Galway Advertiser 2004/2004_08_12/GA_1208_E1_024.pdf 

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24 F E A T U R E S

GALWAY ADVERTISER

August 12 2004

HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Tour China and Hong Kong
Add China and Hong Kong to your travel porfolio with this 16-day tour in September. Highlights include visits to Beijing, Tiananmen Square, Terracota Warriors, Shanghai, Guilin, Xian, and Hong Kong. Tour departs September 8, cost 2,999pp plus tax and insurance. Limited availability. For further details contact Eblana Travel (091) 766802.

BREAK-AWAY
TRAVEL WITH JULIE TIERNEY

BYGONES
Aug 16 -- The Palio race is held in Siena in Italy. Starting with the blessing of the Palio (a standard bearing the image of the Madonna del Voto), the day continues with a colourful medieval procession featuring standard-bearers twirling banners and culminates in a swift and dangerous horse-race in the campo in which 10 of Siena's 17 contrade, drawn by lots, take part, the winner claiming the Palio for his contrada for the coming year. A second race, for the Palio of the Madonna di Provenzano, takes place on July 2. Aug 18 -- Feast day of Helena. At the age of 70, she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, founding basilicas on the Mount of Olives and at Bethlehem. From the late fourth century, she is credited with discovering the crosses on which Jesus and the Good and Bad Thieves were crucified. Because of this, St Helena was thought efficacious in discovering thieves. Aug 21: This is Lawyer's day in the United States as it celebrates the organisation of the American Bar Association in 187

Travel Tasters -- around the world with our local travel agents

South Africa by train
Rail buffs or those who simply enjoy travelling by train will find some exciting ideas in South Africa to add a memorable dimension to their holiday. Mary Concannon of Eblana Travel previews the different options. cuisine in 5-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. All compartments are airconditioned. De luxe suites have a lounge area and en suite facilities. Royal suites are larger and have a bathroom complete with a Victorian bath. Rovos Rail offers a choice of journeys between Pretoria and Cape Town; Cape Town and George; Pretoria and Durban; and vice versa on all these routes. On both the Blue Train and Pride of Africa, smart casual dress is the order of the day, with more formal attire, including jacket and tie for gentlemen, in the evening. Safari trains: Shongololo Safari Express: These rail safaris have been described as a `cruise on land' with travel at night while the guests sleep and excursions offered during the day in microbuses, which are carried on board the train. There are three tours to choose from: The Good Hope links Cape Town and Johannesburg; the

Super value on cruising
If you don't want to spend a full week on a cruise ship why not combine it with a couple of nights in Miami in September? From 889 you can fly from Dublin to Miami, spend three nights at the Winter Haven Hotel in Miami, and have four nights cruising on the Majesty of the Seas. The four day cruise is full board and the posts of call include Coco Bay, Nassau in the Bahamas, and Key West (port taxes included). Phone Fahy Travel (091) 594747 for further details.
Mary Concannon.

Land of sensations
Visit the Dominican Republic, a land of sensations from 1,099 all inclusive for seven nights. Staying in the 4-star Super Club Breezes Resort, Punta Cana Bavaro Beach. Full day and evening programme also included. This price is valid from October 1 December 5. Taxes and optional travel insurance not included. Other dates and durations also available. Info from Aran Travel on (091) 562595.

Blue Train: The world-famous Blue Train recently underwent a major refurbishment to make it one of the most luxurious trains in the world. You will travel into a timeless world of grace and elegance for an unforgettable journey where you will enjoy some of the country's most spectacular scenery from the comfort of this magnificent train. It glides through the countryside at a maximum speed of just 75mph. The train has 42 air-conditioned compartments. De luxe compartments have a large picture window, lounge chairs, writing desks, internal phone, television, and en suite facilities. Luxury compartments are larger and have CD players and VHF video recorders. The Blue Train travels from Pretoria to Cape Town; Cape Town to Port Elizabeth; Pretoria to Victoria Falls; and vice versa on all these routes. Rovos rail: Passengers travel from all over the world to experience the classic atmosphere on board the beautifully restored vintage coaches of Rovos Rail. The two trains, named The Pride of Africa, are drawn by steam, electric, or diesel locomotives operating at various stages of the journey. These luxurious trains have woodpanelled coaches -- classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition where you can enjoy fine

The Rovos Rail, which passes through some of Cape Town's most spectacular scenery, is acclaimed one of the most luxurious trains in the world.

Southern Cross features six countries as it travels between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls; the Dune Express combines Namibia with the winelands on the spectacular journey between Windhoek and Cape Town. Tourist trains: Banana Express: The Banana Express was initially constructed to transport sugar cane and bananas to the coast. Operating from Port Shepstone, KwazuluNatal, this narrow gauge steam train takes passengers up on a steep climb through plantations of bananas and sugar cane to Izotsha. Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe: An

excellent way to see the Garden Route is on a day-trip from George to Knysna aboard this small steam train. You can view breathtaking scenery which cannot be seen from the road. Apple Express: As the name implies, it was originally used to transport apples. It departs from Port Elizabeth and travels to Thornhill Village via the Langkloof Valley. For further details on travelling in South Africa by train contact Mary Concannon at Eblana Travel in Parkmore (091) 766802 or e-mail mary.res@eblanatravel.ie

GALWAY'S FAVOURITE PAPER

Tel: 091 530900

New service from Knock to Cape Town
Knock International Airport, in association with PC Promotions and Joe Walsh Tours, last week confirmed it will be running a direct service from Knock to Cape Town, South Africa this winter. So now it's easier than ever to visit this year's top cosmopolitan holiday destination. Photographed at the launch were (from left): David Walsh, managing director, Joe Walsh Tours; Desmond O'Flynn, marketing and sales manager, Knock International Airport; and Paul Claffey, PC Promotions. Bookings and information about holidays from Knock International Airport to Cape Town, South Africa, are available through PC Promotions, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, Mayo, telephone (094) 9631040, or email aisling@musicholidays.com, or log onto website www.paulclafffeytours.com

WEATHER
THURSDAY
An unsettled day with showers or longer spells of rain, heavy at times with a risk of thunder. However, some sunshine may break through in any drier interludes. Max temp 1719C (63-66F).

SATURDAY
Breezy with sunshine and showers.

High Tide in Galway
16

SUNDAY
Sunshine and a risk of isolated showers.

Clifden

Tuam
17

10

MONDAY
Unsettled with a risk of thundery showers.

FRIDAY
A drier day with sunny intervals, but also more cloud at times with a risk of showers. A little fresher than of late. A gentle south-westerly wind. Max temp 17-20C (63-68F).
Information supplied by PA Weather Centre

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GALWAY
17

Thursday August 12 Friday August 13 Saturday August 14 Sunday August 15 Monday August 16 Tuesday August 17 Wednesday August 18

03.45 04.36 05.18 05.55 06.30 07.02 07.34

16.08 16.51 17.29 18.03 18.35 19.08 19.40

Ballinasloe
17

Phases of the Moon
Monday August 16 -- New Moon

TUESDAY
Cloudy with rain threatening.

Galway ship movements
Noon Thursday
Three oil tankers will dock this week. The Forth Fisher will arrive from Whitegate today; the Activity will arrive from Pembroke tomorrow; and the Ardvity will also arrive from Pembroke tomorrow.

WEDNESDAY
Sunny spells and scattered showers.