Travel Agenda: where to go and what to know in travel this week
How to visit a little-known Greek island, check in to new hotels and more
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sleep in the slammer
On 1 June the former Old Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station reopens as the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, after a £40m refurbishment. The Grade II-listed building, where East End criminals including the Kray twins appeared, has been converted into 128 guestrooms and suites, along with restaurants, bars, a bowling alley, spa and cinema. The facilities are spread across the original building, where period features have been retained, and a modern extension. shoreditch.courthouse-hotel.com
Bedfordshire to Biscay
San Sebastian, one of the few big Spanish cities without direct flights from the UK, is set to get an air link from 26 July. Air Nostrum, part of the IAG group (along with BA and Iberia), will fly from Luton. iberia.com
Going Loco
Loco2 is now available as a free iPhone app. The app has the same search functionality as the rail booking website, with a simple interface for making reservations, and the ability to download and store mobile tickets. An Android version is also in the works. loco2.com
France vacances
Sawday’s has added a new section to its website specifically for French gîtes and holiday homes. Properties are divided into categories including Family Friendly Cottages, Coastal Cottages and Gîtes With Pools. sawdays.co.uk/french-gites-and-holiday-cottages
Canopy beds
The first hotel in Hilton’s new Canopy lifestyle brand opens to guests on 1 July. Set within six connected houses, Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre will have bikes for guests to borrow, a coffee shop-cum-deli and a colour scheme inspired by the Icelandic landscape. There’s also a restaurant and bar and a 24-hour fitness centre. canopy.hilton.com
Greek escapes
Olympic Holidays has added two little-known Greek islands to its programme. Milos, accessed by Ferry from Santorini, has a central caldera and colourful rock formations. Ithaca, an hour west of Kefalonia by ferry, is the legendary home of Odysseus. Packages start at £470pp and £587pp respectively, including flights, ferries and a week’s B&B. olympicholidays.com
Take a ride
A new motorcycle trip with Nomadic Knights will take bikers along one of the world’s hairiest roads. The two-week Roof of India – the Recce tour departs 30 July, taking in little visited parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including the Cliffhanger – a rough track hewn into the side of vertical cliffs in Kashmir. From $3,980pp (£2,843pp) including half-board accommodation, motorbike hire, fuel and support throughout the trip. Flights extra. nomadicknights.com
Maya by train
Guatemala’s tourism authority has announced plans to build a railway line to the ancient Mayan city of El Mirador. One of the country’s key archaeological sites, located in the jungle in the northern region of Petén, El Mirador currently is only accessible by foot, and therefore only during the dry season in March and April. The new rail link, which doesn’t yet have a completion date, will be able to transport up to 100 tourists a day. visitguatemala.com
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments