e s c a p e s SPRING 2026
Welcome to the 2026 Escapes newsletter. We are celebrating our 40th anniversary this year and very much hope that we shall be able to tempt you to book a Kirker Short Break or Cultural Tour in the weeks ahead. There is no time like the present to book one of our favourite European cities, whether you are seeking last-minute winter sunshine, a spring city-break to see a favourite exhibition, or perhaps a longer tailor-made holiday. As ever, we believe strongly in personal service provided by one of the expert human beings in the Kirker office - and know that the uniquely revitalising power of a carefully-planned holiday should be a key part of your 2026 schedule. In addition to our team of expert consultants, the Kirker Concierge is also on-hand to book restaurants, private guides, opera or ballet tickets. Speak to an expert and delegate the smooth running of your next holiday to us - we promise to look after every aspect of your itinerary, before, during and after your holiday.
Ted Wake - Managing Director
PARIS Pavillon des Lettres **** Superior
British Airways Upgrade Special Offer:
If you are travelling from Gatwick for a special occasion this year, treat yourself to a business class upgrade with British Airways and enjoy access to the lounges, priority boarding, spacious seating and complimentary food and drink service. Book a Club Europe upgrade from Gatwick before 31 March 2026 and we will send you a complimentary bottle of Pol Roger
This charming little hotel is in the heart of the Right Bank: the Grand Palais, Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées are less than 15 minutes on foot.Taking literature as inspiration, the 26 compact but stylish rooms are each assigned to an author, with
one for each letter of the alphabet.There is a cosy lounge with a fireplace, honesty bar and afternoon charcuterie platters served every day. 3 nights for the price of 2 until 3 April. Price from £798 per person, saving £190.
Champagne to help you celebrate in style. You must mention BA PR offer at the time of booking.
Includes a 48hr Paris Museum Pass
BUDAPEST Aria ***** Deluxe
VENICE Monaco & Grand Canal **** Deluxe
This stylish hotel has an excellent location near St. Stephen’s Basilica and the State Opera House, with 49 luxurious bedrooms divided into four musically themed wings; opera, jazz, classical or contemporary.
One of Venice’s most famous hotels, just yards from St Mark’s Square, the Monaco has a grand staircase which leads to a beautifully restored 18 th -century former Venetian theatre, complete with original frescoed ceilings. The 92 bedrooms have recently been renovated; several in the original wing have views of the Grand Canal.
‘Café Liszt’ is a glamorous bar, lounge and restaurant and the spa includes an indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. 4 nights for the price of 3 until 30 April. Price from £998 per person, saving £190.
4 nights for the price of 3 until 26 March. Price from £1,119 per person, saving £280.
Includes water taxi transfers and Doge’s Palace or Accademia tickets
Includes a 3hr private walking tour with an expert local guide
BOLOGNA Commercianti **** Superior
ATHENS Grande Bretagne ***** Deluxe
First opened as a hotel in 1874, the Grande Bretagne reopened in 2003 after restoration and has retained the style and grandeur of its heyday.The location is excellent – overlooking Constitution Square, close to the old quarter of Plaka, with its traditional tavernas, coffee
Housed in an 11 th century building, the Commercianti is in the heart of one of Italy's most charming cities.The 35 bedrooms are all decorated with antique furniture from the family’s private collection and have comfortable beds and marble bathrooms; a few even have
shops and flea markets.The hotel’s 320 rooms are all beautifully furnished in a traditional style. There is a fabulous outdoor swimming pool on the roof with views of the Acropolis. 4 nights for the price of 3 until 30 April. Price from £1,086 per person, saving £228.
a small balcony facing the side of the basilica. An excellent breakfast is served in the Sala del Pozzo, which features a vaulted ceiling and a well from the early Middle Ages. 4 nights for the price of 3 all year. Price from £826 per person, saving up to £145.
Includes a Bologna Welcome Card
Includes entrance to the Acropolis & Acropolis Museum
Prices are per person based on two sharing and include flights or Eurostar, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes . Call 020 7386 4646 or email enquiry@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk
SPRING SUNSHINE
MADEIRA Casa Velha Do Palheiro ***** Spring sunshine is just what the doctor would prescribe, and can provide a beacon of hope at this time of year. As early as February and March you can find warm sunshine in Tenerife, Madeira and Oman, while April and May are the best months to visit Tuscany and Corfu before the summer crowds. For culture and sunshine visit Cascais, just outside Lisbon, or go further south to the cities of Jerez and Marrakech. TENERIFE San Roque **** Superior
Built in the 18th century, this former private residence has been lovingly transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel. Located in the north of the island within the pretty town of Garachico, the San Roque offers guests a relaxed ambience and striking contrast to larger tourist hotels of the south.There are just 20 comfortable
Built in the early 19 th century, the CasaVelha is now a luxurious country house hotel set in landscaped, subtropical gardens, only 15 minutes from Funchal.Access to the famous Blandy’s garden surrounding their private residence is a rare treat for garden enthusiasts, and there are 37 bedrooms situated within three separate buildings. The restaurant serves traditional Portuguese dishes together with international cuisine and there is also a lighter
rooms, each beautifully decorated with its own unique style. Other facilities include a small heated outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, rooftop terrace and library, as well as an excellent restaurant serving local produce. 3 night price from £998 per person.
menu served in the bar.There are tennis and badminton courts, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a spa with an indoor pool and its own 18-hole golf course. 3 night price from £939 per person.
CORFU Domes Miramare ***** Deluxe
Includes a Vintage Madeira tour & tasting
OMAN Al Bustan Palace ***** Deluxe
Reopened in 2018 after an extensive renovation, this stylish, adults- only resort is surrounded by palms, olive trees and lawns with a pebble beach, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and the Soma Spa.The 182 rooms, suites and villas are decorated in neutral colours with marble bathrooms and a terrace or patio, most with views of the Ionian sea. Suites and villas offer more privacy and access to the exclusive ‘Haute Living’ lounge area, whilst some also have private pools or jacuzzis.Three restaurants offer Mediterranean, Greek and Corfiot cuisine as well as a gastronomic option under the guidance of a Michelin-starred chef, whilst the sushi bar, poolside bar and ‘The Blu Bar’ provide tempting alternatives. Open 27 April – 11 October. 5 nights for the price of 4 for booking made by 31 January. Price from £1,328 per person, saving £275.
Once again one of the most opulent hotels in the region, the Al Bustan Palace has 250 rooms and suites, each of which offers a balcony and vista of landscaped gardens and one of the best sandy beaches in Oman.The vast atrium hosts afternoon tea beneath a magnificent chandelier, and there are three further restaurants as well as a pool bar. It is a wonderful place in which to relax, and guests will enjoy excellent service from the friendly staff. Facilities including sailing, scuba diving and tennis plus a large swimming pool in the gardens.The Al Bustan is located just 10 kilometres from the old city of Muscat (the hotel provides a complimentary daily shuttle). 3 night price from £1,596 per person.
TUSCANY Locanda in Tuscany
CASCAIS Farol **** Deluxe
MARRAKECH Jardins de la Medina **** Deluxe Marrakech offers a unique and intoxicating short break with sunshine, atmospheric souks and delicious Moroccan cuisine.The discreet entrance door and reception hall give no clue to the delightful courtyard gardens of this charming hotel.There is a restaurant adjacent to the characterful bar – both with an outside terrace overlooking the gardens.The hotel’s swimming pool is surrounded by tall palm trees, and guests can enjoy views over the medina from one of the many rooftop terraces.There are 36 bedrooms, as well as a fitness centre and hammam. 5 nights for the price of 4 until 6 February and from 20 June - 4 September. Price from £959 per person, saving £120. The UNESCO-recognisedVal d’Orcia has a rich cultural heritage and yet is a relatively undiscovered region of Tuscany. It is a little off the beaten track and perfect if you are looking for peace and quiet in beautiful, rolling countryside.A farmhouse dating from the 17 th century, the Locanda is a rural hideaway with just nine bedrooms, a summer swimming pool and a restaurant serving typical Tuscan dishes. 3 nights for the price of 2 from 28 March - 30 May. Price from £866 per person, saving £180
In a dramatic location next to the historic lighthouse and a 15-minute walk from the centre of town, the Farol is a striking modern design hotel housed in a 19 th century mansion overlooking the sea.The 33 rooms are stylish and contemporary, with a monochrome aesthetic, and we particularly recommend those with panoramic ocean views and private balconies.The sophisticated Mediterranean restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with sweeping sea views in three directions, while there is also a sushi bar with al fresco terrace.
4 nights for the price of 3 until 28 March. Price from £828 per person, saving £124.
JEREZ Hotel Casa Palacio Maria Luisa *****
This grand former residence in the centre of Jerez has recently been restored to its former glory in the form of a marvellous 21-bedroom hotel. It retains its Andalusian history and character, but incorporates added touches of oriental design and a wide range of
artworks, while a modern extension on top has allowed extra rooms and a small rooftop swimming pool and terrace. Its outdoor space and picturesque garden make it an oasis of calm in the town centre. The delicious breakfast is served à la carte rather than buffet. 3 night price from £998 per person.
Includes a private walking tour with an expert local guide
Prices are per person based on two sharing and include flights or Eurostar, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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OFF PEAK ESCAPES We are firm believers in the benefits of travelling just outside the peak periods, when the tourists are fewer and the weather milder – not to mention the special offers, which make travelling in shoulder season better value for money.While coast and countryside destinations attract summer crowds, and can be more appealing in spring or autumn, most cities are busiest in these months and you might find the best value for money during summer and winter.
MENORCA Son Vell *****
CANNES Canberra **** Superior
Located in the west of the island, set within a 200-hectare private estate with landscaped gardens, olive groves, fig and citrus trees and an organic vegetable garden, lies the hotel SonVell. Opened in 2023 after a meticulous restoration, the hotel is centred around a handsome 18 th century sandstone manor and a series of historic estate buildings where the
This delightful hotel is located on the main shopping street, the Rue d’Antibes, and is just 100 metres from La Croisette and the beach. It reopened five years ago after a complete refurbishment and has been transformed into a stylish contemporary property.The 35 bedrooms
overlook either the bustling street or the pool.‘Le Café Blanc’ is open every day for drinks and light meals. In addition, there is a large terrace with a heated swimming pool. 3 nights for the price of 2 until 24 April. Price from £988 per person, saving up to £160.
majority of the 34 rooms and suites are located.The hotel's facilities include two swimming pools, a pétanque court, massage rooms, a wine tasting cellar and an outdoor cinema. 4 nights for the price of 3 from 16 April - 10 June. Price from £1,489 per person, saving £300.
CYPRUS Anassa ***** Deluxe
VENICE Ca' Sagredo ***** Deluxe
Located on the western coast of the island, this stylish hotel overlooks the sandy beach on Takkas Bay and is, in our opinion, the best hotel in Cyprus.The three main restaurants offer delicious cooking in either a formal à la carte style or in a more relaxed atmosphere.All 166 rooms have balconies and most offer sea views.There are two outdoor swimming pools (one heated) and a spa with an indoor pool. Guests can enjoy the sun loungers on the hotel’s beach or on one of the poolside terraces where there is a bar and restaurant. 7 nights for the price of 6 for bookings made by 28 February travelling between 25 March - 31 May. Price from £2,249 per person, saving £320.
This historic palazzo on the Grand Canal dates from the 15 th century. With only 42 bedrooms, a large proportion of the hotel is made up of wonderful public spaces, including grand marble staircases and beautiful frescoed halls.The rooms combine traditional Venetian decoration with some contemporary touches and there is an
excellent restaurant,‘L’Alcova’, on the canal, an atmospheric bar and a panoramic roof terrace. 3 nights for the price of 2 until 31 March for arrivals on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. Price from £998 per person.
MALLORCA Palacio Can Marques ***** Superior
Includes water taxi transfers and Doge’s Palace or Accademia tickets
LAKE COMO Grand Hotel Victoria, Menaggio ***** Deluxe The newest of Lake Como’s luxury hotels is located in the centre of the small town of Menaggio, seven minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal overlooking the lake. Original features have been maintained, which contrast beautifully with the contemporary furnishings in the 81 comfortable bedrooms.The poolside ‘Locanda di Don Abbondinio’ features gastronomic regional cuisine, whilst the ‘1827 Restaurant’ offers casual dining in an elegant setting.The serene spa is one of the best in the region and has two pools. 5 nights for the price of 4 from 11 April - 17 May. Price from £2,685 per person, saving £440.
The stylish city of Palma with its fine cathedral and delightful old town is one of our favourite destinations for a spring escape.This 18 th century palace in the old town offers just 13 luxurious suites
around a palm-filled courtyard garden and a roof terrace with views over the rooftops of Palma. 4 nights for the price of 3 until 24 March. Price from £1,054 per person, saving £174.
SARDINIA Cala Caterina **** Superior
COSTA BRAVA Hostal de la Gavina *****
Located on the south-eastern corner of the island, Cala Caterina is beautifully designed in the style of a Mediterranean villa with long shady colonnades, blending perfectly with the natural surroundings. There are 48 bedrooms with balconies or terraces; all have views of the gardens and
This traditional property is located between two delightful beaches in the town of S’Agaro, two hours north of Barcelona.There are 74 characterful bedrooms, overlooking the charming courtyard or the sea. Fine dining is available at the 'Candlelight' restaurant and
lighter dishes are served at Garbi. In addition, there is a spa with an indoor pool, tennis and paddle tennis courts, and private cabanas by the swimming pool. 4 nights for the price of 3 from 10 April - 28 May. Price from £1,029 per person, saving £173.
several have glimpses of the sea through the trees.The chef creates a delicious four-course tasting menu each evening and cocktails are served on the terrace by the swimming pool.A short walk through manicured lawns takes you to the sandy beach.The popular resort of Villasimius with its marina is a short drive away and Cagliari airport can be reached in an hour and a quarter.
5 nights for the price of 4 from 20 April - 17 May. Price from £1,207 per person, saving up to £170.
Prices are per person based on two sharing and include flights, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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KIRKER FAVOURITES
Many of our hotel partners have been friends of Kirker for years, and our close personal relationships with general managers enable us to guarantee a warm welcome and special treatment for our clients, which you will not get from a hotel booking website.
MADRID Orfila ***** Superior
VENICE Londra Palace *****
Small, luxurious and located almost next door to the Danieli, the Londra Palace is managed by our great friend Alain Bullo and is now a member of Relais & Châteaux. It is one of our favourite hotels in Venice and Kirker clients have always been especially well looked after. It has a bar, a comfortable lounge, a restaurant, the 'LPV Restaurant' with a terrace overlooking the lagoon, and 52 bedrooms
The elegant Orfila is located in a quiet, exclusive residential district of the city, yet is only five minutes’ walk to the Plaza de Colon and a short taxi ride to the Prado Museum. Converted from a 19th
century palace, all 32 bedrooms are individually decorated.The hotel has an excellent restaurant and there is also a charming courtyard garden where meals and afternoon tea are served in fine weather. 3 night price from £1,267 per person
which are amongst the finest in the city. All Kirker rooms have spectacular lagoon views at no extra charge. 4 nights for the price of 3 all year for Sunday or Monday arrivals. Price from £1,198 per person, saving £187.
Includes entrance to the Prado,Thyssen & Reina Sofía
Includes water taxi transfers and Doge’s Palace or Accademia tickets
LAKE ORTA Casa Fantini ***** Deluxe
TALLINN Schlössle **** Deluxe
On the western shores of one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes you will discover this stylish modern hotel.There are just nine bedrooms, each with a terrace looking out across the gardens to Isola San Giulio.You can board the ferry to discover more of the lake or simply relax in the
In a quiet location in the heart of the old town, this characterful boutique hotel has just 23 rooms.Although fully equipped with modern facilities, it retains all the charm of the original 16 th century buildings, with an open fireplace in the
beautiful Italian garden with its stylish summer swimming pool.Why not join the locals as they stroll along the ‘lungolago’, the promenade which is the village’s focal point? 3 nights from £1,268 per person
main hall and beamed ceilings.The hotel is beautifully furnished with antiques and the staff offer guests outstanding service.The award winning ‘Stenhus’ restaurant in the vaulted cellars has an excellent reputation and a comprehensive wine list. During the summer months, lunch and dinner are served in the tranquil courtyard. 3 nights from £598 per person
VIENNA Konig Von Ungarn **** Deluxe
This is one of our very favourite hotels in the centre of mediaeval Vienna, just 200 yards from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Dating back to the 17 th century, the building has remained unchanged for 300 years.
SIENA Grand Hotel Continental ***** Superior
Built around a beautiful, panelled atrium bar/lounge with trees and plants, the hotel has 33 individually furnished bedrooms.There is also an atmospheric restaurant with vaulted ceiling, and a buffet breakfast with hot dishes cooked to order. 3 nights from £996 per person
A palazzo built in 1600, the Continental is the grandest hotel in this charming mediaeval Tuscan town, and just a few steps from the famous Piazza del Campo and the cathedral.The first-floor salon with outstanding 17 th -century hand-painted ceilings, houses the
restaurant serving delicious Tuscan cuisine. Guests will also enjoy the wine bar which was carved out of the limestone base of the mediaeval tower at the heart of the building. Many of the 69 spacious bedrooms and suites also have original frescoes. 3 nights from £1,496 per person
Includes a Vienna Masterticket
MARRAKECH Villa Des Orangers *****
ISTANBUL Four Seasons at Sultanahmet ***** Deluxe If you are looking for a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the old town, this is the place to stay. The Four Seasons is a former bastille which has been transformed into a stylish hotel with just 65 sumptuous bedrooms. Set around an attractive courtyard garden (where breakfast, drinks and meals are served in summer), the public
This stylish, boutique hotel is located close to the medina and offers guests an oasis-like quality where you can relax, away from the madding crowd. It has been beautifully restored with great taste and the original elegant Islamic features highlighted around the colonnaded courtyards.There is a swimming pool and sun terrace where the excellent restaurant serves
dinner, and a complimentary light lunch is served in one of the courtyards.There are 27 beautifully furnished bedrooms, a bar and a spa with traditional hammam, as well as another small rooftop swimming pool. 3 nights from £1,248 per person
rooms are beautifully furnished with fresh flowers everywhere.There is a restaurant, bar, a winter garden and a health club.The hotel is located in a quiet street, yet only a few minutes’ walk from the Blue Mosque, Aghia Sofia and the Topkapi Palace. 3 nights from £2,196 per person
Includes a 3hr private walking tour
Prices are per person based on two sharing and include flights, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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KIRKER FAVOURITES
Many of our hotel partners have been friends of Kirker for years, and our close personal relationships with general managers enable us to guarantee a warm welcome and special treatment for our clients, which you will not get from a hotel booking website.
TUSCANY Le Fontanelle ***** Deluxe
PARIS Esprit Saint Germain **** Deluxe
Ideally situated in the heart of the Left Bank, this intimate hotel combines Parisian elegance with the charm of a private residence. Service is as good as that offered by the five star palace hotels yet the atmosphere is far more relaxed. It has been stunningly renovated and has just 28 bedrooms, suites and apartments decorated in a contemporary style, a cosy living room with an open fire and an honesty bar. 4 nights for the price of 3 until 28 March for stays including a Sunday night. Price from £1,379 per person, saving £306.
Located just 13 miles north of Siena, on a hillside overlooking one of the most peaceful and unspoilt valleys in Chianti, is this wonderful hotel.The botanical gardens offer plenty of space and with just 25 bedrooms in the main hotel and 11 in a separate annexe 400 metres away, the property never feels crowded. Rooms are spacious and comfortable; some have private gardens that make the most of
the valley views.There is a superb gastronomic restaurant, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. 4 nights for the price of 3 from 18 April - 14 May. Price from £1,189 per person, saving up to £270.
Includes a 48hr Paris Museum Pass
FLORENCE Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni - Boutique Residence This is a beautiful property which dates from the 13 th century and stands onVia Tornabuoni, a few minutes’ walk from the Duomo.
NICE La Pérouse **** Superior
Located a short walk from the Flower Market, this most attractive hotel has 56 comfortable bedrooms, a bar, flowered terraces, an outdoor summer swimming pool and wonderful views of the town
It has two magnificent roof terraces where you can enjoy breakfast or an evening aperitif, and 25 stylish bedrooms. 4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 April - 30 May. Price from £1,276 per person, saving £220.
and the Baie des Anges.‘Le Patio’ restaurant is open all year and serves seasonal dishes combining French and Italian cuisine. 3 nights for the price of 2 until 26 March. Price from £965 per person, saving up to £184.
Includes entrance to the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia or Bargello
Includes a Nice Museum Pass
SANTA MARGHERITA Grand Hotel Miramare ***** Deluxe
TUNIS The Residence ***** Superior The stylish Residence is the best hotel in Tunisia. Located 30 minutes from the centre of Tunis and close to the village of La Marsa, it has its own private beach and a large outdoor swimming pool with a summer terrace bar.There are comfortable lounges where guests relax and enjoy drinks, canapés and a ‘piano bar’ atmosphere each evening, and three excellent restaurants:‘Li Bai’ with its well-known chef from Singapore,‘L’Olivier’ offering Mediterranean specialities, LAKE MAGGIORE Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees ***** Superior This grand, imposing hotel has a great position in the centre of Stresa, set in its own extensive park and overlooking the lake.The hotel has subtropical gardens, a large summer swimming pool and a spa with a small indoor pool.There is an excellent restaurant; meals are served both in the ‘Il Borromeo’ or on the lakeside terrace.All 153 bedrooms are classically furnished with intricate chandeliers, brocade fabrics and wall tapestries. 5 nights for the price of 4 from 20 March - 10 April and from 9-18 October. Price from £1,799 per person, saving £240
The distinctive, white, Liberty-style building on the Italian Riviera is decorated with frescoes and overlooks the sea.The doors open onto the gardens and the seawater swimming pool from where you can enjoy the wonderful views under the shade of date palms; the views from the restaurant are equally
memorable.There are 72 bedrooms, many have balconies and sea views and the hotel offers a health spa and a small private beach across the road. 4 nights for the price of 3 in October. Price from £1,479 per person, saving £280.
CRETE Elounda Mare ***** Deluxe
Owned and run by the charming Kokotos family, the Elounda Mare offers excellent personal service, and its location and surroundings are stunning, with views over the Mirabello Bay, and set amongst lush gardens.There is a large outdoor pool and private sandy beach and a selection of restaurants - as a member of Relais & Châteaux, cuisine is superb.All rooms, suites and bungalows offer sea views and some have private pools.The Elounda Mare is the sister hotel to the Elounda Peninsula and the Porto Elounda, and their facilities are available to guests of the Mare. Prices include half-board. 5 nights for the price of 4 for bookings made by 31 January (excludes 10 July to 20 August) – price from £1,098 per person, saving £450.
and a stylish Tunisian restaurant. Other facilities include a thalasso therapy spa with hammam and indoor pool, and an 18-hole golf links.All 170 bedrooms have a balcony. 3 nights from £846 per person
Prices are per person based on two sharing and include flights or Eurostar, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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SPRING EXHIBITIONS
The Kirker Concierge has selected six of the best exhibitions in Europe this spring, but we would be delighted to arrange a short break including exhibition tickets to any museum or gallery – and we can highly recommend a visit in the company of an expert Kirker guide to make the most of the experience. LILLE
PARIS Renoir & Love At the Musée d’Orsay From 17 March to 19 July
Kandinsky – Face Aux Images At the Musée de l’art Moderne (LaM) From 20 February to 14 June
According to Pierre Auguste Renoir, “a picture should be a pleasant thing, joyful and pretty”. In the first retrospective of his work to be held in Paris since 1985, the Musée d’Orsay will display Renoir’s works between the 1860s and the 1880s, a period during which he developed a light, bright and
Lille’s collection of Old Masters is world- famous, but its modern art museum also has a remarkable collection including works by Braque, Klee, Léger, Miró and Modigliani. Reopening after a major renovation, the LaM has teamed up with the Pompidou Centre to offer a new exhibition which celebrates the role of images in the inspiration of abstract pioneerVassily Kandinsky.The core of the exhibition is composed of a unique
Alphonsine Fournaise, 1879
fluid manner of painting, focusing on new subject matter such as the relationships between men and women, as well as modern life. Whilst in Paris, you may also wish to visit the Musée de Montmartre which was Renoir’s studio in the late 1870s, in an area of Paris to which many an artist and bohemian flocked at this time. 3 night holiday price from £848 per person, staying at the 3* deluxe Hotel Le Sénat
Bild mit rotem Fleck (Painting with a Red Spot),1914
THE HAGUE BIRDS At the Mauritshuis from 12 February to 7 June BIRDS at the Mauritshuis is curated by Carel Fabritius’ 1645 painting The Goldfinch (pictured) and British art historian Simon Schama.The collection of works and archives from Nina Kandinsky’s bequest to the Centre Pompidou as well as some rare loans from public and private institutions. 3 night holiday price from £898 per person, staying at the 4* superior Hermitage Gantois
Includes a 48hr Paris Museum Pass
HELSINKI The Tove Jansson Gallery At the Helsinki Art Museum From 13 February 2026 to 24 January 2027 A new gallery devoted to Finnish national treasure Tove Jansson opens at the Helsinki Art Museum in early 2026. Much more than the creator of the much-loved Moomin characters,Tove Jansson was
exhibition examines humans’ relationship with birds and encourages us to consider the role these animals occupy, simultaneously representing freedom, pets, food, and even trophies. It will feature historical and contemporary art, with works by artists such as Leonardo daVinci, Rembrandt, Picasso and Matisse. 3 night holiday price from £894 per person, staying at the 5* deluxe Des Indes
an author, novelist, painter and illustrator with a prolific artistic output from murals to magazine covers and paintings, which ranged from naturalist scenes to vast abstracts.The new gallery includes three halls of work, bringing in art by other members of the Jansson family, as well as the tools and materials they used. 3 night holiday price from £998 per person, staying at the 5* deluxe Kämp
BERLIN Brancusi at the Neue Nationalgalerie & Cassirer and the breakthrough of
Party in the City, 1947 © Tove Jansson
VIENNA Canaletto & Bellotto At the Kunsthistorisches From 24 March to 6 September
Impressionism at the Alte Nationalgalerie Berlin is set to showcase two exciting exhibitions in 2026. From 20 March to 9 August, the Neue Nationalgalerie Berlin will host the first major exhibition in Germany of Constantin Brancusi (1876-1957), one of the most important sculptors of the 20 th century.This will be the most extensive exhibition of his work to date, with more than 140 sculptures, photographs, films and archive materials on display. From 22 May to 27 September, the Alte Nationalgalerie will honour the legacy of one of the world’s most important art dealers, Paul Cassirer.There will be over 100 outstanding works of Impressionism and Classical
Next spring, the Kunsthistorisches will host an exhibition of views of Venice, London and Vienna, painted by the great Venetian artist, Canaletto, and his nephew, Bellotto. Under the theme of two artists across three cities providing three perspectives, the vedutisti artworks will be turned into a thought-provoking dialogue, and
will offer fresh insights into the relationship of art, urban landscapes, and society in the 18 th century, which both artists were committing to canvas. 3 night holiday price from £948 per person staying at the Konig Von Ungarn (4* deluxe)
The Riva Degli Schiavoni in Venice - Canaletto c.1730
Modernism on display, highlighting his commitment to supporting French and German impressionism and the Berlin Secession. 3 nights from £998 per person staying at the 5* superior Telegraphenamt
Summer Monet, 1874
Includes a Vienna Masterticket
Includes a 72hr Berlin Museum Pass
Prices are per person based on two sharing and include flights or Eurostar, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, entrance tickets to the suggested exhibitions, Kirker Guide Notes, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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MUST–VISIT MUSEUMS
Europe’s great art galleries and museums can form a key catalyst for our travels, whether there is a new exhibition or an important permanent collection. And while the most celebrated galleries such as the Louvre and the Uffizi are essential, there are also many must-visit museums which garner less attention.We have selected six of the best – from a private palazzo in Rome, to the most magnificent museum to open in decades: Cairo’s GEM.
MUNICH Lenbachhaus
ROME Palazzo Colonna
A 19 th century Italianate villa with a striking modern extension designed by Foster & Partners, the Lenbachhaus is best known for its exceptional collection of Expressionist works by the Blue Rider school, formed largely of a bequest by Gabriele Münter in 1957. Highlights include one of the largest collections of paintings by Kandinsky, as well as pieces by Münter, Franz Marc, Auguste
Whilst Rome is home to several more famous galleries and museums, it is the Palazzo Colonna which Kirker clients have
particularly enjoyed on recent visits to the city.A private palace for more than 20 generations (and the setting for the finale to Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday ), the Palazzo is open just two days a week to small guided tours, which give ample space and time to enjoy its remarkable interiors and fine art collection including works by Tintoretto, Caracci and Bronzino. 3 night holiday price from £884 staying at the 4* superior Kolbe
Macke and Paul Klee. There are also contemporary works by artists including Gerhard Richter, Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe and Olafur Eliasson. We recommend visiting in the morning and staying for lunch at the museum’s restaurant, 'Ella'. 3 night holiday price from £994 staying at the 4* superior Torbräu
Improvisation 26 - Kandinsky, 1912
Includes entrance to the Vatican Museum or Borghese Gallery
KRAKOW National Museum
CAIRO The Grand Egyptian Museum After 20 years and more than $1billion, this spectacular new museum is finally open to the public, with a collection of over 100,000 ancient Egyptian artefacts, including some items never displayed before, as well as the complete King Tutankhamun collection comprising 5,398 pieces.The striking modern architecture is designed to showcase the sculptures, jewellery and monuments in a setting which they deserve, and it is a landmark of extraordinary scale, with an atrium large enough to display the 11-metre statue of Ramesses II.The GEM should put Cairo firmly back on every discerning traveller's wishlist for 2026.
Krakow largely escaped destruction during World War II and its atmospheric mediaeval city has been beautifully preserved.This is the cultural centre of Poland, and at its heart is the Czartoryski Museum, which is one of the country's oldest museums.The collection was formed in 1796 by Princess Izabela Czartoryska, to commemorate
the victory against the Turks at the Battle of Vienna in 1683. It includes a library of historic books, diverse antiquities and relics, as well as paintings which range from Leonardo daVinci's Lady with an Ermine (pictured) to works by Rembrandt, Hans Holbein, Pieter Brueghel theYounger, Lucas Cranach and Mantegna. 3 night holiday price from £897 staying at the 4* superior Stary
3 night holiday price from £1,984 staying at the 4* superior Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan
PRAGUE Mucha Museum
AIX-EN-PROVENCE Musée Granet
The artist Alphonse Mucha (1860–1939), was born in the small Moravian town of Ivan č ice, in modern day Czechia. He rose to
Dedicated to painting, sculpture and archaeology, the Granet holds works by great artists such asVan Gogh, Monet, Matisse, and of course Cézanne, all well known for being inspired by the light and
fame in fin-de-siècle Paris with his elegant designs for theatre posters for actress Sarah Bernhardt. His style evolved to be synonymous with Art Nouveau but he also produced many other works: paintings, sculpture, photography and design.This small but perfectly-formed museum is housed in the extravagant Baroque setting of the Savarin Palace and covers a range of his best pieces. 3 night holiday price from £658 staying at the 4* K+K Hotel Central
landscapes of Provence.The museum takes its name from one of its most generous benefactors, the painter François-Marius Granet and is set in a 17 th century priory.The museum is in the Mazarin Quarter, one of the city’s most attractive areas – ideal for further strolls to admire the 17th and 18th century mansions once inhabited by the local gentry, politicians and merchants. 3 night holiday price from £998 staying at the 3* superior Cézanne
Zodiac, 1869
Includes a private walking tour with an expert local guide
Prices are per person based on two sharing and include flights, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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EUROSTAR DESTINATIONS
Avoid the airport with a short break by train this year – with Eurostar from St Pancras you can arrive refreshed in the heart of Paris in just two and a quarter hours, Lille in less than an hour and a half, Brussels in less than two hours – with straightforward connections on to Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges – and now both Rotterdam (for the charming city of The Hague) and Amsterdam in less than four hours.
PARIS Le S é nat *** Deluxe
BRUSSELS Amigo ***** Deluxe
Located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Sénat is next to the Luxembourg Gardens, and a stone’s throw from all that the artistic Left Bank has to offer. Decorated in a contemporary style, the 41 bedrooms have marble bathrooms and many have
A member of Rocco Forte Hotels, the Amigo is in one of the city’s best locations; just behind the Grand’Place and City Hall. Olga Polizzi has created a hotel of understated luxury.The 182 beautifully designed modern bedrooms are decorated in cool creams, expensive
balconies or terraces with impressive views across the city.The hotel has a breakfast room and lounge. 3 nights for the price of 2 for Friday or Saturday arrivals until 31 March. Price from £848 per person, saving £120.
soft furnishings and include prints from Belgian artists such as Broodthaers and Magritte; the recently-reopened Magritte Museum is an essential highlight of any Brussels short break. 3 nights for the price of 2 for stays arriving on a Sunday night all year. Price from £948 per person, saving £300.
Includes a 48hr Paris Museum Pass
GHENT Harmony **** Deluxe
BRUGES The Pand **** Deluxe
One of the most delightful historic cities in northern Europe, Ghent is best known for its mediaeval architecture and the works of Van Eyck.The privately owned Harmony is an intimate and luxurious hotel located on a quiet canal 10 minutes’ walk from the cathedral.The two historic buildings that
The Pand is a beautifully restored 18 th century mansion located in a tree-lined street, just two minutes’ walk from the Market Square.The hotel has 26 delightful and individually furnished rooms including eleven junior suites decorated with Ralph
Lauren fabrics.There is a cosy bar, a stylish lounge and an attractive breakfast room where a Champagne breakfast is served and hot dishes are prepared on the Aga. 4 nights for the price of 3 all year. Price from £786 per person, saving up to £172.
make up the hotel stand either side of a courtyard garden where drinks are served in fine weather.There are just 40 bedrooms and all are beautifully decorated in contemporary style. Many have views of the canal or the rooftops, and some have balconies. 3 night price from £568 per person
Includes a 72hr Bruges Museum Pass
THE HAGUE Des Indes ***** Deluxe
LILLE Grand Hotel Bellevue **** Superior
Located on a leafy square in the heart of the city, this famous hotel is across the street from the Escher Museum and a short walk fromVermeer's masterpieces at the Mauritshuis.The 92 bedrooms are extremely opulent, and the restaurant is one of the city’s most popular meeting
Situated right on the Grand Place, the Bellevue is walking distance from Lille Europe station as well as the Palais des Beaux-Arts, one of the oldest and finest art collections in France. Recently renovated, the historical building still has a beautiful traditional Flemish façade, and it once hosted a nine-year old Mozart with his family.The 64 rooms are bright and comfortable,
combining contemporary furniture with classical furnishings – we recommend those with a view of the Grand Place. 3 night price from £998 per person
places with a great culinary reputation.The lounge, where high tea is served, is an institution in The Hague, and the hotel also has spa with a small indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym and offers a range of personalised massages and treatments. 3 night price from £819 per person
AMSTERDAM Ambassade **** Deluxe
Includes entrance to the Mauritshuis
LEIDEN Golden Tulip ****
Rated as ‘one of the 100 best hotels in the world’, the Ambassade consists of ten beautiful 17 th century Dutch houses, overlooking the Herengracht and Singel canals.With a wealth of original paintings, porcelain, antique clocks and furniture, this small, privately-owned, very characterful and exquisitely furnished hotel offers impeccable service and attention to detail.
Just 30 minutes from Amsterdam and 15 minutes from the Hague by train, Leiden is a charming town of canals and cafés, and the birthplace of Rembrandt. It makes for a crowd-free alternative short break destination, or an excellent day trip, and visitors should certainly include The National Museum of Antiquities, home to an ancient Egyptian temple gifted from Egypt to the Netherlands in the 1970s, the historic botanical gardens, and the Wereldmuseum of Ethnology. 3 night price from £798 per person
4 nights for the price of 3 until 31 March. Price from £1,256 per person, saving £294.
Includes entrance to the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum
Prices are per person based on two sharing and include Eurostar and onward rail, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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RIVER JOURNEYS For a relaxing way to travel from A to B, whilst enjoying fine food and wine and beautiful scenery, a journey on one of these selected boutique vessels might be the perfect solution.We can create tailor-made holidays to include a cruise through the major rivers of Europe or a gentle meander through the canals and waterways of France and Italy on a luxury hotel barge.
LA FRANCE PROFONDE: LUXURY HOTEL BARGING IN BURGUNDY on board L’Art de Vivre
This unique new itinerary on board the boutique hotel barge L’Art de Vivre is designed to explore the hidden sides of Burgundy which few visitors discover. Cruising the tranquil Canal du Nivernais, often called the prettiest in France, guests will enjoy ivy-clad lock houses, peaceful meadows and forested stretches known as La Petite Amazonie .This is the traditional rural heartland of La France Profonde . Pass fields of grazing Charolais cattle, visit the ancient, fortified town of Avallon with its terraced gardens and 12 th century church, explore the hilltop town ofVézelay and enjoy a wine- tasting at the 1,000-year old winery of Domaine Laroche. On board the hotel barge are just four guest suites, with twin or double beds and private bathrooms.The captain and crew provide friendly service and of course, excellent cuisine and selected fine wines, with a focus on the specialities of the local area – all meals and drinks are included in the price.To work up an appetite for lunch you can take a stroll along the towpaths, or borrow one of the bicycles provided for a morning excursion to the local village boulangerie.
Price from £5,998 per person for a seven night holiday including return Eurostar from London to Paris, a one-night stay at the 4* Hotel Westminster, private transfers, and a six night cruise on board the hotel barge L’Art de Vivre, including all meals, drinks and excursions. Based on departure from London on 18 July or 25 July 2026.
TULIP TIME IN THE LOW COUNTRIES with AmaWaterways
Spring in Holland is synonymous with tulips, and there are few more relaxing ways to traverse the Low Countries than on board a comfortable river cruise vessel, which will take you through the spectacular bulb fields and historic cities without having to leave the comfort of your stateroom.This spring cruise takes in the canal cities of Amsterdam, Ghent, Bruges,Antwerp and Rotterdam, as well asVermeer’s hometown of Delft, the windmill capital Dordrecht, the mediaeval harbour town of Zierikzee and Giethoorn, nicknamed the “DutchVenice”. We can highly recommend AmaWaterways as one of the leading river cruise specialists, and their
modern ships each carry up to 160 passengers in considerable comfort – all cabins have private facilities, great views, and the majority have large windows and balconies.There is excellent service in the bar lounge and restaurant – where Kirker clients enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at no extra cost – including complimentary wines. Price from £5,195 per person for an eight night holiday including return Eurostar Plus tickets from London to Rotterdam, private transfers, one night’s accommodation at the 5* Hotel Des Indes in The Hague and a seven night cruise on board AmaLucia staying in a Category CB stateroom with a French Balcony, including all meals, drinks and excursions. Based on departure from London on 25 March 2026 – alternative dates in March and April are also available.
THE DOURO VALLEY on board S.S. São Gabriel
Starting and finishing in the atmospheric Portuguese city of Oporto, from which the famous port wines are exported to the world, this cruise takes guests on a journey upriver, following the mighty Douro as far as the Spanish border and beyond.The Douro Valley is a spectacular landscape of steeply terraced vineyards and traditional hillside quintas, where you will meet winemakers and sample the best local wines and port. Highlights of the itinerary also include visits to Guimarães, Pinhao and the archaeological park of the Côa RiverValley, as well as an excursion to the Spanish city of Salamanca - famous for its perfectly formed cityscape of ancient roofs and churches, the elegant Plaza Mayor at the heart of the city and both cathedrals.The older one is dwarfed by its Gothic counterpart and contains a wonderful 15th-century retablo. Uniworld’s small but luxurious river ship S.S. São Gabriel offers
spacious, opulently furnished suites for fewer than 100 guests in total, as well as an elegant restaurant and stylish bar – breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, as are all drinks and excursions. Price from £7,598 per person for an eight night holiday including return flights from London to Oporto, private transfers, one night’s accommodation at the 4* Hotel Vintage Porto and a seven night cruise on board SS São Gabriel including all meals, drinks and excursions. Based on departure from London on 10 April 2026.
Prices are per person based on two sharing and include flights or Eurostar, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, and a cruise with all meals and excursions included - see details above.
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ALTERNATIVE CITIES For those in search of a new destination to explore, we can highly recommend some of the less-visited cities in Europe where you can enjoy blissfully quiet museums, and delicious local cuisine in restaurants where locals still outnumber tourists. Some of these cities possess art, architecture and vibrant cultural scenes to rival their more famous neighbours – but the locals have simply kept their secret more effectively.
RAVENNA Santa Maria Foris ****
BILBAO The Artist - Grand Hotel of Art *****
Among the most influential works of the late Frank Gehry, his Guggenheim Bilbao remains a powerful testament to his creative genius and a highlight of any visit to this revitalised city.This modern hotel overlooks the museum and is a 20-minute walk to the heart of the old town.The atrium houses a 90-tonne
Though a small town today, Ravenna was once capital of the Western Roman Empire under Justinian and its mosaic-lined monuments are among the most impressive anywhere in Europe. This privately-owned hotel is situated just a few minutes’ walk from the UNESCO sites and is a stylish property offering 13 bedrooms (no twins) all with the latest technology; some suites
sculpture, and leads to 145 comfortable bedrooms, a cocktail lounge and two restaurants. Breakfast is taken on the top floor terrace.
can accommodate a family of four, or two couples.There is a terrace where breakfast is served in fine weather, a garden, a library and several lounges – perfect places to relax after a day exploring Ravenna.
3 night price from £698 per person
3 night price from £789 per person
SALAMANCA Rector **** Deluxe
PADUA Majestic Toscanelli ****
Two very easy hours from Madrid by car or train, Salamanca is worth every minute of the journey.Visit the elegant Plaza Mayor where you will enjoy delicious and incredibly good value tapas, before exploring the two cathedrals: the elder dwarfed by its Gothic counterpart. Near the walls of the citadel, close to the cathedral and the Plaza Mayor, the delightful Rector fits perfectly into its historic surroundings. Behind a beautiful golden
Set in the heart of the Centro Storico, the old part of Padua, this hotel is unique in its location, adjacent to the remarkable Renaissance squares of Piazza Delle Erbe, Dei Signori and Della Frutta where the market is held.The 32 bedrooms are comfortably furnished in either BaroqueVenetian or a more quaint 19 th -century English style. Breakfast is a lavish array of pastries, cakes and cured meats and cheeses – a perfect start for a day’s sightseeing.There are plenty of local restaurants to choose from in the area and the Morosi family will be happy to recommend establishments specialising in the local Veneto cuisine.
stone façade, you’ll find a stylish and charming,
privately-owned hotel with just 13 bedrooms; this is one of the best small properties in Spain.
3 night price from £986 per person
3 night price from £698 per person
Includes entrance to the Scrovegni Chapel
CASCAIS Albatroz **** Superior
MUNICH Torbräu **** Superior
Originally built in 1873 as a Duke’s Palace, the Albatroz has a wonderful location on a headland between the town’s two beaches.Two buildings have been added to create a 51-bedroom hotel of great charm and style with the atmosphere of a luxurious private home.All the rooms are decorated with fine Portuguese furnishings and artwork and many have wonderful sea views.The Palace building across the road has six additional rooms all with a sea view. Light meals are served in the bar or on the terrace overlooking the bay and the highly regarded gastronomic restaurant offers
One of Europe's finest cultural destinations, Munich is home to world-class opera and ballet at the Bavarian State Opera, as well as several important art galleries and museums.A hotel since 1450, the privately-owned Torbräu has a great location,
just two minutes’ walk from Marienplatz.There are 90 comfortable bedrooms, many furnished in contemporary Bavarian style. Lunch, afternoon tea with home-made cakes, and dinner are all served at the restaurant ‘Schapeau’.
delicious seafood.There is a pleasantly furnished and relaxing lounge and a saltwater summer swimming pool.
3 night price from £767 per person
3 night price from £994 per person
Prices are per person based on two sharing and include flights, return transfers or car hire, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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