See the Derry Girls sights or experience spring delights in Zurich

Travel Bag: Enjoy a state-of-the-art spa in the Algarve or visit Florence to celebrate Salvatore Ferragamo’s designs

The Peace Bridge is a cycle and footbridge bridge across the River Foyle in Derry, Northern Ireland.

Jo Linehan

Sat Mar 10 2018 - 05:00

Derry Delight

With Channel 4's hit series Derry Girls shining a light on the city to a whole new audience, the four-star Bishop's Gate Hotel is offering spring stays for those who wish to experience the sights for themselves. Enjoy overnight accommodation in a deluxe room and breakfast, a four-course meal and cocktail from €158 per night, and use the boutique hotel as an ideal base while you explore the historic city walls, St Columb's Cathedral, eat fish and chips on Queens Quay and enjoy a drink at the Walled Brewery. Visit discovernorthernireland.com and bishopsgatehotelderry.com for more.

Visit Derry to explore the historic city walls, St Columb’s Cathedral, eat fish and chips on Queens Quay and enjoy a drink at the Walled Brewery

A Shoe In

This year marks the 90th anniversary of leather aficionado Salvatore Ferragamo's designs, and to celebrate, the Lungarno Collection hotel group, owned by Ferragamo, is welcoming guests to Florence to stay and immerse themselves in the famous shoemaker's history. Visit the fashion house's flagship store and museum in the heart of the stylish Italian city where you stay at any of their four hotels. A deluxe river view suite, overlooking the River Arno, pictured above, at the Portrait Firenze is our top pick; lungarnocollection.com.

The Lungarno Collection hotel group, is welcoming guests to stay and immerse themselves in the famous shoemaker’s history in Florence.

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The Algarve’s clifftop resort VILA VITA Parc has partnered with Sisley Paris to launch a new state-of-the-art spa, set to open this May. The design, inspired by the region’s sea caves, will comprise 14 elegant treatment rooms, an outdoor yoga garden pavilion as well as the addition of three new dedicated spa suites. For bookings and more visit vilavitaparc.com.

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The Swiss city of Zurich is this spring's hottest destination, with a whole host of events and festivals taking place. The Spring Festival kicks off from April 16th complete with parades and parties, followed by the Zurich Marathon, on April 22nd, renowned as one of Europe's most beautiful city runs. From May 24th, Food Zurich welcomes hungry travellers to savour a taste of the gastro scene, while in June the Swiss Formula E Championship will return to the city for the first time in 60 years. Book into the five star Bar Au Lac to stay at the centre of the activities. Visit bauraulac.ch and zuerich.com for rates and more.