offered something similar - but even better than the original - it included Venice!

My wife and I have a soft spot for Italy, having previously visited Sorrento, Taormina in Sicily also Rome and Naples, so Tuscany was next on the agenda! Archer's "Discover Tuscany" fitted the bill in a one week tour with optional extensions.

Flying direct from our local airport at Glasgow to Venice by bmi (a fantastic airline) on the Sunday we were transferred to the ubiquitous Hotel Poppi, far too far away from Venice lagoon to make sightseeing on the Sunday a realistic proposition. Hotel Poppi for one night at a push, but somewhere better quality and closer would have been preferred.

Venice was a half day visit only, but time enough for a Gondola ride (optional extra but at a fixed price paid to the tour guide) an inclusive "tour" of St Marks's Square before a quick bite to eat and off on a 4 hour coach journey to the main base for the remainder of the week at Montecatini Terme in the heart of Tuscany.

On the agenda for the rest of the week included delights such as Florence, Lucca, Pisa, a wine tasting visit in Chianti country, and options included Siena, San Gimignano, a Tuscan dinner and to Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo.

This meant in practice quite long coach journeys every day so by the end of the week with the final 4 hour stint back to Venice Airport at 4am we were getting somewhat tired of coaching!

We did chill out locally on Saturday and took advantage of the excellent spa facilities of Montecatini for a relaxing "introductory" course at the Excelsior Terme including saunas and massage - and very nice it was too! A trip by the 19th Century funicular to Montecatini Alto gave excellent views over the main town, and a quiet place to stroll and enjoy a meal concluded the final day.

Our young Croatian guide, Denis, was a cheerful chap, helpful, albeit inexperienced, and helped to get everything and everybody organised (well almost!) and also for praise was driver Mauricio who drove us safely even when the front door of the coach decided not to close properly one day!

The party was billeted at four hotels in Montecatini Terme, our experience of the Grand Plaza was marred by loud music from a piazza at the back of the hotel nearly every evening until midnight, not welcome when exhausted after a busy day with an early start required the following morning! Food was not all to my personal taste, and my wife found the quantity excessive, but opinions vary, others had no problem with it.

Montecatini Termi is a central location for touring and itself a vibrant spa town with shops, parks and loads of hotels. A railway line through the city would have made an option for us had an extra day been included and the line runs from Florence through Lucca to Viareggio on the coast.

This was a most enjoyable week, well organised by Archers and ticked the boxes for what we were looking for. To be recommended.

Colin and Marion Dalziel, Hamilton, Scotland

Holiday Review: Moscow & St Petersburg

Thank you for a wonderful experience visiting these two great cities - a truly memorable time was had by us both. Everything was first class from hotels to tour guides.

Looking forward to our next Archers holiday in September when we visit USA/Canada.

Irene & Patrick Gormley, West Lothian

Holiday Review: French Panorama

We have just returned from an excellent touring holiday - French Panorama. The Coach was excellent, only 6 months old and the driver was very competent and obliging.

We have no hesitation in wishing to book again through Archers Direct, the tours in Scandinavia, Germany and Portugal all look good.

Mr & Mrs Toms, Cornwall

Holiday Review: Scenic Slovenia & Croatia

We have just returned from the touring holiday in Scenic Slovenia and Croatia with an add-on week in Pamoroz.

We have been on two previous Archers holidays (Prague Krakow and Budapest) and Poland which we enjoyed enormously, but we feel that this tour was particularly special. It must have taken some courage to put together in a tour covering such large distances and to include Bosnia but we would not have missed any of it.

The long journeys were full of breath taking scenery - The Dalmatian Coast - a real eye opener - the two days spent in Bosnia. It was a privilege to see the Mostar Bridge and Sarajevo gave us a fascinating and salutary glimpse into history.

Our guide (Osmond) was excellent throughout the week and could not have done a better job in helping us to understand the complexities of the area.I am pleased to see you have included this tour again in your brochure and would be tempted to do it again except that we have booked the Rocky Mountaineer so I am busy persuading all my friends to go to Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia on your tour.

Congratulations once again to the tour operator - it was brilliant!!!!

Mrs Windridge, Cheshire

Holiday Review: Italian Showcase

Our trip to Italy in September, doing the Tour, was everything we expected and more. I'd just finished reading Dan Brown's novels so our tour of Rome took on a new dimension - thrilling!

We had a superb coach driver, Umberto, who took all the strain, which allowed us to really relax and enjoy being dropped in the centre of the cities. Our tour guide, Chero, was also superb; his attention of detail was great. Our hotels were varied and good bases to explore from.

We loved the magnificent gardens and waterfalls of Tivoli, outside Rome. Whilst sipping our drinks on a sun-kissed terrace we were serenaded by a classical choral group accompanied by a harpsichord.

The numerous fine cathedrals and Duomos we visited deserve a mention, but my favourite was the lower Basilica at Assissi. Wherever we went, especially in the restaurants, where the wine and music flowed, we were welcomed warmly. Visiting Monte Cassino was a moving experience especially the visit to the war graves.

The Tuscan scenery was delightful from the rolling hills covered in vineyards and cypress trees to the timeless medieval towns perched on hill tops, as portrayed in many a Renaissance painting.

We loved exploring the side streets of Venice, Florence, Siena and Verona. The waterbuses of Venice were ideal and we enjoyed our visit to the Guggenheim Gallery.

On returning to Naples, we visited the beautiful island of Capri. We saw magical views after travelling by chair-lift to the highest point on Capri. Vesuvius dominated the Bay of Naples. Our ultimate trip was to Pompeii, which lived up to our expectations as being quite unique.

As a tribute to our super tour director, Chero, we wrote and dedicated a song to him, which my partner sang on our last night out in a Neopolitan restaurant. The chorus was joined in by the rest of our coach party. It summed up all the spectacular treasures we'd seen and the fun we had on this memorable holidays.

Mrs E Buxton, Cheshire

Holiday Review: Highlights of Portugal

I am writing to say thank you for a wonderful holiday booked through Archers Direct.

We have just returned from the Highlights of Portugal tour followed by a week in the Hotel Vila Gale Marina Vilamoura. We found everything on this holiday to be superb, excellent itinerary, excursions and hotels. We found the Hotel Vila Gale Marina to be first class, lovely room with sea views, great food and friendly staff.

We have been on a good many Cosmos/Archers holidays and have enjoyed everyone. I felt you would like to receive some positive feedback - a holiday that was totally free from criticism. Look forward to travelling with Archers again

Mr P Fagg, Middlesex

Holiday Review: Discover the Heart of Spain

We would like to write to say how much we enjoyed your tour of Spain, which four of us did on the 18th September. It was called the Heart of Spain, and it was fabulous.

I am also writing to say how wonderful Helena our tour guide was. She was first class. You could not have wished for a better guide. Her knowledge was superb. She was caring, attentive and very very nice. She was always there if you needed her and we will never forget her. In fact I think it was down to her that we all enjoyed it so much. She was so interested in all of us, a true professional. She is credit to your company.

Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday.

Mrs C Cleave, London

Holiday Review: Discover the Heart of Spain

I have just returned from your "Discover the Heart of Spain" tour, which was fantastic.

Helena the representative was great, the local guides were delightful gentlemen who spoke with passion and the drivers were lovely. The Novotel in Malaga was a lovely hotel and it was easy to get a bus into Malaga and Torremolinos. The Hotel Hesperia in Toledo was luxurious and welcoming with a lovely restaurant next door.

This was the third holiday we had booked with Archers and we always enjoy ourselves. Keep up the good work with your lovely staff.

Mrs V. Willis, Norfolk

Holiday Review: The Magic of the Italian Lakes

We certainly did have the most enjoyable holiday … the first week touring the Italian Lakes and the second week relaxing in Garda town.

D Humphrys, Leicester

Holiday Review: Venice, Florence & Rome

We went on this holiday in August and had a fantastic time.

The tour reps were so helpful and the Hotels were very good. Only slight disappointment was the location of the hotels as they were quite far from the centre, however the whole holiday was very well organised.

Ann Lyle, UK

Holiday Review: Moscow & St Petersburg

We have just returned from a trip to Moscow and St.Petersburg which was wonderful. Apart from the problems which most of our group had at our arrival airport, not being met satisfactorily?

The rest of the holiday was great. Our tour director was excellent and our 2 local guides were extremely knowledgeable. They all helped to make our holiday success.

We look forward to travelling with Archers again.

Margaret and Hugh Pettigrew, UK

Holiday Review: Wonders of Ancient Greece

We have just returned from our 6th Archers holiday and feel that this was the best of them all.

Each day surpassed the one before, there was so much to see and the days were well planned with visits and travelling interspersed so we didn't feel as though the whole week was spent on a bus! Our tour guide, Marianna, was excellent, and our driver, Leo, was also fantastic. We had a great time, and shared it with a group of lovely people on our coach.

Greece is such a beautiful country with amazing scenery and so much history. We recommend going at early season (April / May) as the flowers and blossom on the trees and beautiful and the weather glorious - just warm enough to sight see comfortably in t-shirt and shorts!

A fantastic holiday not to be missed!

Linda Finch, UK

Holiday Review: Discover Medieval Italy

Please find below comments on our recent holiday. We hope that you will smile when reading them, but bet you don't smile as broadly as we did whilst we were travelling. We have travelled many enjoyable miles with your Tour Directors to various European destinations and also a wonderful Nile Cruise.

Once again Archers organisational skills coupled with the hard work of our Tour Director Christina made our holiday to Medieval Italy very enjoyable and memorable.

Visiting magnificent Assisi and St Francis Basilica with a local guide was amazing.

The town of Orvieto situated high on a rock face, (but thankfully easily reached due to the funicular railway and local bus) was unbelievable as nothing prepares you for the awe inspiring Duomo as you turn into the main square, the size, the details, the vividness of colours, the frescoes and mosaics all absolutely beautiful.

We have been on many wine tasting trips but the one included on this tour has to be the best. We visited a family concern in Montepulciano we were welcomed through their cellars and into a cavern, we were seated on a table of ten and after a brief introduction to their wines each table was given a bottle of white and red wine followed by a dessert wine, plus tasty Italian breads to dip into their famous Olive Oil. As you can imagine we were loathed to leave our wine tasting venue but the climb to the top of Montepulciano felt much easier somehow, and certainly the drive back to our Hotel was quite quiet.

Our second week was spent in Limone on Lake Garda amongst wonderful scenery.

One of the most natural and beautiful sights of Italy are the fields of bright yellow sunflowers which follow the sun through to the end of the day and turn to wait for the sun rise again.

We always meet so many different and interesting people on our holidays some become long lasting letter writing friends other we remember as acquaintances who contribute to our holiday memories.

We have already booked two holidays with you for this year, the first in June to the Douro Valley in Portugal and also China The Middle Kingdom in September, a holiday we have been talking about for a long time but is now going to be a reality.

We know that we can rely on Archers to provide good customer care and excellent logistical organisation so that we don't have to worry about anything other than having another truly memorable holiday.

Mr & Mrs Arnold, Cambs

Holiday Review: Classical Greece & Corfu

During an Archer's holiday in Greece and Corfu last year, my friend and I took a day trip to Albania. We sailed on an Albanian ferry and, shortly before docking, I decided to find the cloakroom on board. Unfortunately we had encountered rough seas, the whole cubicle was pitching violently and the toilet was one of the dreaded holes in the floor. A successful outcome being unlikely, I decided to cross my legs and wait. My friend remarked that they would be just the same there but I answered that at least it would be on terra firma.

Upon arriving at the port, we entered a restaurant and I asked the very courteous proprietor to direct me to W.C. He showed me to the top of the stairs, which he said was the best one for a lady and I ascended with trepidation. How thankful I was to find a pristine cloakroom with a wonderful "sit-down" toilet.

During our stay we went by coach to the huge archaeological site of Butrint which they hope will encourage a tourist industry after their entry into the EU. Albania is one of the poorest of the Balkan states, not long liberated from the Communist yolk, and going along one of the main coast roads we had to pull into passing places to enable any other coach or lorries to pass. Much building was underway on either side, workmen using hand tools and wheelbarrows to achieve many of our mechanised tasks.

Our guide, a charming lady with fluent English, later took us on a short tour of the town. She showed us one of many concrete domes, covered in graffiti, which was the top of a bunker into which the population could be herded to save them from a probable invasion of fiendish Westerners. She added with a wry smile that they were to protect them from their supposed enemies, whom they now knew were, in fact, their friends.

As we walked around the town, children danced around us selling embroidered handkerchiefs, scarves, etc. - "Two euros, one euro please….. please buy". If we bought anything they thanked us with delighted smiles.

I shall remember the warmth of the people I met, the hope they hold for their future - and also the relief in finding the luxury of a clean and civilized loo !

Mrs Elliott, Herts

Holiday Review: Roman Discovery

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Archers Direct most sincerely for the wonderful holiday they arranged for us in Italy.

As we were two rather senior ladies on our own, we were quite apprehensive, as we had never travelled with Archers before.

We had no need to worry as, from beginning to end of the holidays, we had a great service. We stayed at a wonderful hotel in Fuigi, which was just outside Rome. The hotel was really spacious and comfortable with superb food. Each day we were taken to places of interest, including two amazing visits to Rome. The guides were fantastic and showed us everything of importance historically with a detailed account of everything. I would like to thank our smashing courier who obviously was very proud of his country and was extremely knowledgeable.

Thank you again Archers. Since I have come back, my husband and I have booked with you to visit New York and Las Vegas in November and cannot wait to go. You can rest assured that I will be recommending you to all our friends.

Mrs Davies, Dyfed

Holiday Review: Roman Discovery

Hi, thank you for your Christmas card. I would like to give a short review of the wonderful holiday I enjoyed with you in 2004.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO BOOK IF YOU ARE SINGLE PERSON - YOU CAN STILL HAVE LOTS OF FUN AND YOU DON'T FEEL ALONE!!!!!!!

I was living in England for a 6 month period and booked an 8 day "Roman Leisurely Holiday" in October 2004, the last of the year. I had never been to Italy before but fell in love with Italy straight away. I was travelling on my own so was a little nervous about whether I would feel "out of it" with all the married couples that I initially met up with. I'm pleased to say that there was also some other ladies travelling, either with another girlfriend, or on their own so we quickly made friends. Also a couple of widowed gentlemen who were on their own. The entire group were great fun and we became one big happy family.

The whole experience, was one of the best holidays I have ever been on. The tour guides, hotel, extra activities and visits to Rome both day and at night will be something that will live with me forever….

I am coming for a holiday to the UK in April - to visit my parents - but will definitely book a holiday for myself "as a single" and I am confident I will have just as great a time as I did in 2004. I still keep in touch with the lovely friends I made.

Thank you so much and I will look forward to another holiday in 2007!!!!! Role on my next trip.

Maureen Lewis, Perth, Western Australia

Holiday Review: Venice, Florence & Rome

Thank you for your latest brochure, we had a lovely holiday with you to Italy last year.

My only complaint but not really your problem we went to Murano glass taken there as part of the trip. I had been there in the late 80's bought some glass at the time and it is still wonderful, this time I bought a gold necklace for my partner, the so called gold is only plated as it is coming off. I bought a glass with gold on it I have only washed it in warm water only and the so-called gold is coming off. It put a blot on the holiday.

Mr R Whiston, UK

Holiday Review: Venice, Florence & Rome

This was the first time we have used Archers Direct for our holiday to Italy in the September of this year.

The advantage of the three main stays - Venice, Rome, and Florence were great and being able to add a further week in Lake Garda could not have been better. The accommodation and the guides were excellent.

We will be booking a Rhine cruise, for another great holiday in 2007 and certainly be using Archers again. Thank you.

Mr D Eastup, Bristol

Holiday Review: Discover Tuscany

My wife and I have just returned from one of your tours (Discover Tuscany) staying at the Hotel Millennium in Montecatini from the 14th to the 25th May. We would both like to congratulate you on a first class tour and we have not enjoyed a holiday so much for many years, the organisation was extremely efficient at all times.

We would like to commend the coach driver Raoul for his skill at all times, however we must single out your tour leader, Christine for special praise, at all times she was cheerful, helpful and a real credit to your company and coming from Tuscany she was a delight to tour with as she describes the countryside. We both hope that you would pass on our thanks to her.

We nearly forgot the Hotel Millennium was extremely good and the food beyond reproach, once again thank you for a wonderful holiday.

Mr D. Alsop, High Peak

Holiday Review: Discover Tuscany

The area is lovely and the places visited are really interesting, but take a good guide book.

The tour guide classes herself as a 'tour director' whose only job is to make sure you know when the coach is leaving. She knows next to nothing about the area and doesn't tell you anything at all about it. Also, if you are staying at the 'Minerva Palace' don't expect decent food. Frozen squares of pizza which haven't even defrosted and tinned French beans are the order of the day. The best meal we had was chicken and chips on the last night. The salad bar had no tomatoes three nights running and consisted mainly of the cold, left-over vegetables from the previous evening - without even a dressing!

The room was fine, however. It was clean and the linen was changed regularly. Other groups in the hotel, including the Cosmos groups, were served slightly better food and were served before us. One night we waited an hour between the starter and the inedible main course because the waiters simply ignored us while they served others. We did not feel that we had the same value for money that others had who were allocated to different hotels.

Mary Wunderly, UK

Holiday Review: Venice, Florence & Rome

An uncomplicated internet booking with Archers, a quick flights from our chosen airport to Venice, a good night's sleep and a short waterbus ride and we were experiencing the unique wonders of Venetian architecture and culture.

The incomparable Piazza St Marco, with it's Campanile Clock Tower, Basilica and Palazzo Duale, the Bridge of sighs, the iconic Rialto Bride, the waterfront stroll and the gondola ride down peaceful backwaters to the gentle sound of Neapolitan music. A trip to the quaint, picturesque island of Burano to see lace making and the leaning campanile, a Venetian dinner followed by a moonlight boat ride completed a memorable day.

A brief interlude in Assissi, in the quietness of St Francis Basilica and then, Rome, the eternal, multi-historical city of contrasts. An evening stroll, taking in the Trevi fountain and Spanish steps, then a night-time drive to marvel at the illuminated monuments of the ancient city.

Daytime presented opportunity to explore endless wonders of the ancient city. Daytime presented opportunity to explore endless wonders of past civilisations. The Vatican city, the immense Colosseum, Foru, Circus Maximus, Castel S. Angelo, the Emperor's Palace, never-ending temples and arches and walks on 200 year old roads.

Too soon we were travelling northwards on the picturesque west coast road with a break at Pisa where we stood transfixed by the dazzling sight of the Field of Miracles, and the Leaning Tower, then onto Florence the city of timeless treasures.

We could only marvel at the sky-piercing Companile, the Duomo and its massive dome and the Baptisty's Gates of Paradise. The treasures of this beautiful city seem limitless, from the Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio and scores of historical churches and museums to the fascinating shops selling all manner of handmade products and market stalls selling something for everyone.

Finally the drive back to Venice through the glorious Apenines taking with us many wonderful memories, not least of which were evening visits to the Villa Este fountains, Castelle Gandolpha and Tivoli and some very enjoyable Italian meals and entertainment.

We went for a taste of Italy and came back having sampled a feast. We shall return.

Mr & Mrs Greenway, Pembrokeshire

Holiday Review: Discover Tuscany

I wish you to know that I had a superb time on the Discover Tuscany Tour. Everything was just fine; it is a holiday I would hope to repeat at some time in the future.

Meanwhile, I have already booked with a friend of mine, for a holiday next year - Discover Northern Portugal and the Douro Valley. My friend did your tour Discover Medieval Italy last year and thoroughly enjoyed it.

We have also booked previous holidays with you and have no reason to think that next year's will not be anything but just as good.

Mrs Rigby, Lancashire

Holiday Review: Prague, Vienna & Budapest

As expected I had a wonderful, informative tour of Vienna, Prague and Budapest with a delightful guide, but there was an added bonus for me.

Starting on my own, I look forward to mixing with my fellow travellers, however my expectations were exceeded, for in the party were lovely people of all ages, nationalities and races who mixed in very well. So much so, that on our final evening an impromptu party erupted after our meal with us all singing "For she's a jolly good fellow" to our Hungarian guide, Judith.

Finally, I can still relive one wonderful evening by playing a CD of the Czech Folk Group, who entertained us so well.

Mrs Eileen Clarke, Liverpool

Holiday Review: Images of Iceland

We have just returned from our 5 day break in Europe's hottest spot - Iceland.

The late autumn scenery was stunning with vivid colours of gold and pinks on the moor lands. The sunsets were incredible, lighting up the sky for almost an hour. (Being 1o South of the Arctic Circle, the sun sets very slowly).

Our hotel was welcoming and cosy; hot water and heating provided by the geothermally generated electricity. Our Icelandic guide John provided us with a detailed background to the country, from descriptions of the establishment of the world's first parliament, to stories of the most recent volcanic eruptions.

The well organised tour took in the highlights of Iceland's breathtaking scenery, with spectacular waterfalls and of course the world famous geysers and hot bubbling mud pools. We walked on glaciers, and visited one of the worlds top ten beaches (the only one on the list outside the tropics).

Our final visit before returning home was a swim in the Blue Lagoon where we floated in the silica-rich warm water with it's cleaning and energising properties, and yes we did feel ten years younger as a result as promised.

Thank you Archers for such a cleverly designed break, that gave us such an unforgettable insight into this small but fascinating country.

Mrs V Perrin, N. Somerset

Holiday Review: Discover Crete

My husband and I have recently returned from a most memorable holiday. Your "Discover Crete" tour was the perfect choice as it gave us an opportunity to experience the "real Crete" with a two centre stay.

Our first base was the Hotel Hermes in Agios Nikolias. The resort is spectacular in it's setting and the hotel was perfectly located and provided top class amenities. My husband celebrated his 65th birthday there and was surprised by a lovely cake provided by the hotel and resort staff.

After four wonderful days which included trips to Elounda and the Lisithi Plateau we moved west to Rethynunion. On our way there we were given a fascinating tour of the Minoan ruins of Malia and Knosses. We arrived in Heraklion in time to join in the "Ochi" Day celebrations.

Rethynunion was a contrast with its port and narrow streets in the old town. Our hotel The Ideon was again ideally located. We chose bed and breakfast here which gave us the opportunity to enjoy eating out at the local tavernas. Another tour was included to Chania and the surrounding area.

The weather had been perfect for the week but on our last evening a spectacular storm broke over the island. The day of our departure saw the wind lashing huge waves over the breakwater. By lunchtime, the sea deferees had been breached and the coast road closed. We were stranded or so we thought. Eventually an intrepid coach driver rescued u by reversing down the only part of the road left open. We then made a dash to the airport. What a relief to see Jackie, one of your reps, waiting at the door and on o the waiting plane which was ready for take off.

A truly exciting end to a holiday we will never forget.

Mr & Mrs Burrows, Cheshire

Holiday Review: Alpine Adventure & Glacier Express

Just a few lines about our trip in Sept. It was really very good so I thought I'd write and tell you that we enjoyed it very much. Our tour Guide Martina was really very good on her surroundings and geography.

To us Zermatt was the highlight of the trip. Anyhow this is just to say thank you and to say we had an excellent driver who knew his bends, as his drive to Gross Glocknel proved, it was also a great trip.

Mr & Mrs O'Brien, Ireland

Holiday Review: Alpine Adventure & Glacier Express

After many holidays with Archers Direct, I have no hesitation in recommending the firm to all friends and family.

So far this year my husband and self have been with them to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, last month in Austria and next week we go to Morocco. I look forward with absolute confidence to having a great time in a country I have not yet visited.

Next year we are going with our friends down the Nile. This will be our 5th time in Egypt and our friends were so tempted by our enjoyment that they asked if we would book them in next time we go. It will be their first time and I would not risk their friendship if I did not believe they would be in for an unforgettable experience with us.

A big thank you Archers Direct……. carry on the good work

Mrs H Frances, Barnsley

Holiday Review: Lido di Jesolo

I am writing to say how much we enjoyed our holiday to Lido di Jesolo which we took out of your Special Offers brochure.

We didn't know which hotel we were going to but were delighted with your choice which was the Hotel Cambridge.

We had a marvellous time both in Lido and in Venice, cycling up and down the Lido prom on the hotel's free bikes and sailing across the lagoon to Venice up and down on the water buses.

We are now looking forward to our next planned holiday with Archers, this time on your "Discover Tuscany" leisure tour plus an add on week in Lido di Jesolo, again at the Hotel Cambridge. Keep up the good work, sorry holidays.

Mr T Jones, North Yorkshire

Holiday Review: Highlights of Portugal

My wife and I have been on eight Archers/Cosmos holidays and we have just signed up for the ninth. And I expect there will be many more. We endlessly chat about hot good they have all been and we can never agree about what was best or even about what was the best things we have seen - it is a very good-natured argument.

My own favourites have been Alhambra, Canada, the Mezquita at Cordoba and the awesome Neuschwanstein Castle while my wife simply loved Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore, the magical island of Capri, and the Tuscan countryside. What we can agree, however, is that every holiday has been terrific - we have seen wonderful things and been to great places. We also have had excellent tour directors and our fellow travelling companions have all been great company - every holiday has been a winner, only personal preference provokes discussion. As soon as the new Archers brochure comes out it is avidly studied - it is my favourite book! We are looking forward to more travels in 2007.

Thanks to all at Archers for some truly wonderful holidays.

Dr G. T. Bell, Renfrewshire

Holiday Review: Discover the Heart of Spain

My wife and I have been on eight Archers/Cosmos holidays and we have just signed up for the ninth. And I expect there will be many more. We endlessly chat about hot good they have all been and we can never agree about what was best or even about what was the best things we have seen - it is a very good-natured argument.

My own favourites have been Alhambra, Canada, the Mezquita at Cordoba and the awesome Neuschwanstein Castle while my wife simply loved Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore, the magical island of Capri, and the Tuscan countryside. What we can agree, however, is that every holiday has been terrific - we have seen wonderful things and been to great places. We also have had excellent tour directors and our fellow travelling companions have all been great company - every holiday has been a winner, only personal preference provokes discussion. As soon as the new Archers brochure comes out it is avidly studied - it is my favourite book! We are looking forward to more travels in 2007.

Thanks to all at Archers for some truly wonderful holidays.

Dr G. T. Bell, Renfrewshire

Holiday Review: The Magic of the Italian Lakes

My wife and I have been on eight Archers/Cosmos holidays and we have just signed up for the ninth. And I expect there will be many more. We endlessly chat about hot good they have all been and we can never agree about what was best or even about what was the best things we have seen - it is a very good-natured argument.

My own favourites have been Alhambra, Canada, the Mezquita at Cordoba and the awesome Neuschwanstein Castle while my wife simply loved Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore, the magical island of Capri, and the Tuscan countryside. What we can agree, however, is that every holiday has been terrific - we have seen wonderful things and been to great places. We also have had excellent tour directors and our fellow travelling companions have all been great company - every holiday has been a winner, only personal preference provokes discussion. As soon as the new Archers brochure comes out it is avidly studied - it is my favourite book! We are looking forward to more travels in 2007.

Thanks to all at Archers for some truly wonderful holidays.

Dr G. T. Bell, Renfrewshire

Holiday Review: Discover Tuscany

I am writing to tell you about our holiday in Tuscany in July 2006, but firstly I would like to tell you about 2004. In May 2004, we booked a holiday for ourselves and our brother and sister in-law. Highlights of Portugal with Archers for August 2004.

We were really looking forward to our tour as it had been recommended to us by friends. However due to unforeseen circumstances Archers cancelled the tour on our chosen date but offered us the same tour on an alternative date, unfortunately our outlaws could not change their dates as they worked full time Archers offered us a full refund which we accepted but we were all disappointed, but as they say everything happens for a reason and in August 2004 I was diagnosed with cancer and had to have treatment, then my husband was advised to have a heart operation, so all thoughts of holidays were out of the question.

We had a very stressful 2004/2005 but I am pleased to say that by 2006 my husband was fit and well and my chemo worked, we have every reason to celebrate, we both got the all clear to fly. We had always wanted to go to the opera and 2006 was the Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago. Archers were offering a holiday in Montecatini Terme plus a night at the opera which coincided with our 44th wedding anniversary so we booked. We stayed at the Hotel Param Oriente, it was a family owned and run hotel.