Edinburgh, Scotland Shopping - Go to Princes and nearby George Streets for a nice mix of top department stores and also chic, high street boutiques. There’s also the added bonus of enjoying the medieval atmosphere cast by shopping in the shadow of the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

Kids - Get mesmerized by the ‘World of Illusions’ at Camera Obscura, where you will experience a huge variety of visual treats and interactive exhibits, including stunning views of the city from the rooftop terrace. The whole place is very hands-on, original, and above all, lots of fun for all ages and nationalities.

Culture - Did you know that Edinburgh Castle is perched on an extinct volcano? This instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol and is part of the Old and New Towns of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Its story is Scotland’s story, and not to be missed!

Food - Wedgewood is a cosy but classy place where the adventurous can sample traditional Scottish food that is said to be “just amazing”. You may not believe it before going, but the tasty ‘pigeon with haggis, neeps and tatties’ tastes a lot better than it sounds.

Shopping - Affleck’s Palace is a unique and exciting shopping arcade where you may find yourself raising your eyebrows a lot. Find the latest dance floor and street fashions from young designers here, plus a bit of the unusual or unexpected regarding jewellery pieces, for one of the city’s trendiest retail experiences.

Kids - Manchester Equestrian Centre offers all types of riding activities for any age and ability. The staff members are very professional and especially good with beginners, and there are some fantastic horses and ponies, too. If you prefer not to ride, you may also go simply to watch: Experienced equestrians and their horses are often training for dressage and show jumping competitions.

Culture - Hertford House is both a national museum and a prestigious private collection of art bequeathed by Lady Wallace (wife of Sir Richard Wallace, who’s father was an important art collector) in 1897. For an up-close look at masterworks that you’ll never forget, this attraction features one of the world’s best collections of French 18th-century pictures, porcelain and furniture, plus a fantastic array of 17th-century paintings.

Food - It’s been said the best steaks in Manchester can be found at Gaucho Grill. Here you will find a lot of cowhide-covered furniture along with a classic Argentinean menu that includes empanadas (stuffed savoury pastries), ceviches (citrus-cured seafood), your choice of cuts of Argentinean beef and lamb specialties, making for a genuine South American gaucho (cowboy) atmosphere and dining experience.

Explore the galleries inside, and then visit the Hub, where kids under 12 are encouraged to make a piece of artwork of their own with help and guidance from local artists. There’s also a fantastic brunch at Upstairs at The Bluecoat that admits children free along with admission for one adult – it’s a very family friendly affair.

Culture - Located within Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock, The Beatles Story is a unique visitor attraction that will transport you on an exciting and atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture and music of the Beatles. See how four young lads from Liverpool were propelled to the dizzy heights of worldwide fame and fortune to become the greatest band of all time.

Food - The London Carriage Works serves modern international food with an emphasis on the use of local, organic and fresh seasonal produce. A classic English atmosphere complements the innovative and experimental menus, and Liverpool’s very own Paul Askew is Chef (who scooped the top prize at the recent Hi-Life Dining Awards held in Manchester).

Liverpool, EnglandShopping - The Cavern Walks shopping complex, situated on the famous Mathew Street, is home to a whole host of designer outlets, including Vivienne Westwood, Drome, Cricket and From Me To You (where you can find official Beatles merchandise). It’s also home to the legendary Cavern Club (where the Beatles performed), if you find you’re in the mood for live music.

Kids - The Bluecoat is known for being one of the most iconic, creative buildings in the city. Every Saturday and Sunday between 12noon and 4pm, it’s family time:

experience. Everything that you’ll see in this cavern of horrors is based on real historical events, but beware: It’s not for the faint of heart!

Culture - The West End is London’s answer to Broadway, and with so many theatres in such a concentrated area, you’re sure to find a show that will interest anyone and everyone: choose from musicals, dramas, mysteries, comedies and romance stories. It’s also within walking distance to Covent Garden, where you will find live street entertainers delighting crowds, a local antiques market and ambient dining options in the surrounding street cafés.

Food - Located in the heart of London, Abracadabra Restaurant is tucked away from the busy Piccadilly area on elegant and romantic Jermyn Street. If you like the idea of dining on some

of the best cuts of meats served in the UK, traditional British favourites like Crown of English Lamb or extravagant dishes from Russia and Eastern Europe like Cossack Lamb Casserole, this is the ‘magic’ spot.

Shopping - There is a reason why the famed intersection of Oxford and Regent Street is called ‘Oxford Circus’: It’s the bustling centre ring to London’s busiest and most popular shopping district. Find top department stores like Selfridges, Fortnam & Mason and Liberty here, along with many more high street favourites, including the world’s largest and most famous toy store, Hamleys’. You can also find random and fabulous smaller boutiques hidden away on side streets.

Kids - Transport yourself back to the darkest moments in the capital’s history within the deep depths of the London Dungeon. Live actors, shows, two rides and interactive special effects ensure that you face your fears head on in this unique ninety-minute

London, England

Birmingham, England

Shopping - Located in the heart of Birmingham, Centenary Square is a great start place for fashionistas. Every corner of this bustling square has boutiques and stores for every taste, with cafes and restaurants to break the day and give your feet a well earned rest before you carry on with your shopping adventure.

Kids - Visit the Cadbury Chocolate Headquarters, Birmingham’s answer to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Ride through a ‘Chocolate Wonderland’ and get to taste delicious liquid chocolate; then take a trip to the ‘Purple Planet’, a magical area where it might rain chocolate, and

you may even get to chase a Cadbury Chocolate Egg!

Culture - The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter once housed an actual jewellery manufactory. Find out about century-old techniques for the intricate process of mass jewellery production in this historical home, and then

enjoy browsing for jewellery at the surrounding shops in this dazzling district.

Food - At The Vaults, Chef Sean Kyle blends cosmopolitan cuisine and great British classics with the best locally sourced ingredients for lunch, dinner or just snacks. If you are after a touch of class, this chic restaurant is a great choice.

Manchester, England

For every seve

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across the UK, Irel

and, the Middle

East and Africa this summer, you

get 2 nights, absolutely free

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EnglandAshford, Antrim, Aylesbury, Banbury, Bath, Birmingham, Bolton, Borehamwood, Bradford, Brighton, Bristol, Bromsgrove, Burnley, Burton-Upon-Trent, Cambridge, Canterbury, Cardiff, Corby, Coventry, Dundalk, Elstow, Epsom, Gloucester, Greenwich, Guildford, Harrogate, Hemel Hempstead, Horley, Ipswich, Kenilworth, Kettering, Knowsley, Leamington Spa, Leeds, Leicester, Lichfield, Lincoln, Liverpool, London, Luton, Maidenhead, Manchester, Marlow On Thames, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newport, Newport Pagnell, Northampton, Norwich, Norwich, Nottingham, Nottingham, Oldbury-Birmingham, Oxford, Peterborough, Plymouth, Poole, Portsmouth, Preston, Ramsgate, Reading, Redditch, Rotherham, Sandy Bedford, Sheffield, Shepperton, Slough, Solihull, Southampton, Stafford, Stansted, Stevenage, Stoke-On-Trent, Stratford Upon Avon, Swindon, Taunton, Walsall, Warrington, Warwick, Woking.

ScotlandAberdeen, Dundee, East Kilbride, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glenrothes, Hamilton, Perth.

WalesNewport, Swansea.

IrelandAntrim, Belfast, Dundalk

UK & Ireland

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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Shopping - If you enjoy malls, there are plenty in Jeddah, including The Mall of Arabia, the largest in Saudi Arabia. Here you will find a wonderful blend of traditional and modern high street brands, family entertainment attractions and all kinds of dining options. For a great view of the Red Sea, try the seaside Corniche, where you can bargain for unique souvenirs and 18K and 24K gold at the Gold Souk (Gold Market).

Kids - Escape the heat and stay entertained all day in the water park at innovative Sail Island, located by the Corniche. The park was built on a man-made peninsula near a coral reef and is covered by several overlapping, sail-like tents, which offer shade and natural air conditioning while you enjoy the pool and recreation facilities.

Culture - Jeddah is famous for the multi-story coral houses that are the last remains of a 2,500-year old city. They can be found in Al-Balad (Old Town) along with architectural landmark and museum, Al-Naseef House, which was built in the 19th Century by a wealthy merchant named Omar Naseef Efendi.

Food - Yildizlar -Though the décor is nothing fancy, this Jeddah dining institution offers excellent Turkish, Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian food.It’s pricey, but well worth the splurge, as those that have eaten here have said that everything on the menu is amazing.

Dubai, UAE Shopping - So you think you’ve seen it all? The award-winning Dubai Mall covers over 12 million square feet and is home to most of the world’s major fashion brands, an ice rink and a gold souk, plus an aquarium and discovery centre that boasts the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. Don’t miss it, and try not to get lost! (Don’t worry, directories are everywhere!)

Kids - Yes, you can arrive in flip flops and get outfitted in full-blown ski regalia: Ski Dubai is truly an unusual and modern marvel in Dubai’s desert landscape. You can take to the slopes skiing on one of 5 ski runs, including a 400 metre expert slope. Families can also have hours of fun in the huge, 3000 square metre, interactive snow park - the largest in the world! It’s an experience not to be missed

and a fantastic way to stay cool in the summer!

Culture - Observe how food is cooked in a fire pit, ride a camel and get entertained by an exotic belly dancer on a Desert Tour package. A cool desert evening mixed with Bedouin hospitality is the best way to enjoy life in the desert: just remember to bring something warm to wear in preparation for the cooler temperatures at night.

Food - Dubai offers a feast of choices for culinary enthusiasts, as the city is host to a multitude of international restaurants. Experience endless dining options, from Japanese at Zuma, Italian at the Cavalli Club, and American diner food at Johnny Rockets, to Lebanese at Al-Sultan Brahim Beirut and Indian at Asha’s - it’s really a matter of what you are in the mood for in this very cosmopolitan city.

Kids - There’s excitement for all ages at the Ratanga Junction Amusement Park. Find thrills on a 910 metre-long roller coaster called ‘Cobra’, or choose from over 30 other rides; there are even special rides the little tots will enjoy. Additionally, the Noon Gun on Signal Hill is an old canon fired every day at 12:00 - it’s fun to visit up close to do your own countdown as you wait for the rather loud but exciting moment when it goes off!

Culture - Captivated by all things gold? Musuku is the Venda (a native South African tribe) word for gold, and the star of the Musuku exhibit at the South African National Gallery is a solid gold rhinoceros. Along with artefacts from ancient

African kingdoms, such as Ndebele (Zimbabwe tribe) beadwork and knobkierries (fighting sticks), you will find yourself easily drawn into South Africa’s rich history at this small yet fantastic gallery.

Food - The Africa Café endeavours “to fill your belly with the flavours of the continent and nourish your soul with a little African warmth and hospitality.” Savour the authentic fusion of Africa’s rich culinary influences in ‘Botswana Seswaa Masala’ (lean and succulent game curry) and ‘Ethopian Zambossa’ (spicy, curried mince in fine pastry), and then try the poppy seed cake with vanilla ice cream for desert - it’s your only but delicious choice.

Cape Town, South Africa Shopping - Find beautiful St. Georges Mall in the town centre, where you will come across clothing, shoes, arts & crafts and fun dining options - the open-air walkways that link the various shops make for a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Long Street is the place to go for newer, funkier boutiques and also the pan-African market, which offers an amazing selection of unique items from all over Africa.

Ibis, once held sacred by the ancient Egyptians).

Culture - Ever thought what it might be like to be an all-powerful Pharaoh? Tap into your imagination at The Egyptian Museum, which contains the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, including the legendary King Tutankhamen Galleries; the breathtaking antiquities and national treasures are mesmerizing.

Food - Sequoia is a fabulous riverside café where you can enjoy a pleasant breeze and some shisha (flavored tobacco) while sampling excellent Egyptian cuisine - the many tantalizing house specialties make it hard to decide what to order.

Watch all kinds of vessels moving across the Nile and local Cairenes gathering to watch soccer matches on the TVs, as you relax and enjoy your traditional meal.

Shopping - Enticed by one-of-a-kind items? Founded in the 14th Century, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is the oldest market in Cairo, offering rare finds in hanadicrafts, jewellery,

ceramics, musical instruments, leather work and much, much more. Be prepared to haggle: it’s part of the fun, and it’s totally expected.

Kids - The only thing more awe-inspiring than seeing the Nile is experiencing a boat trip down it: Rent a felucca, or traditional wooden sailing boat, and cruise down the world’s most famous river, for an unforgettable family memory - you may even see some exotic freshwater fish or native birds (like the

Cairo, Egypt

Amman, Jordan Shopping - Want to practice your haggling skills? Downtown Amman is a slice of the old city and is buzzing with unique souks and artisan markets where you can find everything from fabulous jewellery to household items and spices.

Kids - Like the idea of playing in a big sandbox that mimics the site of an archaeological dig? With loads of interactive exhibits and a special library, Queen Rania’s Amman Children’s Museum is the biggest of its kind in the Middle East and a total crowd-pleaser.

Culture - Visit His Majesty the Late King Hussein’s Royal Automobile Museum for insightful

exhibits of vintage royal vehicles that simultaneously chronicle the development of 20th Century Jordan. Car lovers and history buffs alike will be totally enthralled!

Food - Kan Zaman Village (Once Upon a Time Village) - Treat yourself to an enchanted oasis of Jordanian hospitality at this turn-of-the-century property, just outside Amman: It’s the ultimate place to buy traditional Jordanian handicrafts and, at the same time, enjoy the local food. Observe ancient techniques for glassblowing and woodcarving at the Arti Zaman (Craftsman Souk), sample the ever-popular mankoushei (Arabic pizza) at the makhbaz (bakery), or revel in the atmosphere provided by Arabic music and dancing at the villages’ vaulted ceiling restaurant, while having an excellent meal.

For reservations log on to www.ihg.com/7for5

Bahrain 800 00 880 | Egypt 800 44 333 22Jordan 800 22 666 | Kuwait 2473 2100 Ext.6233

Lebanon (01) 426 801 (Ask For 866 866 7556) | Oman 800 77 999Qatar 800 971 234 | Saudi Arabia 800 8 971 465

South Africa 800 999 136 | UAE 800 4642UK +44 871 942 9121 (Non Toll Free) 800 8222 8222 (Toll Free)

Offer valid from 15th May - 1st September 2009. Terms & Conditions apply.

For every seve

n nights you stay at a

ny

participating C

rowne Plaza, Holiday Inn,

Holiday Inn Express or Staybridge Suites

across the UK, Irel

and, the Middle

East and Africa this summer, you

get 2 nights, absolutely free

!

Egypt Cairo, Safaga, Marsa Alam

Jordan Amman, Petra

Oman Muscat, Salalah, Sohar

Saudi Arabia Al Khobar, Hafar Al-Batin, Jeddah, Riyadh, Najran, Al Madinah

UAE Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah

Yemen Mukalla

Ghana Accra

Kenya Nairobi

South Africa Sandton, Johannesburg, Capetown, Pretoria

Zimbabwe Bulawayo, Harare, Mutare, Beitbridge

Middle East & Africa