Posts Tagged ‘city breaks’
Win a Fortnum & Mason Hamper
Osprey Holidays are holding an exciting competition for the month of April. We’re giving one lucky agent the chance to win a luxury Fortnum & Mason Spring Hamper! From luxurious chocolates to decadent biscuits, it’s a celebration of all things indulgent, making it the ideal way to spoil yourself or someone special this Easter!
How To Enter
As our trusted agent partners, we hugely value your opinion and we want to hear from you! To be entered into the prize draw, all you need to do is fill out a short questionnaire. By completing the questionnaire, you’ll be helping us improve our service. All entries will be counted up until Wednesday 30th April.
Good luck!
Terms and Conditions
- 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.
- The prize will be chosen by Osprey Holidays and is subject to availability. An equivalent prize will be sourced if the prize specified is not available. The prize is not transferable, negotiable or redeemable in cash.
Reservations:
Call: 0131 243 8098
Email: [email protected]
Website: ospreyholidays.com
Press Contact: Shona Anderson, Marketing Executive
Call 0131 243 8081, email [email protected]
Beyond The Classics: 5 Alternative Destinations to Visit in 2025
In Europe, you’ll find plenty of iconic cities, from the romantic canals of Venice to the impressive monuments of Paris. But why not visit somewhere a little different for your next holiday? If you’re looking for a unique experience this year, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of 5 alternative destinations to get you started…
1. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital, nestled between Austria, Italy, and Croatia. Unlike its more well-known European counterparts, this city offers a very laid-back atmosphere, with interesting medieval architecture and an eco-friendly environment that locals take pride in. Ljubljana is compact in size, so it’s very easy to navigate and the welcoming locals are sure to make you feel right at home. Stroll along the Ljubljanica River and take in the fresh Alpine air, or visit Ljubljana Castle which offers stunning panoramic views. Relax and enjoy the superb café culture where you’ll find several quirky spots along the riverside.
Why Visit?
- Rich history & stunning architecture
- Various parks and green spaces
- Laid-back cafes and local produce markets
Osprey Recommends
City Hotel Ljubljana
2. Porto, Portugal
While Lisbon has been a long-standing favourite for travellers around the world, Porto in northern Portugal is a perfect alternative. Known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural heritage, Porto offers all the beauty of its southern counterpart. Wander through the colourful streets of Ribeira, visit the famous Livraria Lello bookstore, and of course, indulge in the region’s renowned port wine at one of the many wine cellars lining the Douro River.
Why Visit?
- Scenic river views
- Fewer crowds
- Port Wine
Osprey Recommends
Editory House Ribeira
3. Valencia, Spain
While Barcelona and Madrid dominate the Spanish tourism scene, Valencia is a hidden gem on Spain’s eastern coast. This vibrant city boasts a rich blend of modern and historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine – think paella! The City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic complex worth exploring, while the Turia Gardens, a park created in the former bed of the Turia River, is perfect for a peaceful walk or bike ride.
Why Visit?
- Architecture, nature and beach
- Home to the birthplace of paella
Osprey Recommends
Hospes Palau de la Mar
4. Ghent, Belgium
Bruges often steals the spotlight in Belgium, however Ghent is also worth a visit. It’s an artsy city with a quieter charm, well known for its stunning canals, impressive castles, and fascinating history. The Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and the Museum of Fine Arts are just a few highlights. Here there’s a lively cultural scene, with many festivals, art galleries, and craft beer bars which adds a modern touch to the historical landscape.
Why Visit?
- Beautiful medieval city
- Vibrant arts scene
- Belgian beer!
Osprey Recommends
Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof
5. Riga, Latvia
Riga, the capital of Latvia, offers a fantastic alternative to the popular cities of Eastern Europe like Prague or Budapest. Known for its Art Nouveau architecture, medieval Old Town, and lively nightlife, Riga provides a mixture of the old and the new. Stroll down the cobbled streets of the Old Town, take in panoramic views from the St. Peter’s Church tower, and enjoy the cosy cafes and boutiques scattered around the city.
Why Visit?
- Medieval and modern architecture
- UNESCO-listed Art Nouveau buildings
Osprey Recommends
TRIBE Riga City Centre
Wellton Centrum Hotel & Spa
Whether you’re looking for historic charm, cultural richness, or scenic beauty, these hidden gems prove that Europe has so much more to offer beyond its famous counterparts.
To find out more about these cities or to request a tailored quote, call our team on 0131 243 8098 or email [email protected].
Our Eurostar Journeys
Thinking of travelling to France, Belgium, Germany or Netherlands? Eurostar’s high-speed trains are a great way to explore many of the European cities including Paris, Brussels, Lille and Amsterdam, with many connecting services available to even more destinations such us Bruges, Disneyland Paris, Cologne, Bordeaux, Lyon and Nice.
Our team all love Eurostar for hassle-free, comfortable and quick journeys. We asked them about their latest short breaks with Eurostar and here’s what they said:
Taking the Eurostar from St Pancras in London to Gare du Nord in Paris was a real adventure, especially as we live up in Edinburgh. The stress-free travel with fewer lines and procedures than your average airport and clearing the French border in London were real novelties and made the journey feel so much slicker. We travelled in one of the Eurostar Plus carriages, offering a bigger seat and at seat dining. The light meal was fresh and tasty, and the accompanying wine was a treat too. Next time we travel we will have a look at upgrading to Eurostar Premier, where you have access to the business class lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks and a relaxed atmosphere – the perfect start to the trip. You also get priority security, check-in and immigration to smooth your way through the station. On the train you have full fine dining meal service and upgraded drink options. All in all, it’s the best way to get to the continent if you are based close enough to London but we will very much have it as our number one choice even from Edinburgh.
Gareth, Sales Manager
A day trip to Lille is so convenient on the Eurostar. In less than 90 minutes we were in the heart of this charming city and having already completed the border checks prior to departure, we headed straight out of the station ready to explore.
Lille has some amazing architecture and it’s very easy to get around on foot. We spent a few hours wandering around the many picturesque squares and streets filled with shops, cafes and restaurants, dipping in and out to sample some of the local produce. After a lot of walking, we were ready to sit and watch the world go by whilst sampling a Flemish beer or two before heading back to the station for an early evening train back to London. If you haven’t eaten enough great food in Lille there are always options to buy snacks on-board at the Eurostar Café.
All in all, it was a really great way to discover a new city.
Diane, Product & Short Break Specialist
The amazing thing about the Eurostar is how easy it is to incorporate two cities in one trip! I had travelled down from Edinburgh to London and spent a night in London, before making my way to Paris on the Eurostar. I loved how little time it took as it was less than 2 and a half hours, and I was in Paris! I opted for Eurostar Plus which allowed me to have the most relaxing journey with a light meal and drinks included – it was definitely worth paying that little bit extra for. I highly recommend visiting Paris in spring as the tourist attractions are less busy, the flowers are beautiful in full bloom and the temperate weather is perfect for strolls along the Seine and city’s parks and gardens. I spent my few days there rambling through the different districts, cruising down the River Siene and enjoying a Croque Monsieur or two! I have no doubt in my mind I will be back in Paris again soon via the Eurostar!
Amy, Short Break Specialist
To find out more about our trips or request a tailored Eurostar quote, call our team on 0131 243 8098 or email [email protected]. Read our Eurostar feature on our website here.
Gareth Goes to Paris!
Gareth, our Sales Manager, visited Paris where he stayed at Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris – just a few minutes from the Arc du Triomphe and Champs Elysees. Here’s a quick update on his trip:
The hotel is stunning, everything you would expect from a top luxury hotel in a major world city. The clientele were as beautiful as the décor (we fitted in perfectly) and service was exceptional. We had a huge suite; we used the lovely pool and wellness areas and the base for walking the city could not have been better.
We took the Eurostar from St Pancras and upgraded to Premier (now Eurostar Plus) and really liked the comfort, quiet coach, decent meal and wine. We played some Uno, we watched the stats pop up on the overhead screens, with speed and distance noted, and the train seemed to be there in no time. Arriving into Gare du Nord meant that all of the passport checking had already been done so we just had to navigate the Friday evening rush hour and get our way to the hotel. This was a pretty simple job, we went to a ticket window and the rail staff were more than happy to help us. We had a chilled evening so that we were ready to go the next morning – Le Bar Long in the hotel knew how to mix a cocktail! We went to bed happy.
First impressions the next day, Paris was looking good. There was still a lot of work being done around Arc du Triomph, Place de la Concorde with breaking down the Olympics infrastructure but other than that it felt very much business as usual. We walked lots (and lots).
The walk up to and down from Sacre Coeur was lovely – lots of the bars and cafes had happy hour offerings with discounted food and drink and while it was busy, it felt busy in a buzzy way, rather than over busy. We spent hours winding our way up to the Cathedral and then just as long coming back down. We had a pizza in a bar – nothing of note, we were all hungry so we just stopped. Watching the world go by from our pavement table felt great – so Parisian.
The next day we walked a different way, we headed down Champs Elysees with much shopping being done (and a stop in McDonalds too – please don’t judge) on to Place de la Concorde, and into the Jardin des Tuileries just beyond. The cafes in the park were really busy but we managed to find a seat so that we could sit in the sun with a strong French coffee.
We visited The Louvre getting on one of the later slots, not long before the museum closed, and found it quiet. We saw everything we wanted to without being rushed or bothered by too many people.
Later we crossed the river to Rive Gauche and found a lovely little place to eat – it was authentic, charming and reasonably priced. The service was fab and the food its equal. I would highly recommend Café Le Flores.
Our son was desperate to see the Eiffel Tower and I am glad that we saved it to the end of the day as seeing the light show on a lovely Parisian evening was a really great way to finish our trip to Paris.
We flew home on Transavia (part of Air France) and they offered good service and great times between Paris and Edinburgh. We flew from Orly and the new RER train link is a well priced, quick and easy way to get from the centre of Paris to the airport. It is also much smaller and easy to navigate compared to Charles du Gaul.
Overall wasn’t that fussed about going to Paris – but this trip was an amazing family break with so many highlights. It was a brilliant couple of days, and I am itching to go back!
To find out more about Gareth’s visit to Paris or if you’re interested in a similar trip,
give the team a call on 0131 243 8098, send us an email or say hello on live chat.
Christmas and New Year 2024/25
From everyone at Osprey Holidays, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! If you wish to get in touch please contact us on 0131 243 8098 and find our festive opening hours below:
Karen in The Côte d’Azur!
The Côte d’Azur is somewhere I return to year after year and still find new places to explore each time. For me it’s the perfect blend of beach, city and culture – with the bonus of delicious French food and wine! What makes it even more appealing is their seamless public transport with trains and buses that are user friendly and reliable: No car required. If you’re going for 3 or more days then a Sud Azur Explore pass is a good investment if you want to do some excursions. It’s available from the tram ticket machines at Nice Airport and 3 days currently costs only €35 per person for unlimited travel on trains, trams and buses within the region, including Monaco.
These are some of my favourite day trips to do from Nice or Monaco (which you can do with your Sud Explore Pass):
Eze Village. Perched on a hill above Monaco the hilltop village of Eze is the prettiest place I have ever been to. Take the train to Eze-sur-Mer and then hop on a bus to the topmost village 450 vertical metres above. The medieval village has steep cobbled streets winding up the hill, with plenty of independent shops, art galleries and restaurants to give some respite from the climb.
The very top of the hill is adorned with the flourish of a stunning botanic garden full of cacti and sculptures. If you are feeling energetic, there’s actually a walking trail linking Eze-Sur-Mer and Eze Village: named after the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche who supposedly climbed the trail daily while living in the area while contemplating the relationship between man and nature. It’s an arduous hike – even just walking down, as I did, requires sturdy shoes and plenty of water. Your effort is rewarded with stunning views, and perhaps spiritual enlightenment!
St Paul de Vence is another hilltop village that I love – this one sits just to the west of Nice. A regular bus service goes from the train station at Cagnes-Sur-Mer and winds through villages and vineyards to the fortified village of St Paul de Vence. You really get a sense of the varied history of the settlement – over the course of 1,000 years it has been a place of worship, a border stronghold, an artists retreat and it’s currently a hub of art and culture with independent boutiques, art galleries and restaurants galore. Just outside the town walls is a stunning contemporary art gallery and gardens: the CAB foundation is worth a few hours of anyone’s time.
If you fancy getting further into the hills then an adventure in the Vallee des Merveilles (Valley of wonder) is a day well spent. The train line from Nice is currently closed until the end of 2025 but there’s a regular bus service that takes you through the beautiful hill villages in the Roya Valley to Tende which sits at the top. Alternatively you can come by train from Nice or Menton going via the Italian town of Vintimille. It’s around a 3 hour journey to get to Tende, and the scenery is stunning all along the route. Tende itself is a well preserved medieval village without the tourist numbers that you’ll find in other places. The nearby Mercantour National Park is home to over 50,000 rock engravings that date back as far as 3,000 BC ad and there’s a great museum in Tende with lots of information about the petroglyphs. Have a wander round the crooked streets, enjoy the locally produced cheese and honey and breathe the cool mountain air!
If gardens are your thing then you need to get to Menton. This pretty town has been Italian in its past, and is now just on the French side of the border. It retains a lot of Italian character and is reputed to be the sunniest spot on the Cote d’Azur, without ever getting too hot. This makes it the ideal setting for a beautiful garden and the Jardin Botanique Val Rehmeh is just that! With different sections of the garden dedicated to specific planting themes you feel like you’re on a real journey as you wander through. Top tip though – do put on some insect repellent as the mozzies love to take advantage of your distraction! While in Menton be sure to check out the daily market – foodie heaven! Where Provence meets Liguria delicious things happen. Next on my wishlist is a meal at Mirazur – the Three Michelin star restaurant that was voted best in the world in 2019 and is still innovating.
I could go on.. but my best piece of advice for anyone thinking about visiting the French Riviera is: do it. There’s really something for everyone: history lovers, sun seekers, foodies and shoppers. Take me back there now!
To find out more about Karen’s visit to The Côte D’azur or if you’re interested in a similar trip,
give the team a call on 0131 243 8098 or send us an email.
Amy & Nicki visit the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival came to a final close on the 25th August, an international event held across the month of August where music and the arts are celebrated. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is held during the Fringe festival and encompasses the best of military talent, alongside performances from an international cast.
Our Short Break Specialists Amy and Nicki were lucky enough to attend and they had an absolute blast!
Amy – “What a way to bring in the Edinburgh Fringe this year! As a local, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo isn’t something that I knew much about or felt the need to see. However, my mind has changed completely, I absolutely loved the whole experience! It’s a show for everybody with beautiful dancing, classic songs and of course the exceptional performances from the Military Forces. It really is something completely unique. I don’t know if it’s the sound of the bagpipes that got to me, but I felt very proud of my city for showcasing something so special. If you have the fortune of coming to Edinburgh during August, you must see the Tattoo!”
Being an Edinburgh based company, we couldn’t be prouder of our home town. The Tattoo truly is spectacular and we would recommend it to anyone visiting our magical city. This year we were delighted to assist so many of our clients in creating lasting memories in Edinburgh and securing them seats at this unforgettable show.
Nicki – “If you’re lucky enough to visit Edinburgh in August, you must include a trip to the Royal Military Tattoo. The show is set against the impressive backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, with performers from around the world coming together to create an awe-inspiring extravaganza. The 2024 theme was ‘journeys’ – taking you through the different centuries and decades with stunning performances from bagpipers, dancers and soldiers. The Swiss Guards are always the highlight as they bang their drums with such precision. The Lone Piper on top of the Castle is the perfect conclusion to a spectacular night.”
Next year is the 75th anniversary, and we’re looking forward to helping our clients create some more amazing festival memories! Tickets aren’t on sale just yet, but if you’re interested in attending next year’s show let us know on 0131 243 8098 or email [email protected] and we’ll take note of your interest and notify you when tickets become available.
If you’re interested in a trip to Edinburgh, give the team a call on 0131 243 8098 or send us an email.
FREE Lisbon Walking Tour with Every Lisbon Booking
Our Short Break Specialist Nicki had a fantastic time on her FAM trip to Lisbon. To read more about her visit, head to our blog and find out what she got up to! In celebration of this amazing city, we are offering a FREE Best of Lisbon Guided Walking Tour for every booking made in August and September.
Famous for its vibrancy and unique blend of rich history, Lisbon has many a charming street to explore with stunning architecture and picturesque viewpoints. For the foodies out there, it’s a feast for the eyes with a culinary scene offering everything from pastéis de nata to succulent fresh seafood.
Take a look at our Lisbon properties, carefully selected by the Osprey team to ensure we provide only the best quality accommodation.
All bookings made must include a minimum of flights and accommodation with a minimum stay of 2 nights.
Terms and Conditions
- The offer is applicable to any new Lisbon bookings confirmed between 1st August 2024 – 30th September 2024.
- The booking must include a minimum of flights and accommodation.
- The booking must be a minimum stay of 2 nights.
- The tour must be requested at the time of booking and is subject to availability. We will inform you prior to booking if the tour is not available on your selected dates.
- The tour is non-transferable and non-refundable, and resale is prohibited.
- In the unlikely event that the tour needs to be cancelled by a local supplier, no refund shall be given.
- The tour is complimentary and non-commissionable.
- The offer is open to all agents working within the UK travel industry and direct clients.
- In addition to these terms, Osprey Holidays Terms and Conditions apply.
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.
