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El Al is offering a special introductory fare for the launch of its service out of Luton. Economy fares will start at £195 return, including all taxes and charges, from May 3 to 14 May. The six-times-a-week service launches on May 3 and will be the airline’s third daily service — Saturdays excepted — between London and Tel Aviv. El Al is operating the route with a B767 aircraft that offers economy and business-class cabins and full meals and drinks service. Flights depart Luton at 12.20pm from Sunday to Thursday, and at 09.55 on Fridays (www.elal.co.il; 020 7121 1500).
● A new music and arts festival in Sydney from May 26 to June 14 can only add to the allure of the spectacular Australian city for anyone planning a trip this summer. Called Vivid Sydney it features a range of events around the Opera House, the cool Rocks area, Circular Quay and city centre. The three-week artsfest includes Luminous, a music festival at Sydney Opera House; Smart Light Sydney, which will incorporate a light display projected on the Opera House’s iconic sails; an Art Light exhibition and an orchestral and light-art interpretation of work by Stockhausen. There will also be a public walk around Sydney harbour showcasing the work of dozens of local and international artists; plus Fire Water, a three-night event with fire sculptors, musicians and live performers (www.vividsydney.com www.sydney.com).
● The Carlton Tel Aviv, perfectly located at the heart of the promenade, has just completed an extensive renovation. As well as providing a new entrance with magnificent views of the Mediterranean and a new, light-flooded lobby, there is now direct access to the beach and promenade, and a new restaurant offering outdoor dining — including al fresco breakfasts. The hotel is also offering deals on two-centre holidays, in cooperation with the Jerusalem ‘s glamorous David Citadel, and Isrotel’s Royal Beach Eilat, Carmel Forest Spa, and its new Dead Sea hotel (www.carlton.co.il; 00972-3-5201818).
● To celebrate its 20th birthday, the elegant Hotel Crillon le Brave in the centre of rural Provence is offering 20 of its best rooms each month for just 20¤ (£18.40) instead of the normal 240¤ (£216) to the first 20 people applying each month. Bookings at the Relais & Châteaux property must be made online after 20.00hrs — 7pm UK time — on the 20th of the month for the following month, and must be made via the “20th Anniversary” section of the website (www.crillonlebrave.com).
● If you fancy marinading yourself in English history this summer, the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession to the throne with a series of events during June. A highlight will be a weekend of Tudor-themed festivities on June 13 and 14 at the Old Royal Naval College, former site of Greenwich Palace, where Henry was born on June 28 1491. The activities will provide a chance to “meet” the king, Anne Boleyn and members of his court, as well as see a 16th-century mounted hunting parade and cheer on knights in mock battle. There will also be archery and Tudor dancing along with kids’ activities such as face-painting and flag-making. There will also be guided tours, lectures, a choral concert and Tudor-inspired dining at the Naval College’s King William Restaurant (www.greenwichwhs.org.uk; 0870 608 2000).
● Aviva Preston has unveiled details of her 21-day kosher tour of Vietnam and China this autumn. The main trip, with 11 days in Vietnam and 10 days in China, is from October 29 to November 18, with a two-night pre-tour add-on available to Cambodia ($675/£460 including flight to Saigon), and post-tour to Tibet (five days, $1,400/£954 including extra flights). Hotels will be 5-star where available, with kosher food arranged by Shai Bar Ilan. The cost of the main trip is $7,200 (£4,908) per person, based on two sharing, and includes accommodation, tours, kosher meals and all flights within the itinerary, but not international flights (avivapreston@hotmail.com).