Kirker Holidays

Kirker Holidays was established in 1986, with its first brochure built around a carefully selected collection of European cultural cities and hotels. From the outset, the company’s aim has been to appeal to discerning travellers looking for something more considered than a conventional package holiday, combining well-chosen hotels with private transfers, carefully researched itineraries and expert advice. Over the years, Kirker has developed a particularly strong reputation for European travel, while expanding its programme to include destinations further afield. Managing Director Ted Wake joined the company in 1987 and has played an important role in establishing Kirker as a leading specialist in short breaks and tailor-made holidays.

Today, Kirker specialises in short breaks, tailor-made holidays, cultural tours, music holidays and carefully planned journeys, with a particularly strong focus on Europe. Its programme includes the great cultural cities of Europe alongside coastal, countryside, island and lakeside destinations, with extensive collections in countries such as Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Ireland, as well as destinations including Scandinavia, Central Europe, the Middle East and Southern Africa.

The company also creates specialist cultural and music holidays, often built around art, history, architecture, literature, opera or classical music. Its tailor-made itineraries can be adapted around individual interests, with the team able to arrange private tours, transfers, excursions and other experiences.

The philosophy behind Kirker is very much about expertise, selection and personal service rather than trying to offer everything to everyone. The company describes its approach as being for “discerning travellers”, with an emphasis on finding hotels that combine character, comfort and good service, then building the wider holiday around them. Its specialists regularly travel to destinations themselves, visiting hotels and researching museums, galleries, restaurants and other experiences so that their recommendations are based on first-hand knowledge.

A particular strength is the Kirker Concierge, which can arrange everything from restaurant reservations and museum tickets to opera and concert tickets and private excursions. The result is a highly personalised service that combines the convenience of a specialist travel company with the flexibility of an individually designed holiday.

Selected Kirker Holidays Destinations

Why Kirker Holidays?

Added Value

Many destinations include pre-booked tickets to popular museums including the Prado in Madrid, the Guggenheim in Bilbao and the Alhambra in Granada.

Guide Notes

Kirker’s guide notes give invaluable information on restaurants, bars, museums, shopping, markets and sightseeing which are included with your ticket documents.

Kirker Concierge

Kirker provides the full service, including recommending and booking a restaurant for a celebration dinner, arrange private guides, wine-tasting or cookery courses.

Kirker Hotels

They feature some wonderful properties covering every single style – small, large, modern or traditional and some of the finest hotels in Europe. They have first-hand knowledge of everyone and are able to give an honest opinion on whether a property is suitable for you.

Train Journeys

La Dolce Vita Orient Express, Italy
Switzerland by Rail
Our Custom Swiss Rail Holiday
Venice Simplon Orient Express

Cultural Tours & Music Holidays

La Palma and Tenerife: Astronomy and Volcanoes
Cities of Ancient Mesopotania
Italy’s Gastronomic Heart
Parma & Bologna with Valentina Harris
Cuisine of Extremadura
Ancient Tunisia & The Meditterranean
An Introduction to Albania
Ancient Rome
Wines of Tuscany

Some of our Favourite Kirker Hotels

Londra Palace, Venice

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The Londra Palace is a small, luxurious hotel right next door to the Danieli. The hotel has a bar, a cosy lounge, a restaurant, and the ‘LPV Restaurant’ with a terrace overlooking the lagoon. There are also 52 bedrooms that are among the best in the city.

The hotel recently had a complete renovation of all its public areas, and it looks absolutely stunning. You’ll feel right at home here!

Brunelleschi, Florence

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Florence’s Brunelleschi is one of the oldest buildings, built around the Pagliazza Tower and the medieval church of San Michele. It’s in a quiet courtyard in the heart of Florence, just a few steps from the Duomo. The Pagliazza Tower is from the 6th century and was once home to Filippo Brunelleschi, the famous architect of Florence’s Duomo. You can see Roman and Byzantine remains from the tower in the basement museum.

Marcella Royal, Rome

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This iconic hotel is situated in a fantastic location, just a stone’s throw away from the southern end of the Ponte Vecchio. The breakfast room, American Bar, and terrace on the sixth floor offer breathtaking views of the rooftops towards the Duomo, making sure you have a memorable start and end to your day in Florence. With 87 beautifully renovated bedrooms, you’ll find modern amenities seamlessly blended with the classic charm.

Botanico, Puerto de la Cruz – Tenerife

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Nestled in the picturesque harbour town of Puerto de la Cruz, just six acres away from lush, beautifully landscaped gardens, the Botanico is renowned for its exceptional service and is the ideal spot to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the south. The hotel boasts an impressive spa complex offering a wide range of treatments and programs designed to achieve maximum rejuvenation! There are four restaurants, including an exquisite Asian fine dining experience. The hotel also features two swimming pools – one main outdoor pool and one indoor pool within the spa complex. Additionally, there are tennis courts and a large putting green.

Palazzo Belmonte, Santa Maria di Castellabate

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A wonderfully atmospheric retreat on the Cilento coast, Palazzo Belmonte is the ancestral home of the princely Granito di Belmonte family and offers a rare sense of privacy and exclusivity. Set within five acres of mature gardens overlooking the Mediterranean, the historic palazzo and neighbouring villa contain just 32 rooms and six suites, many furnished with antiques and artworks from the family’s collection. Wooden steps lead through the gardens directly to a private sandy beach, while a large swimming pool and poolside restaurant provide an idyllic setting for relaxed days by the sea. In the evening, cocktails beside the pool as the sun sets towards Capri are a particularly special part of the experience.

Bon Sol, Mallorca

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The Bon Sol is a cosy family-run hotel nestled on a tiny sandy cove, surrounded by lush gardens filled with palm trees, aloe vera, ficus, olive trees, oleanders, and fragrant Mediterranean flowers. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites with private balconies, offering stunning views of the sea. They also have a Nirvana Spa, two outdoor swimming pools, and a private bay where you can swim in the sea. For breakfast, you can enjoy it in the winter garden, have lunch at the pool bar or the terrace restaurant, and have dinner either overlooking the sea or in the atmospheric Las Antorchas restaurant.

CALL US

We would be delighted to talk about your holiday arrangements over the phone. You can contact us between 8am and 10pm every day (outside of office hours may not be immediate).

01442 879787

SEND A MESSAGE

If you wish to send us your requirements by email using the link below, we’ll get back to you. Outside of office hours, we’ll reply to you as soon as we can.

VISIT US

Our office is open 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays). If you wish to make an appointment, please either call or send a message, although it’s not compulsory.

254 HIGH STREET, BERKHAMSTED

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