A taste of Italy

AS part of its first birthday celebrations this month, the Cork International Airport Hotel will be flying the gastronomic flag for Italy in a three-day showcase of the finest flavours and foods from one of the world’s centres of gourmet excellence.

It’s intended to be a public affair from July 24 to 26, with an opportunity for all the family to try their hand at producing some of the great Italian dishes, under the watchful expert eye of one of Umbria’s best-known teaching chefs, Lorenzo Polegri.

Day courses are available at €180 and the hotel offers a weekend package for two adults and two children for €680.

For details, see www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com or tel [phone].

BRITISH AIRWAYS offers new options to Irish travellers this month with the launch of its new worldwide seat sale.

The sale has savings of up to €460 to 30 destinations, including Australia, the US, Canada, Africa, the Middle and Far East and southeast Asia.

Prices range from €493 to Dubai to €528 to Los Angeles, €686 to Hong Kong and €706 to Barbados. All fares are from Dublin and include taxes, charges and fees. However, bookings must be made before Tuesday.

Travel dates range from August 22 to December 14, 2008. Book at www.ba.com or through any local travel agent.

INTERHOME, one of the largest holiday rental specialists in Europe, has a new programme from Ireland.

The 30,000 hand-picked properties are found across 19 countries including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Britain and the US.

Prices start from €201 for four people in an apartment in Llanca, in Spain. For a full run down, go to www.interhome.ie or tel [phone]

THERE’S an October 31 deadline to avail of Panorama’s best winter deals.

The company’s latest winter ski and board brochure is now available at travel agents, and €299 holidays are available for those prepared to swoop for a bargain.

For more information on the best choice and value-for-money holidays this winter, check out any Panorama brochure at any local travel agent, contact Panorama on 0818 202020 or 0818 204060 or see www.panoramaholidays.ie.

THIS week sees the introduction of the Capel Suite, a spacious, light-filled atrium at Capella Castlemartyr, Co Cork, capable of seating up to 200 people in banquet formation.

Capella Castlemartyr has 103 guest suites, 11 of which are in the historic manor house, and amenities such as the Castlemartyr Golf Club.

For information, tel [phone] or see www.capellacastlemartyr.com.