Posts Tagged ‘holiday’
Our Fabrewlous Winner – Hollie!
Congratulations to Hollie from Spa Travel in Wetherby!
After making a booking with Osprey Holidays over June/July and entering via email, Hollie’s entry was chosen at random. She has won herself a new Nespresso Gran Lattissima coffee machine from everyone here at Osprey Holidays!
Hollie: “thank you so so much, can’t wait to get home and start using it – one of the best parts of my day is my morning coffee so what a treat and perfect gift for me this is!”
At Osprey Holidays our agent partnerships are incredibly important to us and we always aim to provide you with exceptional service, expert knowledge, and full flexibility.
Our caffeinators competition was run for all of our UK travel agents who made a booking over June and July. We would like to thank everybody for their bookings and entries!
Keep an eye out for exciting new special offers and check out our current incentives including our free Lisbon walking tour and August special offers.
Living It Up In Lisbon
Day 1
I was recently invited by the Portuguese Tourist Board to visit Lisbon for a 3 day showcase exploring the city and meeting various suppliers alongside other travel professionals from Europe and North America. It was my first time in Portugal and I was excited to visit one of Europe’s most picturesque capitals!
After a smooth 3 hour flight I arrived into Lisbon and after a quick transfer, got to the 5* Montebelo Vista Alegre Chiado Hotel, a centrally located boutique hotel in the Chiado District. I arrived a few days earlier and had the opportunity to visit our hotels first hand and see why Lisbon is so popular.
Lisbon is so small and easy to navigate but flat shoes are essential for the infamous 7 hills and cobbles! I headed up to the main boulevard – Avenida da Liberdade where most of our hotels are situated. The popular Lisboa Plaza and Heritage Avenida Liberdade were both beautiful boutique hotels and centrally located. The stunning 5* H10 One Palacio da Anunciada – a beautiful restored 16th Century Palace set in the Baixa District and the historic Avenida Palace Hotel were a great introduction to my first day.
My evening was spent by the River Tagus enjoying a local meal – Bacalhau – dried salted cod served with potatoes washed down with a lovely local wine.
Day 2
After a huge breakfast of fresh fruit and eggs benedict I headed out for a full day of hotel visits. Walking up the Avenida da Liberdade, you couldn’t help be enticed by all the designer shops located off both sides of the leafy promenade. Lisbon is renowned for revered art and trending fashion and the city didn’t disappoint.
It was a day of contrasts visiting the 4* H10 Duque de Loule, a beautiful boutique hotel with a carefully preserved 18th century façade. The Marques de Pombal, a majestic traditional hotel located on the Avenida da Liberdade was a delight as well.
After an espresso and a Pastel De Nata (a famous Portuguese custard tart), I set off to see some more of our 3 and 4* properties. The 3* 7 Hotel is a popular and great-value hotel in the Baixa District. The Browns Hotel Group has a stunning collection of boutique hotels all centrally located nearby the Santa Justa Elevator. Browns Central is a beautiful 4* property with each room individually designed. Browns Boutique Hotel – a 3* property and book lovers paradise – with many coffee table books to enjoy. Browns Downtown is a beautiful 3-star hotel ideally situated only 150 metres from Lisbon’s popular MUDE Design and Fashion Museum.
That evening I met the rest of the Fam Group and we all enjoyed a beautiful meal organised by our hotel and met our hosts from the Tourist Board.
Day 3
We were taken to the beautiful Palacio Conde D’obidos for a morning of presentations at the Showcase Meeting. We met various hotel and tour suppliers and enjoyed a beautiful buffet lunch overlooking the River Tagus. It was great to meet some of our trade suppliers and make new connections. We had a few hours to explore after the meeting and we headed up to the Belem District to see the imposing Jeronimos Monastery and to enjoy the varied street entertainment nearby.
That evening we were treated to a traditional Portuguese meal of sardines and cod fish in the historical Alfama area – Lisbon’s oldest and most picturesque neighbourhood. Afterwards we listened to some fados music at St Georges Castle – Traditional Portuguese songs, also known as Fado, which speaks of life, struggle and passion. The genre originated in Portugal in the early 1800’s.
Day 4
Just 30 minutes away from Lisbon you find Mafra, Sintra and Cascais. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Cascais is a picturesque old fishing village with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. We visited Mafra National Palace Convent – designed in Baroque style, it covers an area of 38,000m2 with 1200 rooms, 4700 doors and windows and 156 staircases. We then continued onto Sintra. It’s the perfect fusion between natural richness and magnificence of its monuments, a passionate town that has inspired artiest and writers world over.
After a delicious lunch at the Café Paris in Sintra we headed off to Cabo Da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe’s mainland for stunning views across the ocean. Returning to Lisboa, we visited Cascais and Estoril, two popular beachside resorts which are often popular for a twin-centre holiday. That evening we had a farewell dinner at the amazing Cervejaria Trindade restaurant and reflected on our amazing time spent here in Portugal.
Day 5
As my return flight wasn’t until the evening I went along to enjoy the City Highlights Guided Walking Tour.
We explored the tight cobbled lanes of Lisbon’s atmospheric Alfama quarter, admired the architecture of the Baixa district and strolled through the elegant Chiado neighbourhood. We also passed notable landmarks, such as Rossio Square, Lisbon Cathedral and the Elevador de Santa Justa and enjoyed views across Lisbon and the Tagus River. This was a great 3 hour tour and I would highly recommend it!
After a later lunch I explored Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s flea market held beside the impressive Santa Engracia church boasting a great variety of clothes and trinket stalls. After an afternoon of shopping and more exploring it was time to head to the airport for my flight back to Edinburgh.
Lisbon did not disappoint. It was an amazing city rich in culture, history, art, fashion and fabulous food and drink. Alongside great hospitality it was a perfect mix and a city to enjoy and definitely revisit.
To find out more about Nicki’s visit to Lisbon or if you’re interested in a similar trip,
give the team a call on 0131 243 8098 or send us an email.
Win a Luxury Nespresso Coffee Machine
Osprey Holidays are giving one lucky coffee lover the chance to win a luxury NESPRESSO Gran Lattissima Coffee Machine, worth over £350. This fantastic coffee maker will give you a real taste of Italy from the comfort of your own home (or the workplace, if you feel generous enough to share!).
How to Enter
To be entered into the prize draw, all you need to do is make a booking with us over June/July and email Marketing with your booking reference. For every booking made with us, agents will receive 1 entry – the more bookings you make, the more entries you will receive! Any Italian booking made will receive a double entry.
Send your booking reference number in an email titled ‘Win Coffee Machine’ to [email protected] by Saturday 27th July. All bookings made between Monday 17th June and Saturday 27th July will qualify and be in with the chance of winning.
Good Luck!
T&C’s
- The competition is open to all agents working within the UK travel industry.
- The winner will be selected by random from all qualifying entries within 7 days of the closing date.
- The winner must agree to participate in any publicity required with competition and prize. Osprey Holidays have the right to use the winner’s names, images and personal details for advertising and promotional purposes in connection with the prize in all chosen media without notice and without the need to make payment to the winner for such.
- The prize will be chosen by Osprey Holidays and is subject to availability. An equivalent prize of similar model will be sourced if the prize specified is not available. The prize is not transferable, negotiable or redeemable in cash.
Amy’s Adventure in Belfast & Derry
I was lucky enough to be invited on a FAM trip hosted by Tourism Ireland and what an adventure it was!
Day 1:
I arrived at Belfast City Airport where I was met by a transfer to take me straight to the Titanic Museum. I wandered back into the past and learned about the industrial city in the late 19th Century, the lives lost during its construction and when the ship was fatally hit by the iceberg. It was a very moving experience, one I didn’t expect to feel quite so affected by, but when faced with the list of survivors compared to those lost, I would be surprised if anyone didn’t at least have a lump in their throat.
Afterwards, we headed up to the city of Derry/Londonderry to meet with the rest of the group and had a beautiful lunch at the Stitch & Weave restaurant, located in the newly renovated Ebrington Square. There are lots of exciting new things coming to this part of Derry which should continue to bring what was an old army barracks to life, whilst preserving it’s importance to Derry’s history.
We took a walk across The Peace Bridge and headed to The Tower Museum, spending some time at the ‘Derry Girls’ Exhibition and seeing the iconic Spice Girls costumes that made the show what it was! Definitely worth a visit!
From there we met with a real life ‘Derry Girl’, Charlene from Martin McCrossan Tours who took us on a walking tour of Derry’s city walls, talking so passionately about her heritage and painting a clear picture of what the city was like during the troubles. She was also a fan of Derry Girls so made many references to different filming locations which made the tour even better!
We stayed in the beautiful Ebrington Square Hotel and Spa, a new luxury spa hotel. This is definitely going to be a firm favourite with the tourists this year, it’s in an excellent location with lovely restaurants within short walking distance accompanied by views of the River Foyle.
After a quick freshen up we headed to the Walled City Brewery for Dinner and Beer sampling. All beer is themed around the city and its culture which adds that extra touch of charm to the experience.
Myself and a few others headed across The Peace Bridge to The City Hotel for a drinks reception, followed by some live music at Derry’s most iconic pub Peadar O’Donnells and it did not disappoint! The Guinness was flowing and the atmosphere was certainly welcoming, you would expect nothing less!
Day 2:
It was another early start for me as we headed down to the Bogside to visit the new Peacemakers Museum, opening in approximately July/August 2024 which takes you on a journey from the start of The Troubles and the long journey to peace in Derry. I can’t wait to go back and visit when it officially opens!
Even though the sun wasn’t shining we hopped onboard a speed boat provided by Foyle Adventures and took it for a ride down the River Foyle! It was a brilliant experience, however next time I will make sure I pack my waterproofs as you may just get splashed…
To warm ourselves up we had a lovely lunch at the Bishops Gate Hotel located in the heart of Derry, before setting off to Belfast for the remainder of the trip.
Once we arrived, we met with a tour guide James from DC Tours who showed us around the centre of Belfast. He discussed its history and gave his own experiences of The Troubles which really brought the tour to life. I love to hear about personal experiences especially when it is so hard to imagine life ever being this way in the not so distant past.
We checked in to our hotel for the night, a lovely new hotel centred around sustainability and supporting local businesses which was apparent in every detail. It was right in the centre next to all the shops, bars and restaurants so it certainly ticks all the boxes for location!
We took a short walk to the Home Restaurant in Belfast for dinner, a Michelin star restaurant and the food was absolutely stunning! We couldn’t go to Belfast and not have a drink in the most famous pub there – The Crown! Its décor is so well preserved and it’s really maintained its character and charm for tourists and locals to enjoy for many years to come.
Day 3:
On our final day we headed out on a Street Art Walking Tour of Belfast. This showcased amazing artwork done by locals and artists who have travelled from all over just to make their mark on the city! Here are some of my favourites –
Afterwards we headed to Waterman House Cookery School located in the Cathedral Quarter to learn how to make some of the more traditional dishes Northern Ireland had to offer! I love to cook so this was right up my street! We made Guinness Bread followed by a Seafood Chowder, finishing off with a traditional Irish Lamb Stew and Champ which was gorgeous. Even though I am not a huge seafood fan I really enjoyed the Chowder!
We then said our goodbyes and I hopped back on my short flight to Edinburgh, with the intention of returning very soon!
To find out more about Amy’s visit to Belfast & Derry or if you’re interested in a similar trip,
give the team a call on 0131 243 8098 or send us an email.
Two In One: Shona Explores Paris & Val d’Isere
I was lucky enough to attend a fabulous FAM trip hosted by Experimental Group. Experimental are currently in the midst of an exciting new project building the new Experimental Chalet Val d’Isere, which is due to open at the end of the year. For all ski related enquiries, our sister company, Ski Independence are on hand to help create the perfect ski holiday for your clients.
Day 1
After a smooth flight to Paris Beauvais airport, I hopped on a bus and arrived at Porte Maillot. From there I took the metro to the first hotel I was staying in, Experimental’s Hotel des Grands Boulevards. Wow, what a place! The hotel was marvellous and I was greeted with a warm smile by the friendly reception staff. As I was handed a set of real keys to my room, I already started to feel right at home.
After dropping my bags, I strolled along the beautiful Parisian streets and visited a selection of our fabulous featured hotels:
- 5-star Parister Hotel
- 4-star Hotel Crayon Rouge
- 4-star Hotel Le Milie Rose
Once I had rendezvoused with the rest of the lovely agents in the group, we wandered around and saw some iconic Paris sites and headed back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner at the hotel. The restaurant has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, offering a great selection of dishes and unique cocktails made with ingredients from their very own on-site garden!
Day 2
Off to an early start, we had a fabulous continental breakfast with plenty of pastries and had a tour of the hotel. Afterwards, we were treated to a superb food tour run by Through Eternity Tours, which included wine, French onion soup, galettes, chocolate and a lot of cheese!
Very happy and our bellies full, we took the scenic route back to our next hotel – The Grand Pigalle Hotel, a smaller, yet equally sophisticated slice of Paris. The Grand Pigalle hotel had a classically Parisian feel, with chic bedrooms and an elegant interior. My room had a beautiful balcony, perfect for a coffee and watching the world go by in the mornings.
In the evening, we had dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Frenchie Pigalle, restaurant of the one-starred chef Gregory Marchand. The waiting staff were incredibly professional and knowledgeable, offering a description of each dish we had and the food was just to die for!
Day 3
After a blissful sleep in the comfiest beds, we had another delightful breakfast and were all feeling very excited for the journey ahead to Val d’Isere. Experimental will soon be opening new accommodation in Val d’Isere, which will be replacing the current L’Aigle Des Neiges.
We set off to Gare de Lyon and had a very easy journey to Chambery, before being picked up by our transfer to take us to our next accommodation.
When we arrived, snow was gently falling down around us. The resort of Val d’Isere is stunning, surrounded by cosy looking lodges and picturesque mountain backdrops. We stayed in the Chalet Marco Polo, which was absolutely breathtaking. Kitted out with a swimming pool, hot tub, games room and gym, it was a dream!
As the construction works of the new accommodation are still ongoing, we were taken on a tour of the showroom, which was mocked up to replicate one of the rooms at Experimental Chalet Val d’Isere. Equipped with hard hats and welly boots, we visualized what the accommodation will look like.
We were given a presentation from the Val d’Isere Tourist Office and afterwards treated to a mixology class by one of Experimental’s specialist mixologists. We had a private dinner which consisted of a spectacular 3-course meal, which was also to die for!
If you want to find out more about ski holidays with Ski Independence, visit our dedicated travel agent pages here. If you’re already registered with Osprey, that means you’re also registered with Ski Independence, and you can enquire today.
Day 4
After a wonderful breakfast with views of the mountains and gently falling snowflakes, we set off on our final activity – snowshoeing. I had never done this before and it was a great opportunity to get on the slopes and see the Alps in all their glory!
Sadly it was time to say goodbye, and after an incredible 4 days we packed our bags and headed to Geneva airport. The entire experience was the perfect mix of city sightseeing with a glorious alpine setting, and a fair few laughs along the way!
‘Til we meet again!
To find out more about Shona’s trip to Paris & Val d’Isere or if you’re interested in a similar trip,
give the team a call on 0131 243 8098 or send us an email.
Daria Visits Venice
I was lucky enough to explore the iconic city of Venice and meet some of our lovely new and existing partners. I arrived at Venice Marco Polo Airport early in the morning and took a bus no. 5 to Piazzale Roma and then a Vaporetto (water bus) no. 2 to San Marco. This is the quickest way to get to Venice by public transport, but I’d recommend taking an Alilaguna water bus (blue line) instead. It takes slightly longer, but it’s a direct water bus from the airport to Venice city centre so it’s much more comfortable, especially if you’re travelling with luggage.
I checked-in at the 4-star Hotel Kette where I was treated to a Superior Room with a Canal View. This elegant hotel is in a perfect location and is just a 5 minute walk from St Mark’s Square. It’s situated on a quiet side street, yet it’s still right in the heart of the city with amazing attractions on your doorstep. The interior is decorated in classic Venetian style with dark wood, Murano glass, marble floor and charming, traditional guest rooms. The hotel staff were incredibly friendly and helpful which made my stay all the more special!
After a quick break, I headed out to visit some of our featured hotels. I have to admit that I was slightly concerned about getting lost in the narrow streets and bridges of Venice… but it’s actually a very easy city to get around! Its a lot smaller than I had thought, so it was super easy to wander around.
On day 1 and 2 of my trip, I visited the following hotels:
- 5-star Baglioni Hotel Luna
- 5-star Hotel Metropole
- 4-star Hotel Kette
- 4-star Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal
- 4-star Hotel Ai Reali
- 4-star Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione
- 4-star Hotel Savoia & Jolanda
- 3-star Unahotels Hotel Ala Venezia
- 3-star Hotel Firenze
- 3-star Hotel Flora
After the site visits on day 2, I treated myself to some mouthwatering gelatos at Gelateria Paolin dal 1760, and it didn’t disappoint! With outdoor seating, it’s perfect for sunbathing and watching the world go by while you enjoy your lunch or gelato.
In the evening, I strolled along the canals to Ponte dell’Accademia bridge and Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and watched the sun setting behind the buildings of Venice, it was truly unforgettable.
On day 3, I headed to St Mark’s Square for a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. A guided tour is a great option to load yourself with historical information you wouldn’t hear otherwise and to bypass the entrance queues. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and informative and the tour itself was absolutely fantastic.
After the tour, I had a tasty lunch by the Grand Canal, then went back to the hotel to collect my luggage and headed back to the airport after a wonderful adventure.
The city is packed full of charm, I really fell in love with it. From its rich history and beautiful architecture to its picturesque bridges and canals at every turn. My best advice would be to just wander…and no matter which street you go down, you’ll always discover something incredible.
To find out more about my visit to Venice or if you’re interested in a similar trip,
give the team a call on 0131 243 8098 or send us an email.
Must-See Attractions in Europe
Spanish Riding School, Vienna
For something a little different, the Spanish Riding School offer incredible performances named after the country of origin of the Lipizzan (or Lipizzaner), the breed of horse used exclusively at the school. Performances are showcased to the public every month and it’s also possible to watch the horses during morning exercise. Opt for the guided tour if you wish to visit The Stallburg imperial stables, one of Vienna’s most distinguished Renaissance buildings and learn more about the famous stallions.
More on our Vienna City Breaks
Alhambra Palace, Granada
On top of the Sabika hill and situated on the left bank of the river Darro, the magnificent Alhambra Palace overlooks the beautiful city of Granada. The palace was originally constructed in the 13th century by the Nasrid Dynasty and later expanded upon by subsequent rulers. Today, visitors are able to look around the Nasrid Palaces, Alhambra towers, the Palace of Charles V, The Alcazaba, the Royal Baths and Generalife Gardens.
More on our Granada City Breaks
La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Designed by world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí, La Sagrada Familia began construction in 1882 and is a work in progress to this day. Embellished with beautiful stained glass windows and renowned for its distinctive architecture and profound symbolism, its not surprising that this magnificent basilica is the most visited attraction in Barcelona.
More on our Barcelona City Breaks
Lake Bled, Ljubljana
A magical place to visit, Lake Bled offers incredibly picturesque views of Slovenia and the Julian Alps which rise to 2,864m high at Mount Triglav. For a great day out, walk around the lake which takes around an hour, and afterwards treat yourself to a tasty Bled cream cake – a local delicacy you just have to try!
More on our Ljubljana City Breaks
The Northern Lights, Reykjavik
An absolute bucket list activity, if you’re lucky enough to see them, the Northern Lights (scientific name Aurora Borealis) can be the highlight of a trip to Reykjavik. From the Blue Lagoon to the Geysirs, there’s no shortage of natural phenomena in this spectacular city. The best time to see the lights are in the winter months between September and April. Northern Lights tours run frequently which take you to the very best places, making a trip to Reykjavik simply unforgettable.
More on our Reykjavik City Breaks
The Eiffel Tower, Paris
A list of must-see’s would not be complete without mentioning The Eiffel Tower. This iconic attraction was built in 1889, initially for the 1889 Exposition Universelle which was a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the French revolution. The tower is the most visited monument in the world, offering magnificent panoramic views of Paris. Watch the tower light up in its daily light show which begins at dusk and sparkles every hour until 11pm.
Lisa and Stephanie’s Trip to Reykjavik
Day 1:
We arrived in Reykjavik later on in the evening where our transfer bus Gray Line was waiting for us. With a 50 minute journey into the centre we were well on our way to soak up the Icelandic culture. Arriving at the Fosshotel Reykjavik, we dumped our bags and headed back out for a bite to eat. We found a great little pizza stop called Devitos – definitely one of the best pizzas we’ve ever had!
Day 2:
It was an early start for us, so we enjoyed a hearty breakfast and headed to the coach for our first tour of the day, The Golden Circle. With a 6 hour tour ahead of us, we were excited to see the 3 main attractions that we had heard so much about from colleagues and friends. It was a 45 minute drive until we reached our first stop, Iceland’s National Park. The sun had just begun to rise as we arrived, giving amazing views over Lake Þingvallavatn with the stunning greenery around us.
Our second stop was the one we were most looking forward to out of the 3 attractions. From the National Park to The Geysirs the journey took 50 minutes. The Geysirs were incredible to witness with several at the beginning of the trail and the largest, geyser Strokkur, just a 5 minute walk up a gentle hill. The hot springs erupt every 5-8 minutes so it wasn’t long before the action happened right in front of our eyes. The wait in the cold was completely worth it – an experience neither of us have had the pleasure of seeing before.
This was our longest stop so we treated ourselves to Icelandic fish & chips for lunch. With full tummies all round, we set off for our third and final stop of the tour, the Gulfoss ‘Golden’ Waterfall, just 15 minutes along from the Geysirs. We decided to brave the stairs to the viewing platform and get as close as possible to the powerful falls. Let’s just say, we weren’t disappointed! The waterfall was stunning, almost like looking at a picture from a magazine.
Soon enough, the time had flown by and the temperatures had dropped; it was time to head back to the hotel. Arriving back into Reykjavik late afternoon, we had our first hotel visit of the trip, Fosshotel Reykjavik. As we were staying here, we already had a good idea of the facilities on offer. After our tour, we decided to check out the main shopping street Laugavegur, a 5-minute walk away. The Laugavegur is a long street lined with many shops, restaurants, and bars, ranging from tourist to high end. The street itself takes around 30 mins to walk from one end to the other.
After having dinner at the Fosshotel Reykjavik it was time to layer up in search of the Northern Lights. Unfortunately, it wasn’t our night and the lights didn’t make an appearance. Luckily with Reykjavik excursions you can book again every night for up to 2 years, so we booked again for the next day.
Day 3:
We started our 5 hotel visits, all within walking distance of each other. Each hotel had different personalities with unique characteristics. The hotel’s we visited were:
Hotel Holt – 4*
Center Hotel Plaza – 3*
Reykjavik Centrum -4*
Hotel Borg by Keahotels – 4*
Apotek by Keahotels – 4*
With our successful hotel visits completed, it was time to make our way back, grab our swimwear and head to the Sky Lagoon.
The Sky Lagoon
The lagoon was like stepping into a bath, exactly what we needed after our morning visits. The views across Reykjavik alone are out of this world, with the infinity ledge over looking the Atlantic ocean you could very well be in paradise. The swim up bar was a must because let’s face it…. who doesn’t want a picture holding a glass of fizz while floating in a natural lagoon surrounded by incredible nature!
The 7 step ritual is unique to the Sky Lagoon and we both managed 2 minutes in the cold plunge pool. For us the sauna was a much better ritual!
Back to Reykjavik we went for another hotel visit, the 5* Reykjavik Edition. We also had the pleasure of dining in the Tides restaurant, the food was out of this world. After dinner it was time to head back out to try to catch the Northern Lights! Despite conditions being better it just wasn’t meant to be. Nevermind, it’s a perfect excuse to return to Iceland…
Day 4:
More hotel visit visits for us to complete our trip. Each hotel was in a superb location and walkable to the main Laugavegur and each hotel was unique in its own way. We visited:
Fosshotel Raudara – 3*
Hotel Klettur – 3*
Sand Hotel by Keahotels – 4*
Sadly our time in Iceland was coming to an end, so we headed back to the airport for our flight home. Iceland, its been a blast!
To find out more about Lisa and Stephanie’s visit to Reykjavik or if you’re interested in a similar trip,
give the team a call on 0131 243 8098 or send us an email.
