Mistral Holidays

"We booked the Italian cinque terre trip . Be warned , A week before departure we received a change of hotel and resort to the one advertised on the literature and magazines . The original hotel and resort are still being advertised even though they are not where you will end up . The hotel we stayed in ( The Albergo Mediterraneano ) was of a very poor standard , the food was cold and not at all nice . When we complained we were advised that Italians do not eat hot food due to the weather ! Mistral holidays also used this excuse when we complained , we know this to be untrue as we travel to Italy regularly . The linen and bedding was not changed all week and we had to ask for toilet paper . The trips were good but only due to the rep , who we were informed is not employed by Mistral . She had to buy tickets for the trips on behalf of all the coach and then collect the tickets afterwards in order to claim the money back as she uses her own money to pay !! I would not book with Mistral holidays again ."

"My wife and I have just returned from a great week visiting the Cinque Terre and Tuscany. This, due to covid, was our 3rd attempt. The date and the hotel was changed but thankfully we could accommodate this and I think the new hotel was an improvement. We knew there would be a fair bit of walking but this was increased by our coach picking us up and dropping us off some 350 metres from the hotel. This was said to be because of the location not allowing a 52 seater to turn but a German coach of similar size seemed to manage it and our numbers didn't need as large a coach in any case. At Florence, Pisa and La Spezia, there were also long walks to and from the bus at our destination which was explained as being due to the Italian restrictions on access but someone should review nearer drop off/pickups while the bus could park a distance away. We were thankfully fit enough but in temperatures of over 28°C, others were struggling. The Kyrton hotel at Forte dei Marmi was of small Italian style and the cuisine was of typical Italian fayre with little choice which might not suit everyone but we enjoyed it. We had a nice room with a good size bathroom. An anti-slip mat in the shower/bath would have been an advantage. The grounds were very nicely planted with outdoor seating and a small pool. Our guide Marajana was good but put to the test by a mixed ability group. The term "hearding cats" comes to mind. Forte dei Marmi has a part of a very long beach with expensive parasols and loungers backed by fairly expensive snack bars and restaurants. It has markets which are worth browsing. Bike hire is available from the hotel and the area is quiet and flat. For those wishing to pick up a snack at lunch time near the hotel, find the Santa Lucia pizza bar on Viale Ammiraglio Morin No.87, a short walk toward the beach. When visiting the Cinque Terre I would include Manarola and Vernazza and then any other you have time to fit in. The train service is an excellent way to travel. Enjoy"

"We have just returned from a Taste of Tuscany holiday with Mistral. Fabulous! Our guide Christina couldn't do enough for us. The 3 star hotel, La Pia was a family run business, friendly, clean and great service. The itinery was excellent. We'll definitely be using Mistral again!"

"We had a brilliant holiday to Lake Como with Mistral Holidays in September and it was everything we had hoped for and more! The Hotel Excelsior Britannia had really good facilities for a three star, with a beautiful lido style pool and sun terraces. We booked a deluxe bedroom with a balcony and lake view. The bedroom was beautifully decorate. The views from the balcony were amazing, we looked out across the lake to Bellagio on the opposite shore. We went there twice on the free boat service which is run by the hotel. The food in the restaurant was good, with plenty of variety and something different every day and the cooked breakfasts were great, considering we were in Italy. The only slight negative on the food is that the picnic lunches which were given to us when we went on a full day’s outing were a little bland and the same each day, but this didn’t matter as we also bought some little extra treats wherever we were. The holiday was very interesting and we felt like we learned a lot about this beautiful area of Italy in just one week. We were well looked after by the hotel’s head receptionist Janette, who was always willing to offer suggestions of where to visit and things to see. Overall a very good all inclusive holiday and excellent value for money."