Younger Market 2022

Younger Market 2022

INTRODUCING OUR NEW

Younger Market 2022 Opening new doors & opportunities for your business

Scenic Walking Live Music

Gastronomy

Wine Tasting

Cookery

Irish Craic Experience

Cocktails

Masterclasses

Bottomless Afternoon Tea

www.albatrosstravel.com

Welcome to our NEW ...

Following a difficult past 15 months, we feel now is the time more than ever to launch this exciting new coaching holiday concept to the UK market. The opportunity for small gatherings of friends and family to enjoy experiences together is sure to appeal while remaining in the comfort and fantastic service offered on your coaches – and all without having to travel too far!

T H I N G S T O R E M E M B E R . . .  Pricing The price you see includes the group admission rate for each attraction in the itinerary that is highlighted in bold.  What To Do All the attractions and hotels featured on the following pages can be mixed and matched according to your requirements. We are always happy to provide you with a bespoke solution for your tour programme.  Overnight Hotels We understand that a successful tour is not just about the mainstay and that the hotels your passengers stay at along the way are a very important start and end to the tour. We have a great selection of hotels in excellent locations to suit all tastes and budgets. If you would like overnights adding to any of your Younger Market tours, please give our Sales Team a call.  Low Emissions Zones & Access Regulation From 25 October 2021 the existing central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will expand to create a single larger zone bounded by the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205). The North and South Circular Roads themselves are not included in the zone. The ULEZ will continue to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends (except Christmas day), with a daily charge for vehicles that do not meet the required emissions standards. For more information please visit: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone Additionally Bath and Birmingham have been mandated to implement Clean Air Zones (CAZ), however at the point of going to print, the dates appear to have been delayed due to Covid-19. Other cities will need to adopt CAZ, for further information visit: Drive in a clean air zone - GOV. UK (www.gov.uk)  Drivers Hours EU Regulation 561/2006 is transcribed into UK law and still applies. Our itineraries are created with drivers’ regulations in mind and we look to comply with daily driving, break and rest requirements.

WH Y B O O K W I T H U S ? No Currency Surcharge Guarantee

 We offer a No Currency Surcharge Guarantee to protect your business from potentially expensive fluctuations in exchange rates. Free single room for your driver* No matter how many passengers are booked on your tour! *Excludes London We go the extra mile We have dedicated sales and operations teams to support you and we take the time to understand your business. We tailor our products to match your requirements. 24 hour helpline number Our helpline is available for all drivers, should any element of the tour not go as planned. Visit, Inspect & Grade We visit, inspect and grade every hotel in our brochure to assess its suitability for coach tourism and to help you select the most appropriate hotel for your customers. Team of Contract Managers Our team of Contract Managers are dedicated to specific geographical areas so our product knowledge is second to none! Your money is safe with us Even though it is not a legal requirement, Albatross Travel sets aside advance payments, made by you to us, until your tour is completed. This reflects the undertaking and protection that you must in turn, provide to your passengers. The only exceptions to this are prepayments that are made in advance to suppliers or have been received on a non-refundable basis.

THE SMALL PRINT • Every effort has been made to ensure all pricing and information provided in our brochure is accurate and up-to-date at the time of publication in May 2021. However, details are subsequent to change and any typographical, clerical or other error or omission shall be subject to correction without any liability on the part of Albatross Travel. • Tours are priced on a minimum of 25 passengers. • Prices shown are 'from' prices based on the lowest rate we have from our suppliers, and are in £GBP per person for the stated duration of the tour. • All brochure prices are non-commissionable and quoted inclusive of VAT. • All brochure prices exclude public holidays and major local events unless otherwise stated. • All brochure pricing is correct at the time of going to print and is subject to change due to changes in VAT and other local/national taxation. • All brochure pricing excludes the cost of overnight hotels unless otherwise stated. • All brochure pricing excludes road tolls, emission zone charges and permits. • All brochure pricing excludes peak date

supplements on ferry crossings. • All products are subject to availability at the time of booking. • All itineraries are subject to change depending on the seasonal opening hours of attractions. • All itineraries are based on the most recent train timetables, sailing schedules and opening hours and are subject to change. • Event dates are subject to change year on year. Your tour has been based on this year's dates and times, where available. • Please be advised that details about some shows and events have not yet been finalised. We have therefore based the information on current shows, which may be subject to change or cancellation. • Please note, on occasion some attractions require pre-payment upon confirmation and these charges will need to be passed on. • We cannot be held liable for any changes that may occur regarding a venue or an attraction that is beyond our control. However, we will aim to update you with details of any such changes as soon as possible.

COVID-19 – Information will be provided to you as soon as we are made aware. • Please note that itinerary changes may be required to allow the itinerary to operate in line with COVID-19 guidance at the time of travel. • Due to COVID-19 safety regulations we may still find that some suppliers will place a limit of maximum passenger numbers. • All of our hotels, ferry operators and other suppliers have confirmed that they adhere to their respective governments' guidance in respect to COVID-19. • We are in constant contact with all our hotels covering all aspects of their service in respect of their COVID-19 protocols, we will update you accordingly, in line with your planned departure dates.

• Get Active • Get Cooking • Get Exploring • Get Tasting • Get Sightseeing

2

... Younger Market brochure

At Albatross Travel, we know that some of you are working to attract a slightly younger demographic to your holidays by coach, which is why we’re launching our Younger Market offering. This new collection of activity-packed tours really packs a punch and will attract a more adventurous clientele searching for a unique experience not normally offered by traditional coach holidays. We’ve designed our Younger Market range to appeal to customers in their 50s, but that’s not to say the tours won’t appeal to other demographics too! With something for everyone, these carefully selected tours are also great for large families on the hunt for diverse group holidays that will delight the whole gang.

Our Range of Holidays: We’ve got fantastic guided walking holidays to suit all abilities and daring rope bridge walks and exhilarating clifftop hikes for adrenaline junkies. Music fans are catered for with a nostalgic swinging sixties tour, while budding detectives can participate in a spooky murder mystery! Foodies can get stuck into our tempting food and drink experiences and culinary masterclasses or leave the cooking to someone else with a leisurely bottomless brunch, or even a lively Irish pub experience! Please note, some of our experiences – especially our walking tours – require a reasonable degree of fitness. If guests are unsure, they are advised to contact their health professional before booking. Walking/hiking gear will not be provided unless otherwise stated. What to look for: Each page details the tour itinerary with all experiences included in the price highlighted in bold. As our Younger Market tours are so action-packed, we’ve had to take some of the descriptions out, so please visit the links provided for the full itinerary and hotel details. Each page also features the below, which offer a snapshot of the tour highlights.

C O N T E N T S

04-05 Active in the Tremendous Trossachs featuring The Winnock, Loch Lomond 06-07 Pique Your Interest: Peak District & Sheffield City featuring Leopold Hotel, Sheffield 08-09 Actively Whet Your Appetite in North Wales featuring Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon 10-11 Northern Ireland Coast, City & Culinary Cracker featuring Ten Square Hotel, Belfast 12-13 Dizzy Heights & Fizzy Delights in Knightsbridge featuring Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge

KEY ACTIVITIES

Check the icons for a quick view flavour of the tour.

KEY EXPERIENCES

Culinary Cornwall & Arthurian Legends featuring The Bodmin Jail Hotel, Cornwall Here Comes the Fun and We Say It’s All Right! featuring Pullman Hotel Liverpool A Craicing Long Weekend in Ireland! featuring Treacys Enniscorthy Hotel, County Wexford

14-15

16-17

Here we list what main experiences are included in each holiday, making it easy for you to see.

18-19

Winchester and Gin: Chin Chin! featuring Norton Park Hotel, Winchester Wine and Dine at Sunset featuring Federation House, Leatherhead

20-21

WHY THIS HOTEL?

22-23

The Contract Manager for each hotel explains why they chose it and what makes it perfect for each tour.

01732 879191 | [email protected] | www.albatrosstravel.com

3

Active in the Tremendous Trossachs

5 Days from £399pp

Conic Hill overlooking Loch Lomond

Sure to be a big hit with your more active guests, this tour packs in fresh air and stunning scenery in abundance. Guided walks on sections of the mighty 100-mile West Highland Way and the Rob Roy Way provide fabulous views of open moorlands and majestic lochs – it’s no wonder these are the country’s best loved walking routes! A highlight of our trekking is the sensational view over Loch Lomond from Conic Hill. We also enjoy a relaxing cruise on the serene waters of Loch Lomond. PA C K AG E D I T I N E R A R Y Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Experience: Walking the Rob Roy Way & Aberfoyle where our transport awaits to whisk us back to our hotel. Day 4 Experience: Walking Drymen to Balmah

Today we cover some ground on the fabulous West Highland Way with a guided walk from Drymen to Balmaha . Our trek takes us over Conic Hill, which has an elevation of 361 metres, offering a majestic view over Loch Lomond. This is a truly beautiful way to see the famous Loch that we sailed on yesterday, with its chain of islands stretching across the water marking the Highland Boundary Fault and separating Scotland’s Highlands and Lowlands. For those of us who would prefer something gentler, there’s an easier path that takes us around the hill (rather than over it) to Balmaha. For any of the group choosing this option, a lovely pub awaits at the foot of the iconic Conic for a relaxing drink in stunning surrounds. When the rest of the group catch up from the summit, our coach will be waiting to return us to our hotel. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.

Today we put our best foot forward as we embark on a guided walk from Drymen initially on a quiet country road and then through the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Our route through this 19,655 hectare forest park in the Trossachs follows a section of the Rob Roy Way walk from Drymen to Pitlochry. The stretch we cover (11 miles) is considered ‘easy’, so we can soak in the fabulous forest landscapes as we walk. We reach our destination, Aberfoyle, where we have time to wander the village before soup and sandwich refreshments are served in the Station Coffee Shop in the centre of the village. Transport will be waiting in Aberfoyle to return to Drymen, but the more intrepid can elect to do the return journey on foot. We enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing at leisure. Day 3 Experience: Loch Lomond Cruise This morning we drive the short distance to the west side of lovely Loch Lomond to the conservation village of Luss. Here, we board our boat for a relaxing cruise exploring the ‘Queen of the Scottish Lochs’. Weather permitting, we may even have the opportunity to land on one of the many islands on Loch Lomond and explore the beautiful fauna and flora that this region is famed for. There may be time for a game of pétanque on the beach before our cruise returns to the mainland,

Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

• Get Active • Get Cooking • Get Exploring • Get Tasting • Get Sightseeing

4

SCOTTISH WALKING EXPERIENCE

KEY ACTIVITIES

KEY EXPERIENCES

• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park • Guided walks along the Rob Roy Way & West Highland Way • Cruise on Loch Lomond • Breath-taking views from the summit of Conic Hill

The Winnock,

Plus

Drymen, Loch Lomond

WHY THIS HOTEL?

A very warm welcome awaits you at The Winnock, a 3 star family-run hotel located in pretty Drymen. The hotel has been hosting groups for 30 years and is very successful in delivering quality cuisine, service and entertainment. All 73 comfortable bedrooms are traditional in style, furnished in tartan fabrics. There is a large, bright restaurant and a relaxing bar. There is no lift but ground floor rooms are available.

Rob says… “ The Winnock is truly a gem of a hotel perfect for your coach guests. A picturesque village setting in the Trossachs, welcoming local staff, fine Scottish meals and all with over 30 years’ experience providing hospitality for coach groups. ”

4 Nights Full Board - Twin from £399pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £89 Based on Sunday arrivals Inclusions • Porterage • Welcome drinks reception • Choice of menu

• Tea/coffee after dinner • Entertainment on 2 nights • Lunch provided on all days except arrival and departure days • Guided walk on the Rob Roy Way • Loch Lomond cruise • Guided walk from Drymen to Balmaha

Full Itinerary: www.albatrosstravel.com/tour/active-in-the-tremendous-trossachs

Enjoy a cruise on Loch Lomond

01732 879191 | [email protected] | www.albatrosstravel.com

5

Pique Your Interest: Peak District & Sheffield City

3 Days from £145pp

View from Bamford Edge

The perfect combination of vibrant city centre and peaceful scenery as far as the eye can see – this tour is a match made in heaven for younger, more adventurous guests. Staying at the fabulous, historic, boutique Leopold Hotel in Sheffield, on the former site of a grammar school, our holiday starts with a delicious afternoon tea and features a good amount of free time to explore this great city, taking in popular attractions and ticking off some of the eclectic bars and restaurants here. We also spend a full day roaming the beautiful Peak District with plenty of different walking routes around the famous Peak District reservoirs to suit all ability levels. Will it be a gentle riverside stroll or an ambitious hill hike? Spectacular views await regardless!

PA C K AG E D I T I N E R A R Y Day 1 Arrival & Afternoon Tea

without requiring much effort! This 5 ½ mile route takes us along the serene Ladybower Reservoir and passed the Derwent Reservoir, made famous during World War II when it was used by the Dambusters RAF squadron to practice low level flying techniques. The Derwent Reservoir also makes for an excellent walk, completing a circuit of both Derwent and Howden Reservoirs. At just over 10 miles, it’s a slightly more challenging route, although relatively flat. For a real treat, we could take on the Bamford Edge walk. It involves a short uphill hike but, from the top, the scenic sight of the beautiful Ladybower Reservoir nestled between the hills makes the 2 miles well worth it – this is surely one of the best views in the Peak District! Whichever direction we set off in, there are plenty of spectacular picnic spots along the way, perfect for a breather and a nibble while taking some time to relax and soak in the splendid views around us. Day 3 Experience: Sheffield Before we head home, we enjoy some time at leisure in Sheffield today. Along with the city’s many shops, bars and restaurants, there are also some fantastic attractions here that are well worth a visit. We may wish to head to the Millennium art gallery and museum to browse the fantastic Metalwork and Ruskin collections, or the adjoining Winter Garden temperate glasshouse, which is home to more than 2,500 plants from around the world. For more greenery, we could also wander around the lovely Peace Gardens, which front onto Sheffield’s striking gothic town hall and contain pretty water features, fountains and sculptures.

We arrive at our fantastic hotel this afternoon, the Leopold Hotel, which is built on the former site of the Grade II listed Sheffield Boys Grammar School. Here, we tuck into a delicious afternoon tea served in the hotel’s elegant, oak panelled Oak Suite, which previously hosted Sheffield’s Central Technical School Board of Directors. We enjoy a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with jam and clotted cream and an assortment of homemade cakes and pastries, served with tea and coffee. We spend the evening at leisure, perhaps venturing out into the city or staying close to base in Leopold Square – where our hotel is located – which offers a good mix of bars and restaurants. Day 2 Experience: Peak District Walking Today is spent exploring the UK’s oldest National Park, the glorious Peak District. This is a popular spot for walking holidays and for good reason! From underground caves to high mountains, peaceful woodland to open moors, and beautiful rock formations to stunning far-reaching views, this is a walker’s paradise – and the best part, there’s something to suit all abilities. Short, riverside strolls are great for a gentle amble with picturesque views, while keen hikers can tackle the more challenging routes, navigating rocky paths and steep hills to be rewarded with spectacular panoramas. The circular Ladybower Reservoir walk is a popular choice as it offers magnificent views

• Get Active • Get Cooking • Get Exploring • Get Tasting • Get Sightseeing

6

DERBYSHIRE WALKING WEEKEND EXPERIENCE

KEY ACTIVITIES

KEY EXPERIENCES

Courtesy of Marketing Sheffield

• Weekend city break in Sheffield • Stay & afternoon tea at the historic Leopold Hotel • Walking in the picturesque Peak District National Park • Choice of walking routes to suit all abilities • Time at leisure to explore Sheffield city

Leopold Hotel , Sheffield, South Yorkshire

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Built on the former site of a Grade II listed grammar school, the historic, boutique property has been sympathetically restored to retain its charming architectural character, with photographs and memorabilia from past pupils scattered around the hotel. The boutique hotel houses 90 modern bedrooms and a stylish lounge bar and terrace. Coach parking is off-site & chargeable. 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast - Twin from £145pp

Janine says… “ Sheffield is located on the edge of the stunning Peak District, just a short drive from the National Park’s fabulous reservoirs, making this a perfect location to combine city and nature walking. The Leopold Hotel is a fabulous hotel and offers a great, stylish stay for this active new weekend mini break. ”

Single Supplement from £48 Based on Saturday arrivals Inclusions • Afternoon tea on arrival day

Full Itinerary: www.albatrosstravel.com/tour/pique-your-interest-peak-district-sheffield-city

Derwent Reservoir

01732 879191 | [email protected] | www.albatrosstravel.com

7

Actively Whet Your Appetite in North Wales

4 Days from £234pp

Betws-y-Coed

This is definitely one for the foodies! Our glorious gastronomic journey of North Wales takes us to a unique sea salt producer on the island of Anglesey, a stunning vineyard and orchard with spectacular views of Snowdon, and a fantastic farm shop which is very popular for good reason! A whopping (and delicious) 5 course Taste of Wales evening at our hotel completes this food heaven line-up. Sure to appeal to your younger, more active customers, we also include a day in the beautiful Betws-y-Coed, which is brimming with scenic woodland and riverside walks – the perfect way to work up an appetite for the tempting foodie day that follows!

& Visitor Centre on Anglesey. Located in a lovely building on the edge of the pretty Menai Strait, which separates the island of Anglesey from the mainland of Wales, the setting of this innovative food production business is just as impressive as its story. On our tour, we discover salt’s place in our history, culture and food and find out what makes Halen Môn Sea Salt PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) so special. We also enjoy a tutored salt tasting to get a real flavour of the company! As well as being where the hand-harvesting process takes place, the Halen Môn Saltcote also has an outdoor café and gift shop to explore. Tastebuds tingling, we then make our way to the Bodnant Welsh Food centre , a fantastic family-run farm shop which showcases the best products from North Wales and further afield. We have time at leisure to browse the tempting selection and perhaps make some purchases from the farm shop, deli, bakery, butchery and wine cellar! We may also wish to tuck into lunch in one of the cafés here before we head to our third and final foodie spot of the day, the Pant Du Vineyard & Orchard , located on the slopes of the Nantlle Valley. We enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard and orchard, learning all about Pant Du’s history and variety of apple trees and vines planted on its slopes, and finish with a tasting of the delicious produce. Back at our hotel, today’s gastronomic journey concludes with a marvellous 5 course Taste of Wales menu with a glass of fine wine

PA C K AG E D I T I N E R A R Y Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Experience: Walking in Betws-y-Coed

This morning we make our way to the pretty village of Betws-y-Coed, known as the ‘gateway to Snowdonia’ and a popular spot due to its extensive outdoor activities. Located in the Snowdonia National Park, in a valley near the point where the River Conwy meets the Llugwy and Lledr rivers, there is a vast selection of beautiful long and short walks to suit all abilities here. The Gwydir Forest, which encircles Betws-y-Coed, is full of trails, old miners’ paths, cycle tracks and long- established forest walks which open out to reveal the enchanting lakes in the area, with many following waymarked routes. We can set off in the direction of our choice, exploring our scenic surrounds and hunting for the perfect spot to settle down with our packed lunch provided by the hotel. If all that wandering has left us hungry, there are also plenty of lovely food and drink picks in the village.

Why not add a knowledgeable walking guide to help your group navigate this beautiful region on foot? Please contact our Sales Team for details.

WHY NOT ADD

for good measure! Day 4 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.

Day 3 Experience: Gastronomic North Wales Today we embark on a glorious gastronomic journey of the region. Our first stop is a guided tour of the award-winning Halen Môn Saltcote

• Get Active • Get Cooking • Get Exploring • Get Tasting • Get Sightseeing

8

WALKING & GASTRONOMY EXPERIENCE

KEY ACTIVITIES

KEY EXPERIENCES

• Holiday in scenic North Wales • Walking trails through Gwydir Forest • Tour & tasting at Anglesey sea salt producer • Tour & tasting at vineyard & orchard • 5 course Taste of Wales dinner with fine wine

Celtic Royal Hotel,

Plus

Caernarfon, North Wales

WHY THIS HOTEL?

The traditional Celtic Royal Hotel has 110 bedrooms which are well decorated and equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The restaurant is bright and spacious and there is a pub-style bar. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, sauna and steam room. 3 Nights Half Board - Twin from £234pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £55 Inclusions • Porterage • Welcome tea/coffee on arrival • Choice of menu • Tea/coffee after dinner • Packed lunch on 1 day • Live entertainment on 1 night • 5 course Taste of Wales menu with glass of wine on last night • Guided tour of Halen Môn Saltcote & Visitor Centre with tutored salt tasting • Visit to Bodnant Welsh Food centre (free entrance) • Guided tour of Pant Du Vineyard & Orchard with tasting

Rob says… “As soon as you enter the Celtic Royal Hotel your guests will be delighted by the grand, almost baronial reception area, and will want to relax in one of the cosy lounges lined with bookshelves. Friendly local staff, great food and a real appreciation for the coach market make this a perfect venue for your holidays.”

Full Itinerary: www.albatrosstravel.com/tour/actively-whet-your-appetite-in-north-wales

Halen M Ô n Saltcote & Visitor Centre

01732 879191 | [email protected] | www.albatrosstravel.com

9

Northern Ireland Coast, City & Culinary Cracker

4 Days from £355pp

The Gobbins Cliff Path

Wow, wow, wow! This new tour features one of our most thrilling days out, with a daring trek on the dramatic Gobbins Cliff Path, an exhilarating 20 metre walk along the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a visit to the tremendous Giant’s Causeway and a scenic Antrim coast drive all packed in! The rest of the tour is just as meaty, with a 4 hour tour of Belfast’s top food and drink spots and, with our 4 night option, a sparkling bottomless brunch too! To top it all off, we’re staying at the fantastic Ten Square Hotel in the heart of Belfast, so any free time can be well spent exploring this wonderful capital. Your younger, more adventurous customers will be itching to don their walking boots for this action-packed treat! Depending on where you are based in the UK, we offer two itinerary options to choose from for ease of travel. OPTION 1: 5 days with overnight ferry crossing from Birkenhead PA C K AG E D I T I N E R A R Y Day 1 Overnight Sailing

Day 4 Experience: Belfast Food Tour & Departure (Overnight Sailing) We enjoy another slow start to our day before embarking on the award-winning Belfast Food Tour this afternoon. Our 4 hour, fun and food filled guided walk starts in the historic St George’s Market, where we mingle with producers, before our culinary journey sees us devour over 25 of some of the best local food and drink picks! We finish in a smashing restaurant in the lively Cathedral Quarter. We have some time to say our farewells to Belfast before we board our overnight ferry back to Merseyside. Day 5 Arrival in Birkenhead We arrive in Birkenhead early this morning and continue our journey home. OPTION 2: 4 days with ferry crossing from Holyhead PA C K AG E D I T I N E R A R Y Day 1 Arrival We arrive in Holyhead this afternoon for our ferry crossing to Dublin. Here, we disembark and make our way to our hotel, arriving in time for dinner. Day 2 Gobbins Cliff Path, Antrim Coastal Drive, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge & Giant’s Causeway This morning, we enjoy breakfast at our hotel. The rest of the day follows the same itinerary as Day 2 opposite. Day 3 Belfast Food Tour Today follows the same itinerary as Day 4 above, but we enjoy another night in our hotel this evening. Day 4 Departure After breakfast, we make our way back to Dublin for our ferry back to Holyhead.

We board our ferry for our overnight sailing from Birkenhead to Belfast. Day 2 Experience: Arrival, Gobbins Cliff Path, Antrim Coastal Drive, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge & Giant’s Causeway We arrive in Belfast early this morning and head to the lovely Belfast Loughshore Hotel for breakfast . Suitably fuelled for the day ahead, we make our way to the exhilarating Gobbins Cliff Path , billed as ‘the most dramatic coastal walk in Europe’. This is a real pulse bounding adventure, with unforgettable views and daring bridges and tunnels carrying us above crashing waves, into sunken caves, over inhabited rockpools and across sheer cliff faces. We then enjoy a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast as we tuck into a packed lunch en route to the spectacular Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge , which links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a- Rede. We navigate the subtle swing of the 20 metre bridge, which hangs 30 metres above the rocks below, before taking in even more breathtaking coastal scenery at our final stop of the day, the extraordinary basalt columns at Giant’s Causeway & Visitor Centre . We then make our way to our hotel in the heart of Belfast, where we spend the evening at leisure. Day 3 Experience: Belfast & Bottomless Brunch/Afternoon Tea After an action-packed day yesterday, we enjoy a lazy start to our day, with some free time to explore Belfast before returning to our hotel this afternoon for an indulgent bottomless brunch or afternoon tea with fizz in the contemporary Loft Bar. We enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

• Get Active • Get Cooking • Get Exploring • Get Tasting • Get Sightseeing

10

NORTHERN IRISH WEEKEND EXPERIENCE

KEY ACTIVITIES

KEY EXPERIENCES

• Exhilarating and scenic cliff path & rope bridge walks • Tremendous Giant’s Causeway & Visitor Centre • Scenic Antrim coast drive named among the best in the world • 4 hour food tasting and fun filled guided Belfast tour • Bottomless brunch/afternoon tea with fizz (4 night stays only)

Carrick-a-Rede Bridge © National Trust Images Ben Selway www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Ten Square Hotel,

Belfast, County Antrim

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Janine says… “ Belfast is a perfect location, combining city, coast and adventure for a memorable holiday, so the Ten Square Hotel, located in the heart of the city, is the perfect choice for this amazing, one-of-a-kind itinerary we have put together for our Younger Market offering. ”

2 Nights Room Only (onboard ferry) 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast - Twin from £409pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £113 Based on Friday departures

Inclusions • Return overnight ferry crossing Liverpool - Belfast (room only) • Breakfast at Belfast Loughshore Hotel on Day 2 • Entrance & guided walk on Gobbins Cliff Path • Packed lunch on Day 2 • Entrance to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge • Entrance to Giant’s Causeway & Visitor Centre • Bottomless brunch/afternoon tea with fizz in The Loft

WHY THE OVERNIGHT FERRY?

Bar on 1 afternoon • 4 hour Belfast Food & Tasting Tour 3 Nights Bed & Breakfast - Twin from £355pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £71 Based on Friday arrivals

Janine says… “ With new Stena Line ships on the Birkenhead to Belfast route, this is a great opportunity to enjoy staying overnight onboard and, with the early arrival timetable, it allows you to pack so much more in at your destination. When driving to Northern Ireland, I take this option whenever possible – it’s perfect when you are based in central and northern England! ”

Inclusions • Return ferry crossing Holyhead - Dublin • Hotel dinner on 1st night • Entrance to Gobbins Cliff Path • Packed lunch on 1 afternoon • Entrance to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge • Entrance to Giant’s Causeway & Visitor Centre • 4 hour Belfast Food & Tasting Tour

Full Itinerary: www.albatrosstravel.com/tour/northern-ireland-coast-city-culinary-cracker

Belfast Food Tour

01732 879191 | [email protected] | www.albatrosstravel.com

11

Dizzy Heights & Fizzy Delights in Knightsbridge

3 Days from £299pp

Up at the O2

The prosecco is on ice awaiting your groups’ arrival! This spectacular weekend in London will grip guests from the beginning, with a fabulous location – the flashy Knightsbridge – and some smashing excursions and indulgent treats along the way! We kick off with an exhilarating climb over the domed roof of the iconic O2 (sure to blow away the cobwebs!) then reward ourselves with a boozy afternoon tea. Having seen London from the top of The O2, it’s time to head underground to discover a never-before-seen side of the city. We navigate previously forbidden sections of the London Underground on our Hidden London walking tour, discovering abandoned platforms, mysterious passageways and dark chambers! PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in London’s exclusive Knightsbridge.

world of disused tunnels and shadowy passages – once brimming with commuters and trains, these underground spaces are now deserted... but full of history and intrigue! There’s a choice of four walking tours some of which date back to the opening of the Underground in 1863! As we explore, our guide divulges stories of wartime shelters, engineering feats and top- secret hideaways. We may even spot some familiar film locations! Please note, guests must wear flat, closed-toe, sturdy shoes. Choose from: Piccadilly Circus: the heart of London Piccadilly Circus opened in 1906 and was extensively modernised in the 1920s. Behind closed doors, remnants of the old Edwardian station remain with fascinating secrets of a bygone era waiting to be revealed. Charing Cross: access all areas Closed since 1999, the Jubilee platforms at Charing Cross are now synonymous with movies and TV. View filming locations for Skyfall and Killing Eve, see abandoned platforms & walk underneath Trafalgar Square! Euston: the lost tunnels Explore a century of Euston station’s history and discover a labyrinth of dark and dusty passageways, acting as a gallery of preserved vintage advertising poster fragments that have been concealed for over 50 years. Aldwych: the end of the line Closed in 1994, Aldwych station provided shelter during the Blitz, has been used for film shoots and has provided vital training for London’s emergency services. Go beyond the red tiled façade to uncover times gone by. The whole group will do the same tour.

Day 2 Experience: Up at The O2 & Bottomless Prosecco Afternoon Tea Climbing suit and boots – check. Harness and safety strap – check. And we’re off! We start our day with an exhilarating climb over London’s famous landmark, The O2 arena, with the fantastic Up at The O2 experience. We ascend the domed roof of this iconic venue, following the 380 metre fabric walkway to the summit. Here, we are treated to a unique look at the fabulous capital, with incredible 360 degree views of historic Greenwich, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Canary Wharf. On a clear day, we can spot landmarks up to 15 miles away, so we must remember our phones and cameras! We have some time for photos before we begin our descent. Back on solid ground, we make our way back to our lovely hotel to tuck into a delectable afternoon tea complete with free-flowing prosecco for 2 hours – the perfect way to reward ourselves for all that activity! We enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps making the most of our proximity to Knightsbridge’s famous Harrods & Harvey Nichols stores with some shopping! Day 3 Experience: Hidden London Underground Walking Tour & Departure Before we make our way home later today, we embark on a fascinating 75 minute Hidden London Underground guided walking tour , which gives us exclusive behind the scenes access to out of bounds London Underground spaces. We sneak behind closed doors and locked grilles to discover a hidden

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LONDON WEEKEND EXPERIENCE

KEY ACTIVITIES

KEY EXPERIENCES

© TfL 2001

• Weekend London break in an exclusive area • Exhilarating climb over The O2 with magnificent London views • 2 hour bottomless afternoon tea in Knightsbridge • Out of bounds London Underground tour • Free time for shopping and sightseeing in London

Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge, Central London (predicted)

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Located on Sloane Street in Knightsbridge, the 4 star Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge is ideally located for breaks in the city. The comfortable bedrooms are equipped with tea/coffee making facilities and feature classic décor and traditional furnishings, with the large windows providing plenty of natural light. Public areas are spacious and contemporary with stylish splashes of colour and modern furnishings. 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast - Twin from £299pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £119 Based on Friday arrivals (Saturday arrivals also available – call us for details). Inclusions • Up at The O2 climbing experience • 2 hour afternoon tea & unlimited prosecco at Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge • 75 minute Hidden London Underground guided walking tour

Janine says… “ This is our first London offering in our new Younger Market concept, so to be staying in a fabulous 4 star hotel in the exclusive and prestigious area of Knightsbridge is a fantastic opportunity to launch this dazzling tour. The superb Millenium Hotel is perfect for this mini break and the bottomless afternoon tea is the cherry on the top for this sparkling weekend in London! ”

Full Itinerary: www.albatrosstravel.com/tour/dizzy-heights-fizzy-delights-in-knightsbridge

Harrods, Knightsbridge

01732 879191 | [email protected] | www.albatrosstravel.com

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Culinary Cornwall & Arthurian Legends

6 Days from £449pp

Fowey

What’s not to love about Cornish cuisine? This new tour will be a hit with foodies, with a pasty making masterclass, cream tea tasting and plenty of time to sample the freshest fish and creamiest ice cream going in Cornwall’s charming fishing towns. We also visit the magnificent Eden Project, dubbed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ by some, and take a daring walk across the new footbridge that links the two separated halves of iconic Tintagel Castle, famous for its association with King Arthur. Even our hotel has got a story to tell – housed within the former Bodmin Jail, we can see the infamous Execution Pit that took 55 lives!

PA C K AG E D I T I N E R A R Y Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.

to the beautiful, historical harbour town of Fowey for lunch with some free time to explore. We can browse the lovely independent shops, boutiques and galleries, or make the most of Fowey’s reputation for delicious seafood and tuck into a tasty seafood lunch. This afternoon, we visit the world-famous Eden Project . Stroll around the stunning Rainforest Biome, the largest indoor rainforest in the world, and meander through the Mediterranean Biome, discovering the amazing variety of plants that grow in the warm temperate regions of the world. For an alternative view of the biomes, we could even take to the skies with a thrilling zipwire ride over the Eden Project, which hurtles us along at speeds of up to 60mph! Day 4 Experience: Padstow & Tintagel This morning we make our way to Padstow, where we spend time at leisure exploring this charming fishing port and famous foodie destination thanks to its links to the celebrity chef Rick Stein. Whether we opt for fish and chips or a tasty pasty from the highly regarded Chough Bakery, lunch simply must be followed by a taste of Roskilly’s Ice Cream... delicious! In the afternoon, we head to Tintagel to visit the renowned Tintagel Castle , which is set high on Cornwall’s rugged north coast and entwined with the legend of King Arthur. A recently installed footbridge now links the two separated halves of the Castle, crossing the dramatic coastline from the mainland to the headland. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.

Day 2 Experience: Philleigh Way Cookery School & St Mawes This morning we make our way to the Philleigh Way Cookery School, located on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula. We sip on tea/ coffee as we meet our tutor and enjoy a proper Cornish pasty making demonstration, discovering the history and culture of the beloved Cornish pasty. Then it’s our turn! With guidance – particularly when it comes to crimping – we craft our own pasty and pop it in the oven. While our creations cook, we are treated to a homemade scone demonstration, before tucking into our freshly baked pasties and classic Cornish cream tea (remember, jam first!). We then make our way to the pretty fishing village of St Mawes where we spend the afternoon at leisure. We may wish to enjoy a boat trip from St Mawes or take a short ferry to Falmouth and visit the National Maritime Museum Cornwall or Pendennis Castle. Day 3 Experience: Bodmin Jail, Fowey & Eden Project We make the most of our extraordinary base this morning with entrance to the adjacent Bodmin Jail visitor attraction. We find out about the origins of the prison and get an insight into what life was like behind bars in the 18th and 19th centuries, learning about some of the inmates and their crimes. We also see the infamous Execution Pit, which has been restored to full working condition. We then head

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CORNISH COAST EXPERIENCE

KEY ACTIVITIES

KEY EXPERIENCES

• Holiday on the Cornish coast • Unique stay in a former prison • Traditional Cornish pasty & scone making masterclass • World-famous Eden Project • Cross the new Tintagel Castle footbridge

The Bodmin Jail Hotel,

Plus (predicted)

Bodmin, Cornwall

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Opening in 2021, Bodmin Jail Hotel is housed in the historic former prison, which was built in 1779 and closed in 1927, on the edge of Bodmin Moor. It has received a stylish overhaul, combining luxurious comforts with some original features. The 70 bedrooms feature the former cells’ weathered stone walls alongside modern, neutral décor with contemporary furnishings and bathroom suites.

Mark says… “ This historical building has now been converted into an excellent modern hotel with delightful period features and provides an excellent high quality setting for this foodie tour. ”

4 Nights Half Board - Twin from £449pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £144 Inclusions

• Porterage • Welcome tea/coffee • Choice of menu • Tea/coffee after dinner • Return transfer St Mawes - Philleigh Way Cookery School - St Mawes • Traditional Cornish pasty & scone cookery class at Philleigh Way Cookery School including tea/coffee & cream tea • Entrance to Bodmin Jail • Entrance to Eden Project • Entrance to Tintagel Castle

Full Itinerary: www.albatrosstravel.com/tour/culinary-cornwall-arthurian-legends

Tintagel Castle © The English Heritage Trust.

01732 879191 | [email protected] | www.albatrosstravel.com

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Here Comes the Fun and We Say It’s All Right!

3 Days from £189pp

Liverpool and the Liver Building

Beatles fans, music fans, art fans, culture fans, city break fans and all-round fun fans, this Liverpool break is an absolute treat! We throw ourselves straight into this Beatles themed tour with a visit to the world’s only Beatles inspired hotel, Hard Days Night Hotel, where we tuck into afternoon tea complete with two hours of free-flowing prosecco – bottoms up! Our ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ continues with a unique taxi tour around this wonderful city, taking in the iconic places that shaped the lives and songs of the incomparable rock band. Passionate Beatles fan or not, this tour is sure to be a hit with anyone looking for something a bit different – and we have no doubt everyone will be belting out Beatles hits on the way home! PA C K AG E D I T I N E R A R Y Day 1 Arrival & Bottomless Afternoon Tea

in 1957, the famous Penny Lane street, Eleanor Rigby’s grave and other hidden gems along the way. With stops for photos and refreshments, this nostalgic tour also takes us to Strawberry Field , the inspiration behind the classic ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’. Previously the site of a Salvation Army children’s home, where Lennon would play in the grounds as a child, Strawberry Field is now a fantastic, interactive exhibition. We discover the interweaving stories of the house, The Salvation Army, Lennon’s childhood and the writing and recording of the iconic song, and explore the gardens where Lennon once played – this is a truly memorable way to experience ‘A Day in the Life’ of this hugely influential band. Day 3 Departure After breakfast, we say ‘Hello, Goodbye’ to Liverpool and make our way home.

We ‘Come Together’ and arrive in vibrant Liverpool this afternoon, making our way to the fantastic Hard Days Night Hotel . An absolute must-see for any music or art fan, this 4 star hotel is located at the heart of Liverpool’s ‘Beatles Quarter’, adjacent to the famous Cavern Club, and is the world’s only Beatles inspired hotel, so it’s a wonderfully unique experience. Here, we feast on a delicious afternoon tea and enjoy 2 hours of prosecco refills , all while surrounded by original Beatles-inspired artwork and artefacts – we leave firmly in the mood to ‘Twist and Shout’ as we head to our fabulous hotel, which is located at Kings Dock on Liverpool’s famous waterfront. Day 2 Experience: Liverpool Fab 4 Taxi Tour & Strawberry Field Exhibition After dipping our toes into the world of the Fab 4 ‘Yesterday’, we continue our Beatles-themed tour with a ‘Ticket to Ride’ on a smashing, swinging sixties taxi tour lasting 5 ½ hours . We follow ‘The Long and Winding Road’ around Liverpool and its surrounding suburbs in our private taxi, driven by a local expert guide, as we learn all about Liverpool’s beloved four lads with visits to some of the iconic places that shaped their lives – and songs. As well as taking in some of the city centre and its architectural delights, tour highlights include the Beatles’ childhood homes, the place where John Lennon met a 15 year old Paul McCartney for the first time

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LIVERPOOL WEEKEND EXPERIENCE

Bars

Cathedral

Theatre

Museum

Restaurant

KEY ACTIVITIES

KEY EXPERIENCES

• City break in vibrant Liverpool • 2 hour bottomless afternoon tea • See the sights of Liverpool • Taxi tour of iconic Beatles locations & city • Visit the interactive Strawberry Field exhibition

Pullman Hotel Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside

WHY THIS HOTEL?

Located at Kings Dock on Liverpool’s famous waterfront, next to the state of the art Liverpool Exhibition Centre, the Pullman Hotel is just a 5 minute stroll to the vibrant Albert Dock and all its famous attractions. There are 216 modern, well-decorated bedrooms finished to a high standard which also contain bathrobes and slippers. The large, modern, open plan restaurant has views over some areas of the Albert Dock and

Janine says… “ The Pullman Liverpool is vibrant, modern, trendy and to a high level throughout, making this a perfect choice for a Younger Market weekend city break. The location is phenomenal on the iconic Albert Dock! ”

there is a comfortable bar and well-equipped gym. 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast - Twin from £189pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £60 Based on Friday arrivals Inclusions

• 2 hour afternoon tea & unlimited prosecco at Hard Days Night Hotel • 5 ½ hour Fab 4 Beatles city taxi tour • Entrance to Strawberry Field visitor exhibition

Full Itinerary: www.albatrosstravel.com/tour/here-comes-the-fun-and-we-say-its-all-right

Afternoon Tea at Hard Days Night Hotel

01732 879191 | [email protected] | www.albatrosstravel.com

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A Craicing Long Weekend in Ireland!

4 Days from £ 375 pp

Walking the Wicklow Way © James Fennell Tourism Ireland

This lively Irish experience is sure to be right up your younger customers’ street! Based at the superb Treacys Enniscorthy, we enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of real Ireland on this action-packed tour. We put our best foot forward on a stunning guided walking trail with breathtaking Wicklow Mountain views, try our hand at scone and tea making and visit the fantastically atmospheric Malzard- O’Gradys pub where we hone our pint-pulling, Irish singing, dancing, storytelling and even hurling skills! Guests won’t want the fun to end, which is why we’ve added an optional extra day with a chocolate making masterclass and murder mystery evening to this cracking

craic-filled line-up. Let’s go! PACK AGE D I T I N E R ARY Day 1 Arrival

some lively singing and dancing with traditional instruments. We also learn how to pull the perfect pint and can enjoy our efforts as we tuck into a tasty pie lunch. We spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure in the medieval city of Kilkenny before ramping things up again with an action-packed, traditional games night at our hotel. We feast on a pig on a spit, show off our new-found Guinness pulling skills and enjoy more traditional Irish dancing with a Celtic Roots Riverdance show! Day 4 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.

We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner and some live entertainment. Day 2 Experience: Avonmore Way Trail & Ballyknocken House & Cookery School This morning we embark on the picturesque Avonmore Way trail , which takes around 3 ¼ hours to complete. We follow a mixture of minor road, forest road and track on this 12-kilometre guided trail, as we navigate our way around the scenic slopes of Trooperstown Hill and through the beautiful Claravale Nature Reserve, with the tranquil Avonmore River running alongside. There are plenty of lovely picnic spots where we can make a pitstop for our packed lunch and admire our stunning surrounds. This afternoon we visit the Ballyknocken House & Cookery School , owned by TV chef Catherine Fulvio. We don our aprons and rustle up some flavoured scones – yum! – before heading into the Ballyknocken garden to pick a herb and floral mix to create our own herbal tea! We sip on our tasty tisanes and tuck into our freshly baked scones, served with homemade rhubarb and ginger jam and cinnamon butter. Back at our hotel, we enjoy a Thai night with a cooking demonstration, fascinating vegetable carving and delicious buffet dinner. Day 3 Experience: Malzard-O’Gradys Irish Pub Experience, Kilkenny & Games Night After a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a stroll around Enniscorthy town, we make our way to the Malzard-O’Gradys Pub in Stoneyford for a truly memorable Irish pub experience . We are hurled into the ancient Gaelic game of hurling with a smashing demonstration before our experience continues with an insight into the art of Irish storytelling and

Why not add a 4th night and let the fun roll on? Please call us for prices.

WHY NOT ADD

Day 4 Experience: Waterford, Chocolate Making & Murder Mystery We spend the morning with time at leisure to explore and enjoy lunch in Waterford. We then go in search of something sweet with a chocolate making masterclass lasting approximately 90 minutes. We start by tempering chocolate and then make some temptingly decadent ganache, before unleashing our creative skills with some piping work on chocolate truffles. Our day then takes an intriguing twist as we embark on a murder mystery experience in Enniscorthy Castle this evening. We enjoy canapés and wine as we are transported back to 1798 to get into character. As we wander around the stunning castle, the mystery unfolds around us as we try to solve the murder and bring the culprit to justice! Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home.

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