EXPERT ADVICE
Whether it is our reservations team, the Kirker Concierge, or one of our expert Tour Leaders, everyone at Kirker has a passion for travel and we relish the opportunity to visit our destinations regularly, for research, planning and, of course, our own holidays. However many times we visit Venice, Paris, Madrid or Vienna, there are always new hotels to visit, restaurant openings to sample, and the latest music and opera programmes or art exhibitions to discover.We enjoy sharing our first-hand expert advice and look forward to speaking to you personally to discuss your own travel ambitions for 2026. ROME by Callum Pery Knox Gore Reservations Consultant
LA DOLCE VITA ORIENT EXPRESS by Alice Boyle
I recently had the pleasure of staying at Rocco Forte’s exceptional Hotel De Russie in Rome.
Cultural Tours - Sales & Operations Executive This summer I had the privilege of stepping
One of the city’s most famous hotels since its construction in the early 19 th century, the De Russie is between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, but offers shelter from the hustle and bustle of the city thanks in large part to its famed Secret Garden. A tranquil green space that goes up the Pincian Hill – the food and cocktails here were exquisite and it is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion in the Eternal City.
aboard the glamourous new La Dolce Vita Orient Express for the 'Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards' route. It was such a thrill to step onto the train – the cabins were beautifully curated, and three-Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck took us on a culinary journey through exquisite foods and wines, but the highlight for me was the hill town of Montalcino.We arrived in style, explored this rustic town in the company of a charming expert local guide, before returning to live jazz on the train!
Prices start from £3,398 per person for a three-night holiday staying at Rocco Forte’s Hotel De Russie. For a special occasion, ask us for details of their unique Forte Suites, with private terraces and views over the Secret Garden and Pincian Hill.
Prices start from £4,876 per person for a three night holiday including a one night 'Tastes of Tuscan Vineyards' journey on board La Dolce Vita Orient Express, flights to Rome, private transfers,and two nights’ accommodation with breakfast staying at the 5* D'Inghilttera in Rome.
Includes entrance to the Vatican Museums or the Borghese Gallery
Time Out With Ted
As we celebrate the milestone of our 40th anniversary it is a very good moment to reflect on the extraordinary changes that have occurred since Kirker started in 1986. In spite of the advent of the internet and the arrival of the mobile phone, the most remarkable thing about the way our business has evolved is that our core ethos remains unchanged: the team of expert human beings is available to speak personally to clients on the telephone.We tailor every holiday to your needs and we still offer the Kirker Concierge service to book restaurants, private guides and tickets to museums, opera, ballet and any number of other activities to enhance your holiday experience. In terms of personal travel highlights, I made two visits to Lisbon in 2025, and have been reminded of what a very charming and civilised destination it is.The relaxed, warm hospitality is second to none and the hotels are comfortable and excellent value for money... The Lapa Palace is my favourite five-star property, but the 4* Lisboa Plaza was the chosen venue for our recent company outing to celebrate our 40th anniversary - and it offers unrivalled value that suits many discerning travellers very well.
If you enjoy Italy, I can highly recommend Naples - it has a certain Bourbon style and glamour that reflects its status as the former capital of its own Kingdom.The Teatro San Carlo provides world class opera that should be on everyone's wish list, and the Capodimonte and National Archaeological museums offer an extraordinary array of fine art to rival Europe's best. Naples is also the gateway to the Amalfi Coast which is the perfect way to round off a tailor-made holiday in style. Wherever you are heading, we would be delighted to help.
Praça do Comércio, Lisbon
Call 020 7386 4646 or email enquiry@theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk
Published in December 2025
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator