El Al, Israel’s national carrier, is offering a huge saving on it’s first class companion return fare this summer, making it just £2,400, return, for two people to travel. The first class experience begins with limo transfer to the airport (UK and Israel), use of the sumptuous King David lounges, flat-bed seats; superb cuisine, award winning Israeli wines and, of course, personal video-on-demand entertainment. Offer valid, subject to availability and restrictions, until August 31 (020 7121 1400 or via travel agents).
Israel’s national carrier has also changed its catering arrangements so that all in-flight food is now prepared and packaged in Israel. Formerly, meals were made in Israel, frozen and flown here, with items such as salads and cakes added to the trays, which were assembled in the UK under Federation Beth Din supervision. Trays will now be assembled in Israel, under local kashrut supervision, with glatt kosher meals supervised by Jerusalem’s Baadatz Eda Charedis and flown here complete.
The Teenage Cancer Trust charity, which raises money for cancer units in NHS hospitals, is adding two Israel nights to its fundraising Petra Trek in October. Participants will fly from Heathrow to Tel Aviv for an afternoon and evening in the city, leaving the next morning to cross into Jordan for the five-day trek to the Rose Red City. After a day’s exploration, trekkers will transfer for an overnight in Jerusalem, for sightseeing, a celebration meal and overnight stay. Registration for the trek, from October 11-19, costs £395, minimum sponsorship £2,650 (treks@teenagecancertrust.org;
020 7612 0370).
Solo’s Holidays are running a singles weekend and summer ball at the Huntingdon Marriott Hotel over August Bank Holiday. A two-night weekend, for singles 30-59, costs £229 and includes half-board accommodation, dinner and ball, the services of the Solo’s host and a walking tour of Cambridge. Alternatively, guests can stay one-night (£115 for accommodation with breakfast and the ball), or £69 to attend the ball (0844 826 8502; www.solosholidays.co.uk)
Jazz fans can boogie to a programme of jazz aboard the superb Crystal Symphony this autumn, when more than two dozen jazz artists perform during Crystal Cruises’ 2008 Jazz Voyage — a seven-night roundtrip from Los Angeles, departing November 30, calling at – among other ports - Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Prices from £2,375 per person including flights, transfers, seven nights in a deluxe stateroom, all meals and soft drinks (020 7287 9040; www.crystalcruises.co.uk).
If you are heading to Israel in the next few weeks, the prestigious Jerusalem International Film Festival takes place from July 10 to 19, with the opening film an outdoor gala screening in the Sultan’s Pool next to the old city walls. El Al’s package arm, Superstar Holidays has a special three-night city break from £505 per person, based on two sharing, at the Metropolitan Hotel Tel Aviv or Jerusalem Tower Hotel, including breakfast and flights (020 7121 1500; www.superstar.co.uk; tickets from Castel Tickets: 00972 3 604 5000).