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European high-speed railways are connected up
Monday, 15 June 2009 11:44 | 
Yesterday the third and final bit of high-speed rail track in Belgium became operational, linking Paris and Brussels with Cologne.
The new link, running from the brand new 9-track station at Liège to the German border, puts Brussels at the heart of a pan-European high-speed rail network with direct links to London, Paris (&most major French cities), Cologne, Frankfurt, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Trains will now travel from Brussels to Cologne in 1h 39mins - it used to take them 2h 35mins - and last week's 3h 50mim journey from Paris to Cologne is now reduced to 3h 15mins. Extrapolated, it means passengers from London will be able to reach Cologne in 4h 45mins (changing at Paris).
Two train companies will compete on the new network. Deutche Bahn's ICE high-speed trains are already using it. Soon they will be joined by Thalys. It's a slightly odd form of competition though as DB are partners in Thalys with SNCF, SNCB (Belgium) and Dutch Railways.
Since January, Thalys has been renovating and upgrading its high-speed trains in preparation for the completion of the network. As well as improved interiors the new service also offers ticketless travel, with emailed confirmation of your reservation and a reminder of your seat number sent by SMS to your mobile 1 hour prior to the train's departure.
Last Updated ( Friday, 19 June 2009 11:49 )
July offers on European camping and mobile home holidays Friday, 19 June 2009 11:41 |
Vacansoleil (0333 700 50 50) has savings on seven-night holidays starting 11 July at a selection of European campsites.
"These campsites all have an excellent range of on site facilities including outdoor pools, table tennis, playground, bar, restaurant and take-away." Prices include midweek return Dover-Calais Sea France or P&O crossing for car and passengers. If no ferry is required, the price is reduced by £90. Lisbon City Break - 3 nights from £185 Friday, 19 June 2009 11:37 |
Flight Centre (0870 499 0042) is offering return flights from London Heathrow and three nights' accommodation at the 4-star VIP Executive Santa Iria Hotel, from £185 based on two people sharing. The offer is valid for travel between 02 - 23 Nov 09 and ends 31 Jul 09. Quote 'LISLONPAC1' when booking. |
Irish ferry break - family deal Thursday, 18 June 2009 11:39 |
Irish ferries (08717 300400) are offering a free night and a complimentary three-course evening meal at two 4-star hotels - both with swimming pool, sauna and gym - the Carlton Millrace in Co Wexford and the Carlton Abbey in Co Kildare, throughout July and August. The offer is from £214 per person (twin share) and includes a three-night stay with breakfast (and the complimentary dinner), with children under 12 years travelling and staying free of charge. Prices are inclusive of return Sunday to Thursday cruise ferry crossings for car and passengers on Irish Ferries' Holyhead/Dublin or Pembroke/Rosslare routes. Launch offer to brand new Maldives 5-star resort Friday, 19 June 2009 10:32 |
LuxuryHolidaysDirect (020 8774 7299) are offering 7 nights from £2465 per person at the brand new 5-star Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa in the Maldives - a saving of over £1400 per person. The eco-orientated resort which opens on 26 July 09 has lagoon beaches on one side of the island and a surf beach on the other. Accommodation ranges from private Ocean retreats to tropical luxury tree house villas with panoramic views. The stay 7 nights/pay for 5 offer features a Pool Villa with Plunge Pool on Half Board with return economy flights on Qatar Airways. It includes return domestic flight and airport transfers, a Guided Nature Trail Tour, One CHI Spa Experience for two guests, a Bicycle Tour of Addu Atoll, and complimentary Daily Half Board! Book by 31 Aug 09 for travel between 01 Sep - 31 Oct 09. |