Travel Agenda: Northern light, Mirror mirror, Christmas banquet, Prestwick quick, Uffizi express, Europe revealed, Africa road risks, 787
Where to go and what to know
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Your support makes all the difference.Northern light
This week, the Louvre museum opened an outpost in the former coal-mining city of Lens in northern France. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Sanaa, the €150m building features a glass and aluminium façade, surrounded by a park. The art inside includes work by Delacroix and da Vinci. Lens is 33 minutes by train from Lille, accessible from the UK on Eurostar (louvrelens.fr).
Mirror mirror
The first Design Hotels member in Ukraine opened this week. Located in the capital Kiev close to the National Opera House, 11 Mirrors has 11 floors that house 49 rooms, plus a cocktail bar and a restaurant (11mirrors- hotel.com).
Christmas banquet
This weekend, the Feast food festival transforms an old Victorian sorting office on Islington Square in London. A stall from Peruvian restaurant Ceviche appears alongside Mark Hix, Randall & Aubin, the Modern Pantry, Delhi Grill and Big Apple Hot Dogs, plus live music and the chance to pick up Norwegian firs. Tickets £7.50-£9 (wefeast.co.uk).
Prestwick quick
Starting tomorrow, ScotRail adds more and faster trains between Glasgow and Ayr, serving Prestwick airport (scotrail.co.uk).
Uffizi express
Flights from Heathrow to Florence start on 31 March with Vueling. One-way fares on the daily departure start at €60 (vueling.com).
Europe revealed
Hidden Europe, the magazine dedicated to the continent's diverse cultures and landscapes, has a special Advent offer. Subscribe (€30) by 20 Dec for a choice of three back issues (hiddeneurope.co.uk).
Africa road risks
"Drivers involved in car accidents in Ethiopia can face severe punishments, including custodial sentences," says the Foreign Office. "Driving standards are poor, and traffic accidents are common and sadly often fatal. Avoid driving after dark in rural areas: vehicles often have no lights." (fco.gov.uk).
787
The model number of Boeing's "Dreamliner", whose first scheduled service, operated by Qatar Airways, departs from Heathrow on Thursday at 3.05pm for Doha (qatarairways.com).
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