Introduction
Life begins at 21! This is the 21st Season of Pollard Tours and we
have planned a particularly exciting programme to celebrate our coming
of age. This brochure contains no fewer than EIGHT completely new itineraries
including a major tour devoted to the Peninsular War, an opportunity
to paint and sketch on the banks of the River Duero, two new itineraries
in ever-popular Morocco, a week in Toulouse, a journey through Coastal
Catalonia and a week in far-western Andalusia. There is an exceptional
opportunity to explore the wild beauty of Cazorla and a lovely week
in rural Asturias. Many perennial favourites are here: Valencia, Extremadura,
Bilbao, Barcelona, and the Loire Valley. After a year out, Seville,
Córdoba, Granada returns.
A particular feature of this year is the focus on Spanish Fiestas and
special events. No country has as rich a tradition for celebrations
(sacred or profane) as Spain and we shall be going to Jerez for their
stunning Holy Week, to Santiago to celebrate Holy Year and to Elche
for the unforgettable Misterio. My instinct is always to innovate and
improve but I cannot ignore the elements that have made the tours so
successful: the small groups, the genuinely all-inclusive prices, the
authentic hotels and restaurants, the picnics, the lecturettes ... As
always, I accompany every tour personally and prepare for them with
undiminished enthusiasm. I am pleased to say that, on three of our tours
(The Loire Valley, Lyon City Break and Bayonne and Biarritz), travel
arrangements will be by train from St Pancras.
I am delighted to say that we have kept our prices fixed to 2009 levels
despite the turbulence in currency markets. In 2010, therefore, I believe
our tours represent excellent value for money and compare favourably
with any other organization offering comparable holidays.
¡Hasta pronto!
About Christopher Pollard
Pollard
Chris Pollard was born and brought up in the West Country. Whilst studying
Spanish at Durham University he found himself in Jerez de la Frontera
and thus started a love-affair with Spain which has lasted well over
40 years.
He taught Spanish and French at Taunton School for 19 years until setting
up Christopher Pollard Tours in 1990. His encyclopaedic knowledge of
all things Spanish and his endearing and enthusiastic style have made
him countless friends who join him every year in Spain (and now Morocco
and France) for an unforgettable week.
His other interests include music and Opera (he has performed and directed
countless productions); theatre (he has translated for the stage and
worked as a professional actor for 3 months); food and wine (no further
comment). He is a popular lecturer at Dillington House, to NADFAS and
other organisations on all aspects of Spanish culture. He is currently
writing a Short History of Spain for Travellers. Chris accompanies all
tours personally. Please contact us for further
information or request a brochure to find out
more.