Avoid the midsummer madness: think Alentejo

May 2, 2012

Far from the madding crowds of the Algarve, the Alentejo region of Portugal has a tremendous range of options for travellers looking to recharge their batteries

Covering one third of Portugal – but with just 6% of the population – the Alentejo is a beautiful and vast region of magnificent plains (montados), cork forests, medieval hilltop towns and unspoilt beaches – perfect for travellers seeking genuine relaxation, and a great place to indulge the senses, too.

Gaze up at the stars of Lake Alqueva – UNESCO’s first designated Starlight Tourism Destination; visit the 19^th century copper mines of Mértola and the Roman remains at Miróbriga; savour traditional desserts so delicious they bring out the sweet tooth in almost everyone; sample fine Alentejo wines – the region produces 47% of Portugal’s vino – or simply enjoy the transcendent silence and space of the montado.

Sunvil Discovery: the essential key to authentic Italian and Sicilian wine, food and experiences

March 6, 2012

All new in 2012, Sunvil Discovery introduces Sicilian agriturismo properties, plus a range of traditional cookery courses and a self-drive Sicilian wine trail – and why not let the train take the strain for travel on mainland Italy?

NEW: 21 agriturismo properties in Sicily: Fantastic for foodies who like good, honest food served on an ancient wooden table – think converted farmhouses, surrounded by hectares of agricultural land producing flavoursome, wholly organic wares including olive oil, cheese, cured meats and full-bodied Sicilian wine.  Explore the countryside and get involved in harvesting – from grapes and olives in the autumn to oranges in December or lemons in March. Properties include:

Sunvil rolls up its sleeves for Climate Week – both at home (in the office) and abroad

February 29, 2012

Sustainable tour operator, the Sunvil Group*, is joining in Britain’s biggest climate change campaign with a range of green ideas for travelling abroad – and it’s taking action in its offices, too . . .

Culminating in a week of activities, Climate Week showcases practical solutions from every sector of society. The Sunvil Group* actively supports this initiative – both in its wide range of holiday ideas and via a number of in-office ideas through which its staff can get behind the campaign.

Climate change is an international issue which the Sunvil Group* – as a holiday specialist to 24 countries – understands must be tackled on a global scale as well as a local scale.  Here are some suggestions on eco-tourism and how to go green when travelling abroad – not only in Climate Change week, but whenever holidays loom.

Sunvil Discovery announces its 2012 real Scandinavia brochure

January 24, 2012

– Eclectic Sweden programme significantly expanded with new destinations, activities and properties –

Sunvil Discovery has just launched its 2012 real Scandinavia brochure, packed full of short break, fly drive and bespoke itinerary options to Sweden, Norway and the Faroe Islands – its most ambitious yet to celebrate its fifth year of high-quality and well-structured tours to Scandinavia.  New destinations and new experiences provide an even broader range of options for travellers.

In Sweden, new adventurous ideas include the back-to-nature resort of Kolarbyn in the north-west corner of Västmanland and Luleå in the north: try hovercraft and ice road tours.  2012 also introduces the ultra-modern, feng-shui-inspired Hotel Avalon in Gothenburg.

In Norway, there’s an excellent balance of cosmopolitan city breaks contrasted with fjord and northern wilderness itineraries and The Faroe Islands (part of Denmark) remain an off-the-beaten track option, perfect for nature lovers, birdwatchers and walkers.

Sunvil Discovery launches 2012 Portugal & Madeira brochure

December 21, 2011

Eight new properties feature and the Alentejo region goes from strength to strength

Tailor-made specialist Sunvil Discovery has launched its 2012 real Portugal & Madeira brochure, packed full of accommodation options and flexible itineraries to the lesser-known areas of this captivating country.

Sunvil Discovery is pleased to announce that its exclusive flight to Beja in the heart of the Alentejo will continue – departing London Heathrow once a week – in 2012. Following the success of the flight and expanded Alentejo programme in 2011, a new section detailing what to do and see in this unspoilt region now features.

New properties include elegant manor house Casa do Sezim, set in its own vineyards just outside Guimaraes, European Capital of Culture for 2012, and the luxurious five-star Onyria Marinha Edition Hotel & Thalasso near Cascais, complete with golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior that offers fantastic views over the Atlantic and Sintra mountain range.