Posts Tagged ‘sunshine’
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.
Spring into Amsterdam!
Amsterdam has a unique charm at any time of year, but it really comes into its own during the spring months. Experience the wonderful canals of Amsterdam and vibrant flower markets which colour the entire city!
Amsterdam is an exciting destination brimming with culture, world-class museums and historical gems. On a typical spring day in Amsterdam, tables and chairs appear on the pavements and squares, and the sun glistens off the canals, whilst market stalls overflow with an array of colourful blooms. What’s amazing about this city is that there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an intimate boutique hotel such as the Hotel Estherea or a peaceful, family friendly one like the Owl Hotel. This is also true for what’s on offer in Amsterdam – continue reading to find out what you can do in this beautiful city this spring!
Blooming Lovely
From 21 March to 12 May, the Keukenhof Gardens are in full bloom, with 800 varieties of tulips covering over 32 hectares and various themed gardens and sculptures, it’s a sight you can’t miss. Just 30-minutes from Amsterdam, tours to the gardens depart several times each day from the city centre. Our tour package to visit the bulb fields can be added onto any Amsterdam package which includes return transfers and some free time to roam around – a day well spent in Spring!
Cruising Around
No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a canal cruise where you can truly see local life unfold before you and the fragrance from the springtime flowers trace your journey. Explore this lively city from another perspective and relax as you cruise the UNESCO canal district of merchant’s houses, fascinating façades and historic landmarks.
Quintessentially Dutch
The best way to experience the beauty of spring is to get out into the countryside! Visit some of the Netherland’s most charming villages on the Marken, Volendam & Windmills tour, including the windmill village of Zaanse Schans and perhaps try some Dutch cheese in Volendam. Alternatively visit the miniature town of Madurodam and the famous pottery town of Delft as part of the Grand Holland tour.
Relaxing Outdoors
For relaxing days in Amsterdam take a visit to the magical Vondelpark made up of vast, lush greenery, ponds, footbridges and winding footpaths. On a warm spring day, the park evokes a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll, or how about cycling through on a hired bike like the locals? Your love for Amsterdam will surely blossom with so much to see and do, especially in the springtime.
To find out more about Amsterdam or any of our other 60 destinations call our City Break Specialists on 0131 243 8098 or request a tailor-made itinerary online.
Scotland’s Castles, Lochs and Monsters!
Nathalie & Sarah on the road, Scotland
It was time for something a little bit different and this time last year, no plane was needed to get to our beautiful destination, Scotland! Read the rest of this entry »
Hannah Explores Budapest: Summer 2019
Hannah, Castle Hill Grounds, Budapest
After a comfortable train from Prague, my friend and I arrived in Budapest early in the morning and headed straight to our central accommodation to drop our bags and set out exploring the beautiful Hungarian Capital. Read the rest of this entry »
Europe’s Best City Beaches
Here at Osprey Holidays, we have rounded up a list of our most popular destinations to inspire and help you plan this year’s summer break that combine city charm with the natural beauty of a nearby beach. These best-of-both-world cities are created for those who want to take advantage of the holiday sun and escape to the sand and sea. Whether you’re looking for a beach for relaxing, sunbathing or water sports, we’ve got you covered in our handpicked list which also features some hidden gems! Read the rest of this entry »
Europe’s Best Rooftop Bars
We are so close to summer so what better way to celebrate than to take a look at some of the best places to grab a cocktail, unwind and take in the views from a perfect rooftop location as they start to open for the season.
Barcelona – Skybar, Grand Hotel Central
Skybar at Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona. Credit: Grand Hotel Central
Best Hotels to Visit in Spring
From the warmer temperatures to classic annual events there are plenty of great reasons to take a city break in spring. This season also sees some fantastic hotels come to life – so we have chosen some of our finest springtime hotels that really are best visited during this flourishing season of the year.
Barcelona, Grand Hotel Central – The famous rooftop infinity pool
Rooftop Pool & Sky Bar, Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona
Springtime in Florence
Hilltop view, Florence, Italy
No need to wait for summer, we’ve decided to bring the heat and sunshine a little closer this year with springtime in Florence, Italy. Regarded by many as the best time to visit this prime city due to its quieter atmosphere and warm climate. Below are some of our must see and do’s for visiting this elegant city in spring. Read the rest of this entry »
