EmsworthTravel

Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt 1-8 Dec - Sue Tooke

2011-12-10T04:37:00.000-08:00

We began the holiday with a stay at the Gatwick Effingham Copthorne Hotel which included 8 days parking (working out cheaper than car parking alone) and we used the Spa which included a pool, sauna and Gym. They also had a pilates class while we were there and ran other classes too. This was a great start to the holiday as we had an early check in 06.15 hours and we enjoyed a fabulous meal at their restaurant in the evening.

Our flight was with Monarch Airlines and our tour operator Red Sea Holidays who are a specialist and own six hotels in the Red Sea area and we stayed at one of their own hotels (The Sharm Plaza/Sharm Resort) with an early booking offer of £399 all inclusive. The flight was just 20 mins late leaving but managed to make up the time and land ontime. A meal and 20kilos luggage were included and they have a strict 5 kilos hand luggage. The meal was good on the way out with a full english breakfast, and on arrival at the airport, we were met by a representative and taken to the desk for a visa stamp. They have changed the visa requirements so that you can get a free visa if only staying in the Sinai region but if you want to go outside ie to Cairo or Luxor etc on excursions, you need a full visa which is a cost of £15 approx payable in sterling, Egyptian pounds or Euros.

Generally they accept all currencies in the area but you might not always get the best exchange rate if you do not have the local currency.

I was not expecting much of the hotel as it was large, the price low for all inclusive and was preparing myself for the hotel being tired and in need of renovation; however, I was very pleasantly surprised. Not only was the hotel clean, but I could not fault the decor and whenever anything was broken, it appeared to be fixed within 24 hours or so. The food was very good; not only did they have a main restaurant which served a varied and interesting buffet service, but they also had the choice of bookable restaurants serving Lebanese, Chinese, and Italian, all of which we used and found to serve excellent food and a good selection in the "All inclusive" programme. There were various menu options or wines that were extra but I did not feel the necessity to pay as the inclusive food and local wine was very good in itself. The only thing I missed and not generally included was fresh orange juice (the alternative was a little watered down but not too bad). This hotel is not in the centre of Naama bay (which is quite touristy in parts, offering every restaurant from Hard Rock Cafe to MacDonalds and a good selection of shops) but if you want to visit that area, the Sharm Resort offers regular shuttle buses - two of which are free each day - or you pay 4 euros each way for the others and you can also use the facilities of the sister hotel in Naama Bay. Taxi is also available outside of the hotel, however they do recommend that you agree a price for the taxi journey before entering the cabs generally.

Lobby

Lobby bar

Roman pool by Via Veneto Italian restaurant - prebookable and very good food (menu)

pool by beach

beach area

Looking down towards jetty access to sea where coral and fish were in abundance

Quieter pool by gym - our favourite pool

Gardens leading down to beach area

The hotel had well maintained landscaped gardens

View towards our hotel room

View from reception area towards mountains

Outside area where entertainment held in evenings and crepes served in the afternoon

Good sized bedroom

Large walk in shower in bathroom

Balcony area

The evening entertainment was in this area

There was a good childrens club with activities throughout the day

There was a tailor on site who would create any item of clothing within 24 hours

There were foods to suit all tastes at lunches with anything from burgers or hot dogs to seafood or a selection of meat dishes, served either by buffet or waiter service restaurants.

Pool by beach with our favourite lunch restaurant C-Vue

Outside seating area for main restaurant

Main restaurant

Main restaurant - buffet style all day

There was an entertainment programme in the evening which was a little varied in quality and every activity during the day from volleyball and darts etc to salsa and bachata dancing lessons (some with a small charge). However, if peace was what you want, then you can find a quiet pool as we did by the gym and spa. Massage and beauty treatments were offered as well as a well equipped gym and exercise classes and for those that like to burn the late night oil a disco takes you into the early hours of the morning.

I good selection of excursions were offered and we decided to take advantage of the Sharm Secrets which included a glass bottom boat trip, old market and Fantasia, mosque and cathedral visit £18 on the Sunday, camel safari including traditional bedouin meal in the desert and star gazing £35 on the Monday and Quad biking in the desert with bedouin tea and sunset in the mountains on wednesday £26. We loved all excursions; the reps were very informative and helpful and I considered them good value and a great way to get a feel for the area and the culture. A full list of excursions are available on application to Emsworth Travel.

Preparing for camel safari

Sitting down to eat with the Bedouins after camel safari and before star gazing

Quad biking in convoy - managed to avoid an Ozzie Osbourne moment

Picture taken in the desert and typical terrain

Tea at the bedouin camp for a break during quadbiking

Having tea at the Bedouin camp

Glass bottom boat trip on Sharm Secrets excursion

Shopping generally is on the bartering basis and you should usually haggle the price down about 40 percent. However, if you prefer to have set prices, then you have this too at places like the Pink House in the old market which offers a good selection of souvenirs.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Egypt which is a great wintersun destination with temperatures between 25-30 degrees during the day (a cardigan or light jacket is required in the evenings which can be cool when there is a breeze). The staff were excellent, the food very good and I would certainly not hesitate to return to this hotel in the future.

The flight was good on the return, the meal beef bourgignon which was very nice and although we left ontime, we landed half an hour late due to hurricane force winds. Despite this being the case, we suffered very little turbulence. On our return, we did miss the last transfer back to the Effingham Park Hotel, and the hotel lost my car key, but I am assured this is the first time they have ever had this problem and they did deal with it very well and agreed to take us home, brought the car back the following day and agreed to pay for a new key to be cut. If you require any more information, call sue on 01243 377211.

EmsworthTravel: Singles events update 18 Oct

2011-10-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

EmsworthTravel: Singles events update 18 Oct: THIS IS THE UPDATE OF THE SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS BEING ARRANGED FOR AGES 30s-50s AGE GROUP BY EMSWORTH TRAVEL - ALL TRIPS WILL BE ACCOMP...

Singles events update 18 Oct

2011-10-18T06:17:00.001-07:00

THIS IS THE UPDATE OF THE SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS BEING ARRANGED FOR AGES 30s-50s AGE GROUP BY EMSWORTH TRAVEL - ALL TRIPS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN EMSWORTH TRAVEL HOST):-

(VARIOUS PICK UPS POSSIBLE) NOT APPLICABLE TO CONCORDE CLUB:-

SAT 19 NOV SALSA CHARITY NIGHT SOUTHSEA £10 IN ADVANCE FROM BEGINNERS UPWARDS AND INCLUDING ENTERTAINMENT

FRI 25 NOV THE REAL THING (INC SHARE TWIN B&B, AND ENTRANCE TO THE CLUB) £66.50 A VERY ENJOYABLE EVENING – SEEN LAST YEAR

THU 22 DEC GEORGE MICHAEL TRIBUTE AT CONCORDE CLUB EASTLEIGH £56.50 (INC SHARE TWIN B&B, AND ENTRANCE TO CLUB) excellent artist as seen previously

WED 26 JAN GHOST THE MUSCIAL AT PICCADILLY THEATRE, LONDON £59.50

THU 14 APR DIRTY DANCING AT THE MAYFLOWER THEATRE £56

MON 02 MAY 3 DAY CRUISE WITH RCCL FROM £399 including all costs except gratuities optional Paris as overnight in port.

I WILL SHORTLY BE ARRANGING THE FOLLOWING:-

A WEEKEND TO FLORENCE, ITALY IN JUNE 2012

A WEEKEND IN MAJORCA WITH POSSIBLE EXTENTION IN OCTOBER 2012 (OPTIONAL TRIPS INCLUDE WINE TASTING AND CATAMARAN)

Gambia fam trip 11-14 October - Sue Tooke

2011-10-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

The trip began with a shared taxi pick up to take me to Gatwick South terminal

I forgot how nice that it to be picked up and is stress free and worth the extra cost. I had one piece of luggage weighing 16 kilos and I hand baggage within the size stipulated but I omitted to weigh it (first mistake) My hand luggage held my laptop and chargers for phone, cameras etc. But not too much else and never a problem in the past. However, Monarch has a 5 kilos limit and I was over. I moved to one side and tried to move some of the contents to my main luggage to realise that my hand luggage case empty weighed 4 kilos and they insisted on £15 per extra kilo and they were enforcing it; so beware, airlines in the recession will try any way to make extra revenue so stick to the baggage or expect to pay the consequences. Airlines do vary, best airlines for hand baggage are BA who allow 23 kilos as long as you can lift above head plus a second handbag or laptop and Easyjet have no weight limit as long as you stick to the size stipulated and just 1 piece of hand luggage. On the return, I had no problem with my hand luggage at all! I love the Gambian people and their relaxed attitude! Our flight out was half an hour late on the outbound flight and half an hour early on the return. A meal was included on the flight which was reasonable too. The staff were helpful and legroom not too bad.

On arrival in Banjul, we were handed a hand fan and bottle of water and the weather was approx. 35 degrees centigrade and very humid. We are in between seasons at present so it is the hottest time with the most humidity and the best time to travel is November to March when the temperature drops to 30 degrees approximately and the humidity drops too with a pleasant breeze generally.

After a short transfer, we arrived at the Sheraton Hotel where we were to stay for the duration of our trip. The standard of this hotel did not come up to the usual Sheraton standard and I would give it 3.5 star not 4 star and I consider the hotel is in need of general renovation which we are assured is due to commence soon. Air conditioning units were not particularly efficient in some of the rooms (had to move from my first floor room) but half of the group were happy with theirs so it appears to be inconsistent - I have a note of those rooms for future clients. Some of the rooms lights were not working, locks on some doors not working, and the safe in the room I was moved to, did not work. I did think the downstairs rooms were better than the upstairs rooms with steps down to seating area and the rooms were spread out in blocks of 2 or 3 throughout the hotel grounds. Public rooms are also not air conditioned so generally hot and stuffy and pool ladders wobbly with some steps missing. If however work is completed to a satisfactory standard, this could be a very nice hotel.

I would say that the food was generally of a high standard and the staff were very friendly and helpful. This hotel is the only one in the Gambia so far that offers all inclusive (stated times only) It is positioned on a beach - no sunbeds (the beach widens away from the hotel) but not private and you see many locals using the beach to walk their dogs for exercise mostly in the mornings. The position is quite remote and the nearest village is Brufut (not visited) so not walking distance to shops hence maybe the decision to offer all inclusive. Ideal for those wanting a hotel based holiday and excursions can be arranged from here as with other hotels. Photos yet to be downloaded from phone for this Hotel. Lead in price £1019 all inclusive, also 10 & 14 nts available

A local Gambian greengrocer!

Pool at Sheraton Hotel - a nice spot by main bar

Day 2 we travelled to the Omakan Hotel in Sukuta which is a beautiful friendly hotel which has been renovated and owned by a Belgian gentleman, called Peter (from music background). It is set 4km from the coast but in the heart of a Gambian community but Peter is able to offer you tailor made tours to experience real Gambia. There are 15 suites and 2 presidential suites. There does not appear to be air conditioning, only ceiling fans but walls seemed thick enough to keep the rooms fairly cool and whilst viewing did not appear to be stuffy. A friendly and intimate hotel for those wanting that and a perfect add on or relaxing holiday in the heart of Gambian community. A lovely hotel. Lead in price 7 nts £898 B&B or 3nts £199 B&B also 10 nts available

A suite at the Omakan

pool between restaurant and suites

Relaxing reception area

Dining room at Omakan

Central area right of restaurant, left of presidential suites

Entrance to presidential suites

Nearby market (2nd largest in Gambia open 7am-7pm)

We then travelled on to the Ngala Lodge, Bakau/Fajara which would appeal to adults with no children as they do not allow families and also do not have TVs in rooms. The area of Fajara is very upmarket with neighbours such as the former President of Gambia and various Embassies. This hotel with just 18 suites offers half board or a la carte service and has a small beach and swimming pool. There are a variety of rooms ( I liked those in the older part of the hotel but there are also suites with private jacuzzis and the odd themed room like the Rolling Stones suite. Good airconditioning throughout. I would enjoy staying at this hotel. Lead in price £978 B&B for 1 week. 10 & 14 nts available. Quite a quirky hotel run by a European gentleman with a great sense of humour and love of art.

He obviously drew the short straw to pruning this palm tree!

The gardens were lovely all with sea views and easy to find a nice quiet area for reading

Small beach at Ngala when tide is out

They are proud to have an English chef serving excellent food at their restaurant with sea views

one of 18 suites available both with efficient airconditioning

We then travelled on to Coco Ocean Resort & Spa in Bijilo which was my favourite hotel. I like a hotel to offer a range of facilities and this is one of the largest viewed with 85 rooms and offers a range of room types, gym (some equipment not working), a good choice of restaurants (one Thai), the best beach so far, a large spa offering all types of treatments with massages ranging from £30 so well priced and will take outside reservations. Golf buggys are available to take you to and from your rooms if required. Lead in prices £1035 B&B. 10 & 14 nights available. Air conditioning very good throughout. This hotel has a large amount of repeat customers.

Deluxe room (junior suite is standard and slightly smaller than this - all rooms with ceiling fan and aircon)

Part sea view from balcony

Stairs down from Reception to Restaurants and beach

Golf buggies used to take you to your room if required

Penthouse suite

View from penthouse suite balcony

one of seating area

One of restaurants to chose from

Lovely pool area

Lovely sandy beach at hotel

This restaurant becomes Thai in the evening and has superb sea views by beach

A couple enjoying a massage at the superb spa

Individual cabanas next to beach to offer shade when required

We then moved on to the Kairaba, Kololi which is ideal for those wanting to have a choice of restaurants and nightlife within walking distance of the hotel. Next to the Senegambia Hotel and on the beach, this hotel is a little lacking in character but the rooms were clean, the gardens very pleasant and a nice pool area. Good air conditioning throughout and lead in price £838 B&B 7 nts. 10 and 14 nts available.
Good choice of restaurants and more to do at this hotel. Disappointing that the best sea view rooms looked through barbed wire to sea!

Air conditioned reception area

Standard twin (one of 150 rooms)

Premium suite

Pool area at Kairaba

Pleasant beach area at Kairaba

Well maintained gardens at Kairaba

There is a good choice of restaurants at Kololi and a few discoteques. We ate at Jojos below and the food was a good standard at a reasonable price and on to the a nightclub on the strip which consists of 2 streets

Jojos restaurant

Monkeys seen on the way to our catamaran trip but I understand they can also be seen at the Kairaba and Senegambia Hotel

On day 3 we travelled on catamaran (approx 2 hours) to the Sitanunku Lodge on the north bank of the River Gambia - mostly eco and opened in 2011 with 5 open air, en suite lodges with fan with 24hour security and either river or ocean view located 5 kms from Sitanunku village. Complimentary use of canoes for trips to nearby Dog Island, open air restaurant, sit out around campfire in evening, plunge pool. A perfect escape or add on as extension to holiday elsewhere. Lead in price £1144 half board (food was very good as had lunch here) or 3 nts from £295. 10 nts available. They are extending to offer a further 5 cabins and another small pool.

River view lodge and garden

Individual lodge

Port of departure/arrival for catamaran with small gift shop

We climb across boat and join our catamaran

Dual showers in cabin at Sitanumku

Cabins are reasonable size with mesh windows for good air flow

View to dog island

Outdoor bar/restaurant

Outdoor seating area at restaurant

Roadside animal market

Who needs transport or trolley!

Just a small prawn they say!

Visit to a local school was interesting - they are crying out for sponsors

Some of the lovely school children we met

We had the last night as cocktail party and fine dining at the Sheraton Hotel\- great evening, food and champagne

In Conclusion, Gambia is a great value holiday with weather in the winter around 30 degrees, not connected to the euro so cost of living is low and we get a lot for our pound against the local dalasi (for the smokers out there, cigarettes cost just £5 for Marlborough or £7 for Benson and Hedges for 200!) , good choice of excursions, great for birdwatching with some 540 species of birds. Although injections are recommended, they do protect you for several years and the best malaria tablets to take are malarone which you only take 1-2 days before travel, whilst away and just 1 week later. It is a very interesting place to visit; the people are extremely friendly and welcoming and make the holiday a most pleasant one. The food was great throughout and nobody in the group had any sort of tummy problems during our stay. Seafood heaven for those who enjoy a spot of seafood. Thank you all at The Gambia Experience for a most memorable and enjoyable trip, everything ran smoothly, and thank you to Gilli for being the perfect host and to Baba, our driver who was most informative and fun.

Latest singles social events

2011-10-07T09:16:00.001-07:00

THIS IS THE UPDATE OF THE SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS BEING ARRANGED FOR AGES 30s-50s AGE GROUP BY EMSWORTH TRAVEL - ALL TRIPS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN EMSWORTH TRAVEL HOST):-

(VARIOUS PICK UPS POSSIBLE) NOT APPLICABLE TO CONCORDE CLUB:-

SAT 22 OCT BOWLING AT FAREHAM

SAT 12 NOV NORMAL CLUB NIGHT AT CONCORDE £41.50 (INC SHARED TWIN B&B AND ENTRANCE TO CLUB)

SAT 19 NOV SALSA CHARITY NIGHT SOUTHSEA £10 IN ADVANCE FROM BEGINNERS UPWARDS AND INCLUDING ENTERTAINMENT

THU 22 DEC GEORGE MICHAEL TRIBUTE AT CONCORDE CLUB EASTLEIGH £56.50 (INC SHARE TWIN B&B, AND ENTRANCE TO CLUB) excellent artist as seen previously

WED 26 JAN GHOST THE MUSCIAL AT PICCADILLY THEATRE, LONDON £59.50

THU 14 APR DIRTY DANCING AT THE MAYFLOWER THEATRE £56

MON 02 MAY 3 DAY CRUISE WITH RCCL FROM £399 including all costs except gratuities optional Paris as overnight in port.

I WILL SHORTLY BE ARRANGING THE FOLLOWING:-

A WEEKEND TO FLORENCE, ITALY IN JUNE 2012

A WEEKEND IN MAJORCA WITH POSSIBLE EXTENTION IN OCTOBER 2012 (OPTIONAL TRIPS WINE TASTING AND CATAMARAN) HAVING JUST RETURNED FROM AN ENJOYABLE TRIP TO MAJORCA

CONTACT US ON 01243377211 FOR MORE DETAILS

Majorca with Cosmos 50 year celebrations 3-6 Oct 2011 - Sue Tooke

2011-10-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

The trip began with a night at the 3 star Russ Hill Hotel, Gatwick which was not much more than the cost of parking only so I decided to have a stress free evening and save the travelling up in the morning. It was very reasonable so was not expecting it to live up to much and it does appear to be undergoing refurbishment (still a little run down at the moment) Toilet was wobbly, taps difficult to turn off, there was TV but no controls but I arrived late and was not bothered to ask for some, airconditioning did not work, window set high so unable to open, bed positioned so that person on left climbs over and faces wall; couldn't quite understand this as there was enough room, no bedside cabinetsand no stool in front of mirror.- otherwise ok!! Plus points tea/coffee making, bar in hotel or can ask for a bottle of wine at reception to take back to room. An older style of property so if renovations completed to a good standard, could be a reasonable hotel. Transfer bus appears to run every hour and takes about 10-15 mins. Staff friendly and helpful. Parking is at hotel or outside compound so you do have to leave your key at your own risk!!

Russ Hill double bedroom

We flew with Monarch airlines who I have always found to be a good airline and staff very friendly and helpful. We had a small delay of 10-15 mins and the airline made up most of this time by the time we arived in Palma. We were then transferred to our hotel which was to be the hotel for the duration of our stay called the Coral Playa Hotel in Magaluf, where we joined the rest of our party. As it is the year of Cosmos Holidays 50th birthday, they invited 50 agents from Manchester and Gatwick and the enphasis was on celebration. We spent the first evening at a restaurant in the centre of Magaluf starting with a mixed platter and choice of mains. The standard of the food was average and I found the salmon and prawn tagliatelle to be very rich. We then followed on to Titos a dance club for the evening where a good time was had by all.

The following day we were taken to Alcudia market followed by a catamaran trip around Alcudia and Pollensa bay, a very scenic part of the island. The spread for lunch provided exceeded expectations and was a thoroughly enjoyable day. This was ended with the icing on the cake; a visit to the casino in Palma with a meal and fantastic show named "Come fly with me"; a Frank Sinatra tribute with a difference with acting and acrobatics - a musical that could match any West End Show

Alcudia market in the older part of Alcudia offering a wide choice of things to purchase

Alcudia market

Alcudia Market

The scenery in the area is scenic and mountainous

View of the area

There is an old bullring in Alcudia which can be visited

Walking down to the promenade at Alcudia

Pictures taken on the catamaran - a very enjoyable trip

Alcudia bay from the catamaran

Another from the catamaran

This is the vew from our pool area overlooking Magaluf beach

The hotel is officially a 4 star but I would give it a 3 star rating though the staff were friendly, the food was reasonable but not to a 4 star standard. Our room was comfortable and clean and we had a fabulous sea view across the bay

The following day we were taken to Santa Katarina near Andratx for wine tasting; because of their situation in the mountains, it is perfect for the grapes which are kept at a temperature which gives a superior quality of wines which I personally thought were fabulous. We were able to sample 2 reds and 1 white wine and they usually offer a rose but it was not quite ready for us this time. Most of us were keen to purchase these lovely wines.

En route to Santa Katerina for wine tasting

Inside the wine cellar

This was our group sampling the wines and the lovely food they provided to accompany the wines - the situation and grounds were very pleasant

They were more than happy to give us a tour

Majorca does have a lot to offer with superb beaches, the scenery of the mountainous north, the friendly spanish hospitality and a good contrast of quieter upmarket resorts as well as the lively southern resorts. It is reasonably priced and still remains one of my favourite holiday destinations and you can understand why the like of Claudia Schiffer, Princess Margaret and Lord Jeffrey Archer plus many other celebrities chose to buy property here.

This is definitely on my destination list for my singles holidays for the 30s to 50s age group next year, with the option of wine tasting and catamaran trip plus many more - details to follow .......

A big thank you to Cosmos Holidays for a most enjoyable trip, their organisation could not be faulted and Lauren Francis was a great host.

Bulgaria and Greece 19-26 Sep - Sue Tooke

2011-10-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

Our holiday started from Heathrow terminal 5 and a British Airways flight from Heathrow. Flights were on time and it is always a bonus to have a meal on the plane: not bad either! I hate the early flights but the bonus was a full day ahead as the drive from Sofia is usually at least 2 and a half hours. It is advisable to have satnav in Bulgaria as the signage is not very clear and they have a different alphabet. It is 2 years since I travelled to our apartment in Winslow Highland Bansko and there is a general improvement in roads; some of which are not on the satnav yet and I got lost in Sofia yet again, adding a good half an hour to our journey. The main road runs all the way to Thessaloniki and there are good sections of dual carriageway which have made it quicker so I can see the transfer soon taking 2 hours or less.

Our 2 bed duplex apartment block

Play area in garden

Our view to Pirin mountains - more photos on facebook or separate blog

Our apartment looks good and the mountain air was fresh and clear. Temperatures 28 degrees sunny. Whilst in Bulgaria, we visited the smallest town in Bulgaria called Melnik which is very pretty and consists of 2 streets only. We would recommend the wine tasting in Melnik and the wines, which are totally natural, and cost just £2.50 per bottle.

Looking down river and street in Melnik

Melnik street

Wine cellar approach is windy path

Looking back towards wine cellar behind these buildings

The Rojan Monastery is also just 10 kilometres away and worth a visit. Photos are not allowed here which is a shame and the situation is stunning.

My most expensive photo as pulled car in to take photo and left camera case on top of car

entrance to Monastery

Rojan Monastery

one of the views from Rojan monastery

After 2 days we crossed the border to Greece which is just 1 hours drive south, stopping off en route at a lovely mountain village for a coffee. The heavens opened this day and we were greeted by the storm we have had in the UK, and some roads were blocked on our way to Ouranoupolis. A few problems were experienced with the satnav so a back up map would be advisable! It was, they said, the latest Garmin but I was not convinced. Journey time 5 hours with a few detours. The route was very scenic with mountains and streams all the way.

Our beach to the right

Our beach to the left- our favourite spot

Swimming pool with swim up bar at our hotel

Our hotel and private beach

Evening Ouranopolis is is fairly small with just I main street and a few streets off with a good choice of restaurants offering discounts if you eat with them

Ouranopolis tower taken from ferry

The following day we took the ferry trip to Mount Athos which is closed off to visitors as owned by all the monasteries. Over 2300 monks live in 23 or more monasteries. The trip was well worth the cost of 18 euros and we were able to sit out on deck in the sunshine and temperatures of approx 29 degrees admiring the views and monasteries, and occasional dolphin swimming with us.

This was the ferry trip to Mount Athos - monasteries were set into hillsides

The scenery was like this throughout the area and right up to Bansko, Bulgaria

View on ferry Ferry trip Athos peninsula

Another monastery

and another monastery

This was my favourite monastery (Russian style)

The hotel we stayed at was the 5 star Eagles Palace Hotel booked through Classic Collection which was a very good hotel. Staff were friendly and on the private beach, you only had to press a button on the umbrella and the waiter would instantly appear. There were a good choice of Cocktails but they were expensive at 12 euros each and wine was 5.50 euros a glass so you can feel the cost of the euro which is at 1.09 to the pound at the moment (always worth stocking up with wine from Melnik!)

After a pleasant 3 day rest here in temperatures close to 30 degrees, we travelled back via Thessaloniki which is the second largest town in Greece and the old part of town with a steep walk up to the ramparts is worth the views over the whole city and surrounds.

Pretty village en route to Thessaloniki

Old town of Thesaloniki

One of several UNESCO heritage sites - we never really found the Forum as no local knew where it was and the address could have been it but was not worthy of the Thomas cook write up in their guide as fenced and smaller than implied (so dont spend too much time looking for that one!!

Not far from the sea in central Thesaloniki

Part of the view close to the top of old town

Best view from this point and where batteries ran out on camera!

Just sqeezed a quick photo from camera on way back

We took a different route back on the E79 whcih is the road to Sofia so it took approx 3 and a half hours back. I was surprised at how mountainous and scenic both Bulgaria and Macedonia in Greece are and roads were generally very good.

The highlight of the holiday was the rafting trip South of Simitli about 1 hour drive from Bansko which, unlike the American version actually gets you to do some work so were were surprised to be kitted up with waterproofs, helmets and paddles!!! The safety talk almost had us retreating. However, we were glad to have continued and the rapids were not as scary as I had thought. Aparently this time of the year is tame; the best time is in April when the snow is melting and the rivers run faster. Better book now then!

Thank you to all you fit young men at adventurenet.bg!!!

Cost of living in Bulgaria is about half that of Greece and they have some great biscuits and crisps for the journey! There is a restaurant we recommend close to the apartment just 5 minutes downhill on left where you can sit inside or out and is quite reasonable(something ?Royal we think!? . There is a good choice of Mexanas (local Bulgarian restaurants) with a good choice of foods available at lower than English prices. Bansko has a small town with shops and nice cafes to sit out and enjoy the sunshine. Unfortunately my camera stopped working on my last day but at least it was the last not first day!

Singles social and holiday club ages 30-60 years

2011-09-17T02:50:00.000-07:00

FOLLOWING OUR FUN BOWLING EVENING FOR SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB FOR AGES 30-60 YEARS, EMSWORTH TRAVEL HAVE INCREASED THE EVENTS AND CAN NOW OFFER THE FOLLOWING (ALL THE TRIPS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN EMSWORTH TRAVEL HOST):-

(VARIOUS PICK UPS POSSIBLE) NOT APPLICABLE TO CONCORDE CLUB:-

TUE 27 SEP SALSA, PORTSMOUTH

SAT 15 OCT BOWLING AT CHICHESTER

THU 20 OCT 80S TRIBUTE SHOW AT CONCORDE CLUB EASTLEIGH

£53.50 INCLUDING (SHARE TWIN B&B, AND ENTRANCE TO CLUB)

SAT 22 OCT BACHATA DANCING, PORTSMOUTH TO BE CONFIRMED

SAT 05 NOV NORMAL CLUB NIGHT AT CONCORDE £41.50 (INC SHARED TWIN B&B AND ENTRANCE TO CLUB)

SAT 26 NOV BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET £19.95

SUN 03 DEC SKITTLES LUNCH WALDERTON

THU 22 DEC GEORGE MICHAEL TRIBUTE AT CONCORDE CLUB EASTLEIGH £56.50 (INC SHARE TWIN B&B, AND ENTRANCE TO CLUB) excellent artist as seen previously

WED 26 JAN GHOST THE MUSCIAL AT PICCADILLY THEATRE, LONDON £59.50

FRI 28 JAN BRIGHTON ICE SHOW £39

THU 14 APR DIRTY DANCING AT THE MAYFLOWER THEATRE £56

MON 02 MAY 3 DAY CRUISE WITH RCCL FROM £399 including all costs except gratuities optional Paris as overnight in port.

CONTACT US ON 01243377211 FOR MORE DETAILS

Singles social and holiday club ages 30-60 years

2011-08-31T05:20:00.000-07:00

IN RESPONSE TO THE INTEREST IN OUR SINGLES SOCIAL CLUB FOR AGES 30-60 YEARS, EMSWORTH TRAVEL HAVE HELD SEATS ON THE FOLLOWING AND THE TRIPS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN EMSWORTH TRAVEL HOST:-

20 OCT 80S TRIBUTE SHOW AT CONCORDE CLUB EASTLEIGH £53.50 INCLUDING (SHARE TWIN B&B, AND ENTRANCE TO CLUB)
26 NOV BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET £19.95
22 DEC GEORGE MICHAEL TRIBUTE AT CONCORDE CLUB EASTLEIGH £56.50 (INC SHARE TWIN b&b, AND ENTRANCE TO CLUB) excellent artist as seen previously

26 JAN GHOST AT PICADILLY THEATRE £59.50

28 JAN BRIGHTON ICE SHOW £39

14 APR DIRTY DANCING AT THE MAYFLOWER THEATRE £56

02 MAY 3 DAY CRUISE WITH RCCL FROM £399 INCLUDING ALL FUEL, PORT TAXES ETC. - ONLY EXTRAS, EXCURSIONS, DRINKS, GRATUITIES

(ALL OF THE ABOVE DEPART FROM EMSWORTH/HAVANT/CHICHESTER WITH SUFFICIENT NUMBERS EXCLUDING CLUB TRIPS - OTHER DEPARTURE ON REQUEST)

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING EVENT 16 SEP BOWLING, 16 OCT SKITTLES

CONTACT US ON 01243377211 FOR MORE DETAILS more trips to follow ...........

Luxury Cruise Expo Dover 29Jul 2011 - Oceania Marina - Sue Tooke

2011-08-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

On Friday, we enjoyed the 7 course lunch on board the Oceania Marina. Oceania is the sister company to Regent and the Marina has been voted by Berlitz guides as one of the best companies to cruise with. Great attention to detail has been made on board the ship with the best ultra luxury furnishings and fittings and with the use of wood throughout giving the feeling of being in a country house hotel. In September of this year, they will be introducing fly-cruises and since introducing the sale in stirling, their business has trebled. They offer open seating and speciality dining in some of their restaurants which has been popular. They have a relaxed and homely feel and have been likened to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. They do not offer full all inclusive like the rival brands of Seabourn, Crystal and Regent but all soft drinks/mixers and water are included in addition to meals.

One of the lounges on board

Pool deck

Bathroom in owners suite

Owners suite bedroom

Owners lounge area opening onto extensive balcony

Bar area with piano

Standard balcony room also on concierge level (concierge extras include priority check-in of luggage, upgraded toiletries, garment pressing on first night)

Bathrooms are generally larger than average with most having separate shower and bath

Penthouse suite - Penthouse and above have the use of a Butler - service charge added to bill is $13.50 per person per day generally and $5.00 per person per day additional charge for butler service

There are relaxing chill out areas with heated stone beds

There is a Beauty salon offering many treatments

Every passenger is given a personal password to use the computers on board and there are several computer course available from $49

There is a well stocked library

This is Toscanas (one of the speciality restaurants) Everyone is able to eat at this Italian restaurant at least once in their stay. They offer 7 different types of bread and 8 different olive oils!

This is Prive restaurant seating 8 and can be hired for $250 from end of August and you can chose to eat food from the restaurant of your choice. All meals are 7 course. The furnishings are exquisite and the table for example is solid Onyx and a predominently white theme

This is La Reserva which is a cost of $79 per person to eat here and there is a choice of 2 x 7 course meals but everyone has to agree on the same that eat here. This restaurant is used also for Tapas and wine tasting at a cost of $20 per person

This is the terrace cafe (Lido type) buffet style but staff plate your food up for you and tapas are offered here at night time

This is Jacques french restaurant

The fittings include Murano glass, top quality marble and wood fittings throughout and chandeliers worth $500,000 for a single unit made of lalique crystal, original Picassos etc.

This is Red Ginger which is a very popular speciality restaurant and would be advisable to book to save disappointment

One of the bar areas

One of the original Picassos

Pleasant lounge area

Another bar and casino tables

Grand Dining room - menu changes 7 days a week

There is also a speciality steak house called Polo Grill. For all speciality restaurants, all passengers up to concierge are at least allowed one dining in their stay but can request more and are offered 7 courses in the evening. Courses are offered such as photography, art and cookery ranging from $49-$150 and are advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment. This company would be considered 5 star as does Holland America Line.

At the Expo, the ultra luxury 6 star cruising companies were also represented Seabourn, Silverseas, Regent, Seadream and Crystal. These companies are different in that they are all inclusive where wine, drinks etc. are all included, as as port charges, service charges and often excursions too. When you consider the cost of everything included on a cruise, cruising is extremely good value for money.

North Devon weekend July 2011 - Sue Tooke

2011-07-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

My daughter was invited to a wedding in Croyde, North Devon so I thought it was an ideal opportunity to explore an area I have not visited before. The countryside is beautiful and it is like going back in time with quiet roads and friendly laid back residents. The following are a selection of photos taken as I drove north from Barnstaple and Croyde. The most touristy was Ilfracombe which is typical old seaside town lacking charm and character but if you want lively then this is the place. Woolacombe was the second largest town I visited but this was pleasant and retained individuality and personality with plenty of shops of retaurants and a pleasant atmosphere. Moretoe is the quieter neighbour with just a few restaurants and pubs and a church.
Croyde is a pretty village with a few shops, restaurants and pubs and is know for its surfing. Lynton and Lynemouth were lovely. With Lynton lying above Lynemouth and can be reached by funicular railway. The walks are spectactular around here with rugged hillside though there is not much of a beach and this was very rocky. The best beaches were at Croyde and Woolacombe and Coombe Haven beach was smaller and reasonablebut there was little else than a few caravan parks and dated shops in need of a lick of paint. The hotel we stayed in at Barnstaple was the Royal & Fortescue Hotel which was very pleasant and the friendly staff could not do enough for you. The position was good and though the car park was separate from the hotel, this was locked at night and secure. The air conditioning was a little noisy and we were unable to open the window to get fresh air into the room but otherwise we enjoyed our stay there and would stay there again as it was a good base for visiting the area . There was also a good choice of shops in Barnstaple and a market a short walk away (picture below) The food in the restaurant was excellent and you get what you ask for; I asked for a rare steak (medium to rare is what I normally like but well done is what I normally get) but in this case, rare was what I definitely got and one of the best steaks it was too!

Pleasant country pub in Croyde

Lounge area in Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Dining area - Royal & Fortescue Hotel

Royal & Fortescue Hotel, Barnstaple

Bedroom in the Royal & Fortescue Hotel, Barnstaple

Moretoe

Moretoe looking towards Woolacombe

Croyde centre

Barnstaple market

Barnstaple

Croyde beach

Ilfracombe

Castle north of Woolacombe

Bay along the coast north of Woolacombe

Lynmouth

Coombe Haven beach

Lynmouth

Pub at Lynmouth

Looking down to Lynmouth beach

View from bay near to Lynton

Typical North Devon road when you leave main roads

Woolacombe beach

Croyde Beach

Sandals and Beaches fam trip to Jamaica June 2011 - Debbie Gee

2011-07-01T06:52:00.000-07:00

I have recently returned from a Sandals fam trip to Jamaica. We visited some of the most luxurious all inclusive hotels in the Caribbean, and if you were thinking of marrying in the aribbean, if you book a concierge or butler suite, you will get your wedding for free designed by Martha Stewart. Sandals is a family owned company and has been established for 30 years, and supports the healthcare, education, infrastructure and regeneration in theCaribbean. Sandals resorts can be found in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia and the Bahamas, Beaches families resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. The hotels range from small and intimate to large and lively, my favourite was the Royal Caribbean which was pure paradise it even had its own private island which was accessed by a small ferry. The resorts offer many dining options including international buffet restaurants, all resorts have The award winning Red Lane Spa for ultimate relaxation and exclusive treatments. Land and watersports are also included as is unlimited golf at certain resorts. All resorts offer Island tours which can be booked at your hotel (extra charge) to experience other activities or areas of natural beauty within the islands.We flew direct to Montego Bay with Virgin Atlantic in premium economy which was well worth it for that extra comfort on a 9 hour flight.

This is the Sandals Royal Caribbean hotel the only resort with an exclusive
private offshore island ,the resort is ideal if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing
intimate resort setting

The Royal Caribbean hotel also offers perfect wedding venues
for your perfect day

These beautiful beach gazebos can be hired daily for a truly romantic setting.

This is the private island which is accessed by a small boat. the island boasts
an authentic Thai restaurant,with a truly romantic private beach.

view of Sandals Royal Caribbean private island

This is Sandals Montego Bay the first Sandals Resort,it has the longest private
white sand beach in north Jamaica, it is perfect for those who wish
to venture into lively Montego Bay hip strip.

The lush grounds of Sandals Whitehouse

Sandals Whitehouse is in the south of the island of jamaica,about an
hours transfer from Montego Bay airport; there is over two miles of
beautiful white sand ,set around a ruggedly beautiful nature reserve.
All rooms have sea views, the hotel consists of three european villages, dutch, french
and italian styles ,for couples who want to escape in a private paradise

Main swim up pool at Sandals Whitehouse

Warner educational Corton & Gunton Hall, Suffolk 29 June 2011

2011-06-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

On wednesday 29th June, I was invited to drive up to Suffolk to view Warners properties in Suffolk. I first arrived at Corton where I was to stay for the night in a beach garden room (chalet style). Corton has a holiday village appearance and feel to it and with just 206 rooms on 2 floors, is a nice compact village with friendly and helpful staff. We sampled one of the activities offered and learnt to make cocktails. This is offered at a small extra charge. Lunch was a barbecue and we played a game of shuffleboard, giant connect 4 and ground chess. The rooms have recently been refurbished and mine was a good standard with tea/coffee making facility, tv, large king size bed and walk in shower room. The facilites are plentiful with other sports like boules, outdoor badminton, and a small pool, sauna, steam room, and sports room. There are activities arranged during the day by the resident entertainment team to bring people together and make new friends. They offer 26 single rooms at no supplement and room with computers and complimentary wifi. Food is offered on half board or all inclusive basis. They have free entertainment/cabaret whilst dining and you can keep your table for the evening. The clientelle were the more mature client who are young at heart and wanting to have entertainment on site and a team of staff who bring them together to make new friends and take away the concerns about travelling alone. It is an adults only concept and the lead in price this year was £149 for a 2 night stay. There is also the option of coach inclusive. The following are a few pictures taken to give an idea of the Village

We were then taken to see the nearby Gunton Hall which is set in 50 acres of wooded grounds, where in addition to the activities and facilities of Corton, it has archery, pitch and putt, putting green, croquet, air rifle shooting, french boules and freshwater angling in its own lake, some lovely gardens and secluded woodland. The house itself has character which incorporates the facilities and the bedrooms are in the gardens outside (chalet style) The indoor pool is 22m and there is a full size indoor bowling green and gym. For those wanting to dress more formally, this would suit them better, it has a choice of bars, separate dining and cabaret room, VIP dining and there is a good choice of health and beaty treatments available. There are 210 rooms of which 208 are ground floor (more photos on facebook EmsworthTravel) The following at a few pictures taken at Gunton Hall

This was the cheapest category room and the only one we were able to see as they were full

Activities available at both Gunton and Corton include, learn to dance or sing, joy of painting, Norwich shopping, Mississipi broads cruise, Sandringham fayres and Newmarket races.

Warners offer everything under one roof for the mature adult with comfortable accommodation, the food was well cooked and a reasonable standard and there are plenty of activities to make clients stay enjoyable and fun. For more information contact Sue Tooke on 01243 377211

Blogs to follow - Emsworth Travel staff are due to take the following trips 2011

2011-06-17T06:11:00.000-07:00

Deb - Venice/Lake Garda Aug
Sue - Bansko/Greece Sep
Sue - Gambia Oct
Sue - Sharm, Egypt Nov

Parga, Greece trip 2011 - Debbie Gee

2011-06-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

5th June - 12th June Debbie Gee Travel Consultant
Recommendations on my recent trip to Greece.

I flew to parga in Greece which is on the mainland with Sunvil Holidays. The flight was from London Gatwick with Tor Airlines which took 3hrs 30 mins , then an hour transfer to the resort of Parga.
I can recommend the Achilleas Hotel which is directly on a secluded beach. A very pretty hotel with stunning views from the Atrium bar which is up some steep steps. The breakfast terrace overlooks the pretty cove. Just a few minutes walk and you are in the centre of parga with plenty of bars and retaurants, many of them with stunning views.
It is very reasonable to eat out in this pretty harbourside resort. You can chose from harbourside bars and restaurants or take a walk through winding old town streets where you can find small typically greek restaurants and shops. From the harbour front you can get a water taxi to the few other beaches and coves along this coastline. There is a daily boat trip to Paxos (well worth a visit) and on a thursday a ferry runs to Corfu. There is also a very nice but steep walk through the olive groves to a very nice beach called Lichnos beach. This holiday can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you want it to be.

Valtos Beach is just around the bay from Parga beach,you can take a
leisurely walk there , or take one of the water taxis from the Parga
waterfront.

This is the view from parga waterfront, a small island with a beautiful
Grecian church, They hold a number of weddings here for most europeans to marry in.

This is the Achilleas Hotel in Parga it has its own beach and is only a five
minute walk to bars and restaurants and the harbourfront.

Beach at Achilleas hotel

View from one of the many bars looking out over Parga harbour

This was one of my favourite restaurants in parga , great service,
beautiful views, and lovely food; views of the castle can be seen from here.

Paxos Harbour taken on a day trip from Parga

view from entrance to the island of Paxos

Bansko ski apartment, Bulgaria

2011-06-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

We have an uninterrupted view of the Pirin Mountains from our balcony

We own a 2 bedroomed/2bathroom 4 star duplex ski apartment in the lovely ski resort of Bansko overlooking the Pirin mountains and surrounded by 3 mountain ranges. Bansko is in a Unesco heritage area. It is just 5 minute walk to the ski lift and has a spa complex in the building comprising a pool, jucuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym, childrens room. It also has a small reception area and bar. We also own a car parking place for your convenience. We have airconditioning/heating but the added bonus of an open fire for those cosy nights in. There is an ice skating rink and bowling just 5 mins walk away and 5-7 mins to the centre with shops. There are restaurants all around Bansko and in the summer months there are activities such as horseriding, golf, hiking as well as a full excursion programme. It is also just 1 hour drive to the greece border. The price for rental is £250 in the period 16 Apr to 14 Dec sleeping up to 6 and £350 in the winter 15Dec-15 Apr. Tel 01243377211 or email travel@emsworthtravel.co.uk

Turkey apartments

2011-06-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

One of the views from complex looking towards Yalikavak

Another view to greek islands

Main pool with restaurant/rooftop bar in distance

One of the bedrooms leading out to balcony

Lounge/dining area

View from one of our apartments

One of our favourite restaurants who will pick you up and drop you back to Hillview if you eat there and you can chose the restaurant or beach to eat and watch the sunset.

Having just returned from our apartments in Turkey, I can report that everything is looking lovely with bouganvillia and banana trees in abundance and everywhere looking very established, clean and tidy. The weather was lovely with temperatures generally in the upper 20s and the views were stunning over the greek islands and down into Yalikavak. See facebook EmsworthTravel for up to date pictures. They are just installing wifi for free use throughout the site, and although certain areas were poorer than others, they are putting in another 3 lines to deal with these problems. I was able to use phone all the time and laptop most of the time. They are purchasing 2 new pieces of gym equipment (a running machine and stepper). We have 2 x 2 bedroomed apartments (one with second shower room en suite) and roof terrace. The complex has gym, sauna, 8 pools (1 indoor), 2 waterslides, small childrens play area, ground chess, tennis court, restaurant, bar and roof terrace. Prices are from £250-£350 see http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/bodrum/79737 for bookings call 01243377211. blog to follow is Debs trip to Greece ......