This summer, Mattel is bringing Polly Pocket™ to life in an extraordinary way, transforming her beloved ‘90s Slumber Party Fun compact into a life-sized experience, now available for booking on Airbnb. While Polly herself is off on a grand adventure to celebrate her 35th birthday, fans have a unique opportunity to step into her world by staying in her two-storey, nostalgia-filled pad. For 35 years, Polly Pocket™ has been a miniature marvel, fitting perfectly into pockets and playtime memories. But now, the iconic doll’s home has been supersized, offering fans the chance to experience a real-life version of the whimsical world they grew up loving. To mark Polly Pocket’s milestone birthday, this life-sized, vintage-inspired compact is welcoming guests to step inside and relive the magic of childhood. The two-storey “Slumber Party Fun” pad is brimming with throwbacks and surprises, capturing the essence of what made Polly Pocket a beloved toy of the ‘90s. From a wardrobe filled with iconic outfits to hidden treasures tucked away in every corner, this stay is designed to spark imagination and nostalgia. “I’m thrilled to welcome you into my most epic compact yet to celebrate my birthday!” says Polly. “Join me for a slumber party like no other in Littleton, where every moment is filled with adventure. From my wardrobe packed with nostalgic fashion to the hidden surprises throughout, the fun never stops!” About the Stay Nestled in the charming town of Littleton, Massachusetts, Polly’s 42-foot-tall compact redefines “tiny but mighty.” Available for booking on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of September, the compact offers three one-night stays for up to four guests each, priced at $89 per person—a playful nod to Polly’s debut year, 1989. During their stay, guests can: Explore the compact’s intricate design, complete with hidden surprises.Get glammed up at Polly’s vanity, stocked with retro hair and nail accessories in her signature colours.Raid the vintage fridge to create the ultimate ‘90s snack spread.Play dress-up with Polly’s iconic outfits, featuring bold colours and the classic gummy texture.Lounge in the living room with popcorn, a movie, and plenty of cushions.Sleep on Polly’s pull-out sofa or in her life-sized Action Park Tent, located just steps from the compact.Craft custom Polly-inspired charm bracelets to share with a best friend. How to Book Your Stay Ready to live like a doll? Reservations for Polly Pocket’s life-sized compact open on 21st August at 2 p.m. through Airbnb, with the request period closing on 29th August at 7:59 a.m. Travel arrangements to and from Littleton, Massachusetts, are the responsibility of the guests. And there’s more! For those who can’t book an overnight stay, Polly Pocket is offering 21 daytime experiences for groups of up to 12 guests each, available from the 16th of September to the 6th of October. These experiences provide another way to enjoy the life-sized compact and all its nostalgic charm. Booking for these daytime adventures also begins on 21st August at 2 p.m. For more details and to explore other unique Airbnb experiences, visit 2024 Summer Release: Airbnb introduces Icons—extraordinary experiences from the world’s greatest icons

The Bernina Red Train Express is a train with large panoramic windows that ensure unobstructed views of the ever-changing landscape, running between Switzerland and Northern Italy. It offers one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, connecting Tirano in Italy to St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps . The train climbs more than 1,800 metres, making it the steepest railway journey in the world. The whole route is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If crossing the Alps by train is on your bucket list, then the Bernina Express is certainly one of the most spectacular ways to do it. Along the way, the Bernina Express rolls over the 65-metre-high Landwasser Viaduct, a single-track six-arched curved limestone railway viaduct, the signature structure of the Rhaetian Railway. This has to be seen to be believed. As the train rolls along, you can see from the front to the back of the train as it curves along the tracks. Get ready for breathtaking views of mountain peaks covered in snow, alpine lakes, and stunning valleys. Apparently, the best time to visit is spring, as it combines snow-capped mountains, spring flowers, and green valleys. Unless you’re like me and love the cold and the snow (so long as I’m prepared for it, that is). My wish was to experience it during the winter, which I had the pleasure of doing last February. Despite the snow falling, we were treated to lots of stunning sights during our journey, such as the Montebello Curve , a dramatic horseshoe-shaped curve offering stunning views of the Bernina massif. As the train navigated this bend, we were also treated to panoramic vistas of the Morteratsch Glacier and the three lakes. Unfortunately, by this stage, the snow became really thick, so we didn’t get to see the glacier in its full splendour, but from what we did see, it was truly spectacular. This section of the journey is one of the many highlights the Bernina Express has to offer, and for this reason, I’d recommend trying to experience it in spring! The snow didn’t dampen our spirits, though. In fact, it created a magical scene as we watched it blanket the ground, settle on rooftops and trees, and transform the landscape into a winter wonderland. In fairness, each season brings unique scenery, from blossoming meadows in spring and summer to vibrant autumn foliage and snow-blanketed landscapes in winter. One of the many highlights for me was the Bernina Pass. This is where the train climbs to its highest point, offering some of the most iconic views of snow-covered peaks, rugged terrain, and alpine lakes. It’s hard to choose a favourite highlight because the whole journey is magical, but another of mine was the Brusio Spiral Viaduct. It’s a unique circular viaduct that allows the train to manage the steep descent gracefully. It was fascinating to watch and to marvel at the remarkable engineering that it took to create such an exciting and amazing railway that blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps. All in all, the train ride took approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. We were giddy with excitement when the journey came to an end in Tirano, Italy. We had just experienced wonders, from glaciers and lakes on the way up to palm trees on the way down, on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. It’s said, you can’t put a price on an experience. In my estimation, this is one experience you won’t mind paying for!!

In the midst of the pandemic in 2020 , Emily in Paris made its debut, streaming into 58 million households. By 2022, the show had soared to become Netflix’s most-watched series, turning numerous Parisian spots into must-visit destinations for tourists. The storyline centres on Emily Cooper, a young American who relocates from Chicago to take up a position at a fictional marketing firm, residing in the charming Place de l’Estrapade in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. Emily’s neighbour, Gabriel, works at a restaurant initially called Les Deux Compères , later rebranded as Chez Lavaux in the second season. This establishment is actually a real place named Terra Nera. Not far from here is the Panthéon , a monument honouring French heroes, which also features in the show. The series has given a substantial boost to various local businesses in the capital. One example is La Boulangerie Moderne, a 19th-century bakery on Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques , where Emily savours her first pain au chocolat. The bakery now reports that as many as 40% of its patrons are drawn in by the series. This idea is reminiscent of the highly popular ‘Sex and the City’ tours in New York City. The owners of Terra Nera restaurant are delighted to see the square buzzing with activity. Although they have always been able to fill their 40 seats, they now notice a more diverse, international crowd, with fewer Senators among their patrons. While the upcoming adventures of Emily and her friends remain under wraps, here are some key filming locations from previous seasons that any fan shouldn’t miss: #1 Jardin du Palais Royale. #2 Palace of Versailles. #3 Pont Alexandre III. #4 Emily’s Apartment at Place de l’Estrapade. #5 Le Chateau de Sonnay. #6 L’atelier des Lumieres. #7 The Pantheon. #8 Gabriel’s Restaurant – Bistro Terra Ner

A new ranking shows Naples as the top Italian destination on TikTok, with 4,000,000 posts in total Verona is the tenth most popular location on the platform, with 226,000 created posts The study uses data from TikTok Creative Center to identify the most popular destinations  In a new study conducted by travel experts, Pompeii Tickets & Tours , the most popular Italian holiday destinations on TikTok were identified.   The study used TikTok Creative Centre to identify the most popular locations on TikTok, determining the number of hastags associated with each destination. Italy is a top holiday destination for people worldwide, known for its attractions, authentic cuisine, and rich culture. Many travellers share their experiences on social media, and this study focuses on identifying which Italian locations are most frequently featured on TikTok.  Naples is the most popular Italian city on TikTok, featuring on feeds 4,000,000 times. Popular sights featured in videos include the Chiaia District for luxury shopping, the Piazza del Plebiscito and the Royal Palace of Naples, all popular city sights.   Ranking as the second most popular on TikTok is Milan , which has featured 2,000,000 times. Some of the most documented sights here are the Milan Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the monument to Leonardo Da Vinci.   In third place is Italy’s capital city, Rome , which has garnered 974,000 posts with the associated hashtag. Many videos provide tips on where to visit here, with recommendations such as the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and the Colosseum.   Palermo , a city in southern Italy, is in fourth for TikTok popularity, garnering 901,600 created posts. Fontana Pretoria, Quattro Canti and Palazzo dei Normanni are all popular sights featured in videos.   Bari , the capital of the Metropolitan City of Bari, ranks fifth in TikTok popularity, with 688,800 created posts. Some popular sights featured are Bari Vecchia, Basilica di San Nicola and Strada delle Orecchiette.   The ten most popular Italian destinations on TikTok : Ranking sixth is Catania , the second-largest municipality in Sicily, which has had 613,000 posts created on the platform. Attractions such as the Catania Cathedral, the Roman Theatre of Catania and the Fish Market are popular in videos.   In seventh is Venice , the capital city of the Veneto region of Italy, which has been featured 462,000 times. Commonly featured sights are the Libreria Acqua Alta, the Campanile and St Mark’s Basilica.   The capital of Tuscany, Florence , is in eighth place, securing 417,000 total posts on TikTok. Popular sight recommendations on the platform are the Florence Cathedral, Palazzo Vecchio and the Fountain of Neptune.   Bologna , Emilia-Romagna’s capital, secured ninth place in the ranking, with 314,400 created TikTok posts. Sights such as Little Venice, Due Torri and Piazza Maggiore are featured heavily on the platform.  Finally, in tenth place is Verona , which has garnered 226,000 posts on TikTok. Verona Arena, Juliet’s House and Piazza delle Erbe are some of the popular sights seen in videos of the city.   Speaking on the findings, Magdalena Petrusic, travel expert from  Pompeii Tickets & Tours ,  said:  “Naples’ position as the most popular Italian city on TikTok highlights its charm and influence among global travellers and social media creators. This study not only underscores TikTok’s significant role in shaping travel trends but also provides insights into the broader appeal of Italy’s top destinations. “Understanding these trends helps travellers and influencers alike make informed decisions, revealing the cities that truly capture the country’s beauty and offer a vibrant, shareable experience.”  For more insights: https://pompeiitickets.tours

Experience the magic of Halloween at Hogwarts with a spine-chilling, after-hours event at the Studio Tour in London, where you’ll be drawn into the darker side of the wizarding world. Begin your evening in the Great Hall, sipping a themed cocktail or mocktail under a ceiling adorned with Jack-o-Lantern pumpkins, just as seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. From here, explore the darkened Studio Tour, where trick-or-treat stations await with magical sweet treats, sure to delight every sweet tooth. Beware, though—there may be some tricks alongside the treats. Tickets go on sale 12th September. The original and ongoing Studio Tour offers a truly immersive experience, exploring the very studios where all eight Harry Potter films were brought to life. Your journey begins with a guided tour of the Great Hall, after which you’re free to wander through iconic sets at your own pace. You’ll discover locations like the Gryffindor common room, Dumbledore’s office, Hagrid’s hut, the Forbidden Forest, and Diagon Alley. For lunch, you can relax in the “backlot” outdoor area, with familiar sights like Privet Drive, where you can walk through number 4 and peek into Harry’s bedroom under the stairs. The infamous Butterbeer is also available here, a hit with both kids and adults. After refuelling, explore an exhibit showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship that brought the films to life. With over 4,000 people involved in a decade of production, the scale of work is remarkable—from costume designers to make-up artists, each detail contributing to the success of the series. Kids will enjoy interactive experiences such as wand practice and a close-up look at Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia. Meanwhile, adults can marvel at the intricate set designs and props. The Studio and Backlot Cafés offer sandwiches and hot meals, but feel free to bring your own snacks, as the tour is quite long and can be thirsty work. It’s worth noting that while the café serves plenty of kid-friendly drinks, no alcohol is available—so if you’d planned on enjoying a glass of wine during the evening, you may want to adjust those expectations! The tour concludes in a merchandise-packed shop, filled with fluffy owls, wands, and t-shirts. It’s advisable to set a budget in advance if you’re visiting with children, as the enticing array of items can lead to impulsive purchases! For those travelling by train, the Studio Tour is accessible via a 15-minute shuttle bus from Watford Junction, with the bus fare included in the ticket price. Electric, ‘muggle-powered’ buses add to the fun. If you’re driving, parking is complimentary. Family saver tickets are available for £138, covering two adults and two children, or one adult and three children, making it an affordable alternative to a West End show or other premium London attractions. Hidden extras, such as photo opportunities, videos, and posters, are sprinkled throughout the tour, adding even more magic. Visitors can capture their own memories, except in the green rooms where photography is restricted. Timed entry ensures a smooth flow of guests, giving you plenty of time to explore. Tours begin at 9 am, with varying closing times, though the Studio is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Formula 1 is racing into higher demand than ever before and Keith Prowse is thrilled to offer fans the ultimate opportunity to witness the high-octane action live. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a first-time spectator, our exclusive Formula 1 Ticket-Only and Hotel & Ticket Inclusive Packages ensure an unforgettable experience at some of the most exciting races on the F1 calendar. Feel the Adrenaline of Formula 1 Live There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a Formula 1 Grand Prix event. The roar of the engines, the precision of the drivers and the thrill of watching the world’s fastest cars compete at the highest level – it’s a sporting spectacle like no other. With the championship more competitive than ever, there’s never been a better time to be a part of the action. Keith Prowse offers both ticket only and flexible package options so we can create the best trip for your budget and taste. Formula 1 Ticket-Only Options For those seeking flexibility, our Ticket-Only packages allow you to secure your seat at any Grand Prix on the calendar. Choose from a variety of ticket categories depending on the event, all available for instant booking online. From the glamour of Monaco to the speed of Silverstone, you can handpick your preferred race and enjoy the electric atmosphere that only a live Grand Prix can deliver. Here are just some sample Ticket Only prices but to explore the full range of options visit Formula 1 Official Grand Prix Tickets – Buy Online | Keith Prowse Ireland (keithprowseattractions.com) Monaco Grand Prix – 25th May 2025 Ticket Only from €1,257.89 for Grandstand T Ticket (Friday – Sunday, Reserved Grandstand Seating, Videowall to Follow Race) Belgian Grand Prix – 27th July 2025 Ticket Only from €289.47 for General Admission Weekend Ticket (Friday – Sunday, Banking/Ground Viewing, Unreserved Position) Formula 1 Hotel & Ticket Packages Take your experience to the next level with our Hotel & Ticket Inclusive Packages, combining two or three nights of premium hotel accommodation with your Grand Prix ticket. Perfect for those looking to turn their race weekend into a mini getaway, these packages allow you to combine the thrill of Formula 1 with the charm of a city break. Whether it’s enjoying the lights of Singapore, the history of Monza or the beaches of Barcelona, Keith Prowse gives you the chance to experience not only the race but also the local culture and sights. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Friday 6th December 2024 – 3 Nights Package Includes: 3 Nights in a 3* or 4* HotelSouth Grandstand Ticket(Multiple upgrades available: Villeneuve Weekend Ticket, Tosa 2, Gresini, Acque Minerali, Start/Finish and more.) Prices from €1,399pps Austrian Grand Prix – Friday 27th June 2025 – 3 Nights Package Includes: 3 Nights in a 3* or 4* HotelGeneral Admission Weekend Ticket(Multiple upgrades available: T3 Weekend Ticket, Redbull, Grandstand and more.) Prices from €363pps Book now and let Keith Prowse be your ticket to the ultimate Formula 1 adventure. Witness the drama of the racetrack, experience the glamour of the Grand Prix, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Explore all your Formula 1 Ticket Only or Package Options Today! For bookings, contact us today at 01 878 3500 or email us at reservations@keithprowse.ie.

This October, Norwegian Cruise Line invites you to experience Halloween like never before with their spookiest cruises yet! Set sail to eerie destinations, enjoy onboard thrills, and immerse yourself in the spirit of the season—all while indulging in the luxury and adventure that only NCL can offer. Spookiest October adventures by NCL: 5 day cruise to Bermuda 7 day cruise to Mexican Riviera: Cabo & Puerto Vallarta 5 day cruise to Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay & Nassau 5 day cruise to Bermuda Friday 11th October – Wednesday 16th October 2024 ( Balcony rooms from €950 ) Bermuda has a long history of shipwrecks, legends of the Bermuda Triangle, and eerie ghost stories. One famous location is the haunted  Unfinished Church  in St. George’s, believed to be cursed and abandoned mid-construction. 7 day cruise to Mexican Riviera: Cabo & Puerto Vallarta Sunday 3 November – Sunday 10 November 2024 ( Balcony rooms from €820 ) Mexico is rich in Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) traditions, which coincide with Halloween. The Yucatán Peninsula has mysterious Mayan ruins, like  Chichen Itza,  and cenotes (natural sinkholes) that were sacred to the Mayans and are often considered eerie. 5 day cruise to Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay & Nassau Sunday 3 November – Friday 8th November 2024 ( Balcony rooms from € 650) While these tropical destinations might seem sunny and serene, islands like  Nassau  in the Bahamas are home to spooky tales of pirate hauntings and voodoo legends. Some places, like the  Pirates of Nassau Museum , explore dark historical events. Gary Anslow, Head of UK & I Business at Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) , says,  “We have recently seen a rise in “spooky tourism”, as Brits set off on a hunt to discover the eerie stories behind many historical destinations. Halloween enthusiasts can experience ghoulish locations on a variety of NCL cruises, and if they get too frightened in these haunted spots, they can escape back to the NCL ship for safety.”

With new routes to Rhodes and Zadar, there is lot of choice for beach lovers and city break enthusiasts flying from Cork Airport with Click&Go. Sun holiday destinations include the always popular Costa del Sol, Lanzarote, Tenerife and the Algarve as well as year round flights to Majorca which trumps the summer only flight schedule from Dublin. There are year round trips to London, Amsterdam and Rome among many other destinations will be sure to satisfy all city break fans. Click&Go as well as Cork Airport have seen significant growth year on year for passengers travelling from Cork Airport. Click&Go saw an increase of 47% in passengers flying from Cork in 2023. Passengers that fly from Cork Airport travel from all over Munster and South Leinster, with passengers boasting about the speed they get through the airport and the great service. Speaking about the release of a Cork Airport edition of the popular Click&Go travel podcast released today, Paul Hackett CEO of Click&Go said , “Flying from Cork Airport is usually a very calm experience. There are short wait times and the staff are so lovely. Most people don’t know about the wide choice of destinations from Cork and are always surprised to hear what we have on offer.” Link to Podcast: https://www.clickandgo.com/clickandgo-travel-podcast Great Value Majorca from €399pp From €399 per person for the 3* Verdemar Apartments. Price is per person based on 2 adults sharing for travel the April 2024. Price includes: · Return flights from Cork to Majorca 7 nights in the 3* Verdemar Apartments, Santa Ponsa · On a Self Catering basis · Airport taxes & charges · Link to offer: DIY Holidays – Cheap flights and hotels with ClickandGo.com 5 star luxury Lanzarote from €799pp From €799 per person for the 5* LIVVO Volcan Lanzarote. Price is per person based on 2 adults sharing for travel the May 2024. Price includes: · Return flights from Cork to Lanzarote · 7 nights in the 5* LIVVO Volcan Lanzarote, Playa Blanca · On a Bed & Breakfast basis · Airport taxes & charges · Link to offer: DIY Holidays – Cheap flights and hotels with ClickandGo.com London City Breaks from €299pp From €299 per person for the 3* St. Giles London Hotel. Price is per person based on 2 adults sharing for travel the April 2024. Price includes: · Return flights from Cork to London · 2 nights in the 3* St. Giles London Hotel, London · On a Room Only basis · Airport taxes & charges · Link to offer : DIY Holidays – Cheap flights and hotels with ClickandGo.com Family Holidays to Disneyland Paris from €529pp From €539 per person for the 3* Grand Magic (ex Magic Circus) Hotel. Price is per person based on 2 adults + 2 children sharing for travel the April 2024. Price includes: · Return flights from Cork to Paris · 3 nights in the3* Grand Magic (ex Magic Circus) Hotel. · On a Bed & Breakfast basis · Airport taxes & charges · Link to offer: DIY Holidays – Cheap flights and hotels with ClickandGo.com * Prices quoted are ‘from’ prices, based on select departure dates from Dublin. Price includes return flights and accommodation as specified. Prices are based on the specified number of people sharing and offers are subject to availability. Prices are correct at time of issue, terms and conditions apply. Prices exclude check-in luggage unless stated.

Travel Times Jack Goddard this week starting, 9 May 2022 began a press trip organised by Gabriel Eder, the Söll Tourism Manager for  Wilder Kaiser. Jack, Catherine Murphy, Alan Shortt, Jim Gallagher and Marisa Mackle all began their first day flying out of Terminal 2 in  Dublin Airport  on route to  Munich International Aiport  with  Aer Lingus . With the daily flights going back and forth to Munich, it can be a great alternative to flying in Austria where flights are less frequent. After the group two hours and twenty-minute flight to Munich International Airport the group was then transported in a Four Seasons ( airport-transfer.com ) carrier van to Söll which roughly lasted around an hour and thirty minutes, but with free wifi and an array of complimentary beverages provided, Jack highly recommends this service when traveling between Munich and Austria. Jack and the group then arrived at their hotel for their stay,  Franzlhof . Franzlhof is a family-run farmyard style 4* hotel right in the heart of Söll. This four-story boutique-like hotel is perfect for families traveling to Soll in the Summer, with a pool, mini-golf course, two tennis courts and much more games around the hotel that children (and the big children!) can enjoy. Franzlhof also boasts an extremely impressive sauna and wellness area for those evenings when you want to relax. On arrival at the hotel, Gabriel Eder was there to meet the group. Gabriel quickly gave the group a quick tour of Soll village. The group proceeded to a gorgeous local restaurant called  Krummerei  for lunch and were treated to some traditional Austrian food. Jack was particularly fond of the Frankfurter-style sausage bathed in a sweet curry sauce with chips. You cannot visit Austria without having some Schnapps! So of course, the group had to fit in a schnapps tasting at one of the most post popular Schnapps distilleries,  Oberkollerhof . Oberkollerhof is in its third generation of family ownership. The group was lucky enough to be hosted by Simon, the second-generation owner of the distillery who has only recently passed it to his son. When doing a schnaps tasting with Simon, he will run you through the process and machinery used in the Schnapps development, which is fascinating and informative. After the lesson, you are then brought upstairs for their tasting. You will try a selection of Simons’s favourite flavors which include, apple, pear, cherry and then last was a beautiful mixture between apple and pear. To round off a very successful first day, Jack and the group had dinner in  Auf da Mühle . Auf da Mühle has a very modern feel with a wide variety of foods and wine on the menu. Apparently, a hotspot during the peak seasons is very popular with visitors and locals. It also has a bar downstairs named the Whiskey Mühle which is perfect for an after-dinner drink.

ITTN’s Jack Goddard was invited out by the  Malta Tourism Authority  to report on a recent FAM trip to the overwhelmingly stunning island of Malta. On the trip was Leanne Mulcahy of  Limerick Travel , Michael Kelly of  Keller Travel , Ceara Dhingra of  Barters Travelnet , Criona Buggie of  Travel Counsellors , Stuart Barber from  Best4Travel , Laoise FitzPatrick of  Fahy Travel  and Macarena Munoz of  Cassidy Travel . Jack and the group were all set to fly out of  Shannon Airport  with  Ryanair  on the 19th of May 2022. On arrival, Jack and the group were greeted by Isabel Harrison, B2B Manager at Shannon Airport, where they were walked through security and brought to the lounge while they waited for their flight to depart. Jack and the group were also shown  Shannon Airport’s sensory rooms  which are essential for any children or adults who travel with autism, emotional and behavioral difficulties, sensory processing disorder, or other special needs. On arrival at Malta airport, Jack and his group were met by Nick, an amazing and extremely knowledgeable tour guide provided to them by the MTA. Nick escorted the group to their hotel, the five-star  Marriott Hotel in Malta  while filling the guys in on a brief history of Malta. At the hotel, the group was then introduced to Peter Green, Trade Trainer at MTA and Kristian Hauge, Leisure, Sales & E-Commerce Manager at the Marriott. The group then had a refresh in their stunning sea view rooms before meeting Peter and Kristian for a pre-meal drink at the reception. For the evening, the group was treated to a fabulous tour and wine tasting at  Ta’Betta Wine Estates , the Winery is located on the southern flank of the Estate enjoying views of the vineyard with the medieval town of Mdina as a backdrop. A colourful array of egg-shaped concrete fermentation tanks imported from Sonoma in California stand tall as guests enter the main fermentation hall. Beautiful in their own right, the tanks have proven to be extremely practical and in line with the estate’s preferred medium for the fermentation of their reds. At the back of the winery, there are three barrel vaults built in limestone in the traditional style, typical of the architecture found in the guts of the bastions built by the Knights of Malta in Valletta. The barrel-vaults house barrique stacks where the reds are matured, and the whites fermented. The group then concluded their evening with a beautiful sunset dinner at the winery and were served some classic Maltese food and wines joined by Peter, Kristian and Rosanna Sciberras, the Marketing Executive at MTA.

ITTN’s Jack Goddard started out his second day in Malta visiting the  Upper Barrakka Gardens  which are public gardens based in Valletta and offer some incredible views. The gardens are located on the upper tier of St. Peter and Paul Bastion, which was built in the 1560s. Jack and his group then moved to  St. John’s Co-Cathedral , a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The cathedral displays some of the great paintings by Caravaggio. St John’s Co-Cathedral opens its doors after visiting hours for Private guided tours, led by private guides requested for groups by Official Travel Agents. Tours can be conducted on weekdays only, between 4.30 pm and 6.00 pm (last admission). The exclusive one-hour tour of the Co-Cathedral and the oratory after closing shall be led by any official guide of your choice.  The next stage of the day was a visit to  Casa Rocca Piccola  which is a 16th-century old palace that belongs still to its original Maltese family – the de Piro family. The home offers extensive background history of Malta and some very interesting links to the English Royal Family!  A quick stop for lunch at the beautiful  Rubino  restaurant for lunch which offers Maltese cuisine, seafood and some fabulous homemade pasta. Rubino opened its doors back in 1906, as a Sicilian confectionery in the midst of Valletta. The original store was established and run by Vincenzo Rubino, a sweet maker from Palermo. The group was then treated to a stunning taxi like gondola ride through the harbour where they were brought to Rolling Geeks – a self-drive electric buggy service that allows you to explore the three Cities, made up of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, at your own pace with a pre-programmed GPS to help guide you along the way. The group then concluded their evening day at Briju. Briju is a Maltese and Mediterranean restaurant that serves incredible dishes made from the finest Maltese produce and just this past March was selected for the 2022 edition of the Michelin Guide Malta for its third year running.

Studio Ghibli Park, Nagoya – Opening 1st November 2022 The immersive world based on the much-loved films of Studio Ghibli,  Ghibli Park will open to the public on the 1st of November, with the second stage opening in early 2023.Located in the city of Nagoya, on the nearly 500-acre site of Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park, Ghibli Park will be easily accessible just 3 hours south of Tokyo.  Visit to discover artefacts from past productions, uncover secrets behind the films, and wander fantasy lands from the many stories. Incorporating the home of Satsuki and Mei in My Neighbor Totoro , the idyllic country house and other exhibitions will embrace the surrounding natural environment by building only in the park’s existing clearings.  Ghibli Museum, Mitaka Located in Mitaka, a green suburban area of Tokyo, the Ghibli Museum is a highly popular spot for fans and the curious alike. The museum has been created and designed with as much love and thought as the films, from displaying original works and pictures for fans old and new to caring for the gardens surrounding the museum, working to sustain the land’s future. In the museum, visitors can find stained glass windows with recognisable scenes and characters, set-ups of animation studios and film-maker’s rooms illustrating the processes behind the films, and a theatre screening of a short film, found only at the museum. Tickets to the museum must be booked in advance. Yakushima, Kagoshima A small island off of the south coast of Kyushu, and also the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yakushima is known as being home to the ‘Princess Mononoke forest’. With dense forests built up of 10,000-year-old cedar trees and some of Japan’s most beautiful natural wonders, the island was no doubt the ideal inspiration for the Princess Mononoke film, the fantasy story which follows the search for peace between humans and the land they occupy. Accessible from Kagoshima by boat or by flying into Yakushima, the island is abundant in ancient hiking routes, rich scenery and wild beaches, as explored by the protagonist, Ashitaka.  Tomonoura, Hiroshima  A historic port town in the city of Fukuyama, Tomomoura has preserved its charming traditional homes, stores and temples, and is widely known to attract creatives and storytellers. The charming townscape has been said to have influenced the Ghibli movie Ponyo after the director, Hayao Miyazaki, stayed in the port while working on the film’s story. Accessible from Fukuyama on a shinkansen, Tomonoura is a scenic stop-off for port history and to feel immersed in a Ghibli set, if travelling along the coast from Hiroshima to Osaka.  Dogo Onsen, Ehime Said to be the oldest hot spring area in Japan and used as inspiration to picture the bathhouse in Ghibli’s Spirited Away, Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous. Located in Matsuyama on Shikoku, the Dogo Onsen resort town is over 3000 years old and offers charming hot spring bathhouses, hearty cuisine and an eclectic collection of shops and museums. Dogo Onsen Honkan is the particular onsen confirmed by the art directors as a prototype for Spirited Away’s Aburaya and can be visited today for tours, and to bathe, as thousands have since the 1800s.  Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, Tokyo A visit to this open-air museum is the perfect place to take in traditional Japanese architecture and design and get a dose of Ghibli nostalgia. Based in Koganei Park, Tokyo, the museum commemorates historic Japanese buildings and works to restore and relocate those with cultural importance. On-site, visitors can find homes, inns, stores and workshops from the 1600s Edo period to the late 80s Showa period, some looking particularly familiar to fans of the much-loved Spirited Away , as Art director Yoji Takeshige confirmed in ‘The Art of Spirited Away’ that the museum was a direct inspiration for the movie.