Countries Archives - Page 4 of 208 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Pitching in for the European disc golf festival in Estonia

20th May 202620th May 2026 funtime65

And after spending a lifetime getting worse at golf I’d be better off pitching in for the European disc golf festival in Estonia.

Who knew, well, we do recall a colleague who played it with his student pals in the Meadows in Edinburgh.

But it has come a long way since and now even has its variant of golf’s greatest competition the Ryder Cup.

In disc golf’s Presidents Cup which this year marks its 20th year.

When Americans and Europeans fling Frisbees along a green space and then into a basket.

Gold disc

It’ll all flip-off with the European Open, the only PDGA Major in Europe, from June 18–21 in Tallinn.

Before the one-night showcase that is the Presidents Cup.

Now, we’re promised family activities, delicious street food and a lively vendor village filled with shops and entertainment at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds.

And because we’re always up for the party even if we don’t know the music.

We’re looking forward to rap duo Clicherik & Mäx keeping the energy high between the President’s Cup action in the Baltic nation.

And Traffic and Daniel Levi headlining the European Open musical accompaniment.

Hot shot

So, you want to know how to play and where to play.

Well, the sport’s rulers encourage us just to find a piece of green land.

And if there are trees in the way so much the better.

Because they are part of the challenge… throw your disc into the trees and it’s a penalty shot if it’s 2m up the branches. And good luck getting it down.

And like golf clubs there are different discs for varied shots.

Course of action

Spectacular: Estonia hosts Presidents Cup

There are 45 countries that currently have established Disc Golf Associations and a registered membership.

If you want to find the established courses, there is a list on the PDGA web site. What’s more it’ll probably be free.

Of course, both the Royal & Ancient game and Disc golf, the latter which has its roots in 1970s California, put a premium on fun.

And have a 19th hole in common.

And with flights from Britain to Tallinn from £39 one-way par for the course this is a shot you’ll need to take.

America, Countries, UK

Your own American Revolution in Britain

19th May 202619th May 2026 funtime65

Now you don’t have to visit Boston or Philly, though you should… you can have your own American Revolution in Britain.

Like much else in life I turn to TV historian Lucy Worsley to fill in those very few gaps in my knowledge.

And now I’m armed with the new knowledge from her TV show Lucy Worsley Investigates the American Revolution.

Of where the Patriots had their footprint on British soil.

I aim to explore what’s in my backyard.

Naked truth about Franklin

Lucy brings us naturally to the house where Benjamin Franklin lived from 1757 to 1775.

And where Lucy tells us he would announce himself to Londoners.

By drawing the shutters and standing breathing in the air in his birthday suit.

As well as its many artefacts and pointers to the Founding Father’s place in American history.

You can participate in a funky game the inventor, ambassador, writer and raconteur created.

Out of electricity and the King’s head.

Which all sounds a good idea… common sense really.

The Unofficial Founder

And so thought Thomas Paine, once of the English shires.

Now you probably wouldn’t associate Thetford, Norfolk as a hotbed of revolutions.

But it was here and in Lewes, Sussex that firebrand Paine first started pedalling his sedition.

Before, with Franklin’s help he decamped to the American colonies.

And published his best-seller Common Sense.

Down with the Crown

Standing tall: Putting Paine on a podium

With zinger lines such as…

‘There is another and greater distinction for which no truly natural or religious reason can be assigned.

‘And that is the distinction of men into kings and subjects.’

More of which you can learn for yourself at Bull House, his residence on the south coast of England.

And wrote his first political pamphlet The Case of the Officers of Excise.

Part of the first national unionised action anywhere in the world.

While if you want to travel, you can make your way to Paine’s homestead of Thetford for an obligatory selfie in front of his statute.

Countries, Sport, UK

Nobody rivals the Cotswolds for horsey sets

18th May 202618th May 2026 funtime65

And if you’ve caught the Jilly Cooper equestrian bug then let us tell you… nobody rivals the Cotswolds for horsey sets.

So come with us and follow in the footsteps of Rupert Campbell-Black and Taggie O’Haray on our Central English Horsewolds tour.

Acceptable in the Eighties

Tetbury: Rivals revives the decade of shoulder pads and jodhpurs in the quaint rural village of Tetbury.

Where its good burghers transformed Long Street’s independent shops with Eighties-style frontages.

Replacing road signs with Cotchester ones and even hanging banners to welcome Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Georgian church St Mary’s, doubles as the parish church of Cotchester for a key wedding scene.

While the Grade II listed Berkeley House on the Chipping stood in as the home of American TV producer Cameron Cook.

Beyond its screen credentials, visitors can expect antique dealers, gastropubs and the eccentric Woolsack Races each May.

Cotswolds’ rich tapestry

Chavenage: Grade I listed Elizabethan manor Chavenage House just outside Tetbury, is one of the Cotswolds’ vaunted screen sets.

The honey-stoned 16th-century property served as The Priory, home to Aidan Turner’s TV presenter Declan O’Hara.

And we can arrange group reservations and wonder at the fine 17^thcentury tapestries.

A Polo mint

Polo Country: Chukka this our way… Cirencester Park Polo Club, set within the magnificent Bathurst Estate.

The Beaufort Polo Club was a filming location for Series 2 with lessons and courses through its polo school.

King of the Castle

Lord of the manor: Berkeley Castle. Credit: Nick Turner

Berkeley Castle: Where any Rivals fan worth their money will tell you the Rutshire Cup polo match was filmed, in episode 1 of season 2.

Built in 1153, the castle remains the home of the Berkeley family today, over 24 generations later.

Once you’ve spotted it in Rivals, go visit the castle yourself from spring-autumn and take a guided tour.

Stop off at the Kitchen Garden café and gift shop, or visit the LEGO Brick History exhibition on now until 10 June.

Supersonic

Aerospace Bristol: Home to Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last Concorde to fly.

And, of course, the backdrop for that raunchy opening scene of season 1 Rivals.

It is also reported to appear in season 2.

Aerospace Bristol is open year-round to visitors, and go once and your ticket is valid for a whole year.

Right royal party

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel: The 150-year-old Grade II listed hotel is the backdrop to Rivals season 2 episode 1 where characters Declan and Maud O’Hara stay.

It has also welcomed famous guests over the years, from Winston Churchill to Cary Grant.

And you’ll have one up on them with your view, as the cheeky Well-Hung Lover mural by Banksy, just opposite.

And a cameo from Jilly

Cosy Club Bristol: The author made her own cameo in season 1 in the lavish setting ofCosy Club Bristol.

Visit this opulent restaurant for an Eighties feast of steak and chips, some sumptuous prawns and a classy cocktail.

And channel your inner Freddie Jones, aka Danny Dyer, in Queen Square, drove a battery-powered Sinclair C5 in season 1, too.

America, Countries

When Teddy Roosevelt followed John Muir’s way

17th May 202617th May 2026 funtime65

And because Americans have much to thank him for, today we remember when Teddy Roosevelt followed John Muir’s way.

Which, of course, we talked about when we hooked up with Teddy last year in Chicago.

And no, we’re not that old to have been there.

When the US President and the Scots conservationist and explorer made history back in 1903.

Teddy, steady go

But we did the next best thing, chewing the fat with Joe Wiegand.

Today’s foremost Teddy Roosevelt, who channels everything there is to be said about the 26th Commander-in-Chief.

And was quick to tell me when he picked up on my accent of his Scottish roots through his mum Mittie Bulloch.

But he had little to say on his friendship with Dunbar, East Lothian-born Muir.

Well, Teddy’s memory may be failing him, being 168 now.

Although Teddy and John went on a three-night camping trip together.

And the Scot took the time to persuade the American how he could help preserved the Great American Outdoors.

The Great Outdoors

During Teddy’s presidency he placed 230 million acres of public land under government protection.

Including the iconic landmarks such as the Yosemite Valley and the Grand Canyon.

He became a close friend of Muir who had written: “Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness.

“All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.”

Walking in their footsteps

Now it was always Teddy and John’s earnest hope that we would check out the Yosemite Valley and Grand Canyon for ourselves.

While we can also mark John Muir’s legacy by visiting John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar.

Or walking the 134-mile John Muir Way.

From the east coast of Scotland, past my house in North Berwick, to Helensburgh on the west coast.

While Teddy’s Presidential Library will be in keeping with the Great Man on a different scale when it is opened on June 30.

A 93-acre site, a mile and a half west of Medora, North Dakota and celebrating the Great Outdoors.

And when Teddy Roosevelt followed John Muir’s way.

We’d expect too that there will always be a place for Teddy Bears to have a picnic.

Countries, Culture, Europe, Music

Good night Vienna

16th May 2026 funtime65

It promises to be a good night Vienna with Eurovision but we’re going high-brow here with Andrea Bocelli and our old pals at Institute for Culture Travel.

With the Italian tenor the centrepiece of a four-nighter tour of the grand old Austrian capital.

Where you’ll take in grand palaces, historic streets, manicured public gardens and charming street cafes.

It’s fitting that Vienna is hosting Eurovision, in spite of all its chintz.

As there are few cities with quite the classical heritage as the Austrian gem.

With Schubert, Strauss, Schoenberg and Berg all born here.

And Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms and Mahler choosing Vienna as their home.

Time to say hi, hi

Rock me Amadeus: With Mozart in Salzburg

Bocelli’s turn on August 22 is part of his Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour.

Bocelli will be accompanied by a full orchestra and choir, delivering an evening of beloved classics.

Especially selections from Romanza, the album that launched his global career with hits like Con te partiro and Time to Say Goodbye.

All in a grand open-air setting filled with emotion and musical excellence.

Your Discover Imperial Vienna & Andrea Bocelli in Concert tour comes in at from €1369pps with a booking deposit of €650pp.

Tour de force

ICT will ensure you’ll have to do nothing but sing your little hearts out with a package including:

Return flights from Dublin
Three nights’ accommodation at the 4★ Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn, including daily breakfast
Welcome drink at your hotel
Evening dinner on day one
Guided panoramic coach tour of Vienna, showcasing the city’s grand architecture and historic highlights
Visit to the Johann Strauss House, celebrating the life and music of the legendary “Waltz King”
Traditional Viennese café experience, immersing you in the city’s celebrated coffeehouse culture
Visit the Hofburg Palace and Sisi Apartments
Three-course pre-concert dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant
Evening concert performance by Andrea Bocelli, an unforgettable night of music
Coach transportation and professional guide services for all transfers and excursions

Asia, Countries, Deals

Bullet for speed in Japan

15th May 202615th May 2026 funtime65

We’ve experience, of course, of Japanese trains over 13 years in Ireland, but we won’t hold our breath that the country will get the top-grade stock, the type that’s bullet for speed in Japan.

Passengers will be quick to share with you how Iarnrod Eirann ordered in a stock of Japanese trains back in the day.

And RTE archives recalls that there was much excitement after they were shipped in to Dublin Port after a six-week journey from Asia.

And that the new rail cars were lifted by a 400-hundred tonne crane from ship to dockside.

With two land-based cranes to place the carriages on rail lines, to be linked to a locomotive and towed to the Iarnród Éireann Inchicore railway works.

With especial emphasis on the accessible toilets on board.

Only the stock that they got for their Dublin Area Regional Transport (DART) service had seats to accommodate the smaller Japanese rather than hearty Irish people.

And no toilets!

On the right track

We digress and that digression takes us today to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Courtesy of our pals at Tropical Sky who are tempting us with a 20-day rail trail.

This immersive adventure, they promise, takes passengers across all three of the country’s main islands, Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido.

Where you’ll be able to take in the poignant history of Nagasaki and Hiroshima to the timeless temples of Kyoto.

The vibrant streets of Tokyo and the scenic beauty of Northern Japan.

With every destination seamlessly connected by one of the world’s most efficient rail systems.

The rail thing

And this is what you can look forward to…

Travel across Japan aboard its renowned rail network, including high-speed bullet trains
Contemplate the history of Nagasaki and Hiroshima
Marvel at the temples and traditions of Kyoto
Seek out the famous Snow Monkeys in the Japanese Alps
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Tokyo
Discover the charm of Sendai and Hakodate
Experience the unique atmosphere of Sapporo

A 19-night Japan by Rail Tour is priced from £9,449 pp based on two sharing a room.

This includes international flights, all transportation and transfers, 19 nights accommodation, 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 19 dinners, air-conditioned coach travel, guides and entrance fees.

Although Tropical Sky can’t tell us if they can arrange Brad Pitt to be there on our bullet train.

But if they can arrange it for anyone, they will, for us.

Countries, Food & Wine

The Connecticut Father of Cocktails on World Cocktail Day

13th May 202613th May 2026 funtime65

And because it had to start somewhere let’s raise a glass to the Connecticut Father of Cocktails on World Cocktail Day.

Because it was today 220 years ago that the name of the drink was coined.

When clergyman, editor and Yale alumnus Harry Crosswell, of the New York tabloid The Balance and Colombian Repository, defined it.

Ginger up your day

As ‘a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters.’

As in a cock’s tail standing up meaning a stimulant.

Possibly in reference too to gingering an old horse with a ginger suppository so it would ‘cock its tail up and be frisky’.

All in response to a reader’s request so it’s always best to ask.

All Greek to us

What the Greek for all of that is we’d have to check back into our bank of Classical Greek from school.

With Socrates, Aristotle, Plato and their pals known to imbibe kykeon, an Ancient Greek custom.

Surrounding the Eleusinian Mysteries initiation ceremony held every year for the cult of Demeter and Persephone.

You’ll find evidence in the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai in Greece.

And they were also used in the court of Philip II of Macedon to prepare and serve mixtures of wine, water, honey.

Answer to our prayers

Now because we have a swathe of cocktails on the market.

And because as fast as I roadtest cocktails new ones get made up.

We’ll hark back to the days of gingering with a sample ginger cocktail, honouring the old clergyman.

And yes we know Harry was an episcopalian but the name of this one was too good to ignore.

With thanks to Liberandcompany here’s the Backsliding Presbyterian.

Over to you bartender

Drink from the gods: Backsliding Presbyterian

The highball features a mix of ginger, bourbon, and a hint of Campari.

Ingredients:

¾ oz Fiery Ginger Syrup
2 oz bourbon whiskey
½ oz Campari
1 oz lime juice
club soda

Instructions:

Shake all but club soda with ice for five seconds
Strain into a highball glass filled with ice
Top with soda and garnish

So, we’ve gingered up your day and now that it’s getting on to Cocktail Hour we’ll leave you to do the rest.

Countries, Europe, Food & Wine

Hungary and thirsty for a Magyar wine bus tour

12th May 202612th May 2026 funtime65

And as its English name lends itself to fun for punsters we’ve been served with Hungary and thirsty for a Magyar wine bus tour.

The Magyars have launched their first hop-on hop-off wine bus, on the shores of Lake Balaton in the north of the country.

With 22 wineries, two curated routes, award-winning wines and breathtaking Balaton views.

The 46° Balaton zeroes in on the Balatonfüred–Csopak wine region, which lies close to the 46th parallel north.

Which is the same prestigious European wine belt as iconic wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley.

Balatonfüred and Tihany have become two of the Mayars‘ most popular summer destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Ferry traffic between Szántód and Tihany recently hit record numbers.

While Balatonfüred alone records more than 1.4 million guest nights annually.

Wine O’Clock

We have oenophile Virág Szabó to thank for the tour.

Virág has spent years of summers in Balatonfüred, yet repeatedly found herself visiting the same wineries.

Because many of the region’s hidden gems are difficult to access without a car.

While even short taxi rides from the vineyards can become surprisingly expensive.

“I saw a similar concept on the other side of the world, and immediately thought: why don’t we have this in Hungary?’ she shared.

The idea felt so simple, yet it solves such an obvious problem,” recalls Virág Szabó.

The Magyar Bus

Red, red wine: And drinking with ‘Red’ Aileen

The service operates four days a week — from Wednesday to Saturday — between mid-May and the end of September.

With a special route also planned for Pentecost Sunday.

Buses depart each morning from Vitorlás Square in central Balatonfüred and return there around sunset.

The “Old Friends” route runs on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Taking guests to some of the region’s best-known wineries across Balatonfüred, Aszófő, Pécsely, Balatonszőlős, Csopak, and Paloznak.

With buses circulating every 90 minutes.

Hidden Treasures

The ‘Hidden Treasures’ route operates on Fridays and Saturdays.

Offering a nearly 60-kilometre discovery journey through the rolling hills of the Balaton Highlands.

This route focuses on family-run wineries in villages such as Pécsely, Mencshely, Óbudavár, Szentantalfa, Tagyon, and Balatonakali.

With buses initially running every 120 minutes.

At the heart of the experience is the bus itself: a unique 1984 retro convertible DAF bus.

It features a covered front section and a fully open-air rear deck.

Just the ticket

For visitors staying in Tihany, a dedicated return shuttle service will also be available.

The transfer route includes five stops — including the Tihany ferry terminal.

Including transporting passengers from Tihany to Balatonfüred in the morning and back again in the evening.

Making the experience easily accessible both for southern shore visitors and guests staying in Tihany.

The 46° Balaton Wine Bus is designed as a full-day experience and is family-friendly, making it suitable for visitors with children as well.

Tickets became available from 8 May via the official website at 46balaton.hu.

Due to limited capacity, advance booking is recommended.

America, Countries

When a Maryland town took the Michael out of the British

11th May 202611th May 2026 funtime65

And as we send Favourite Cousin and Cousin-in-law back home to the Oo Es Eh we’re as good as our word in sharing the story of when a Maryland town took the Michael out of the British.

A subject that King Charles noticeably decided not to drop into his banter in front of Congress in his speech up the road in Washington DC.

Too busy having a friendly dig at Donald Trump over the burning of the White House… ‘a small attempt at real estate redevelopment.’

St Michaels‘ part in the American story is heralded on the Chesapeake Bay coastline of Maryland but little known across the pond.

But the small Marylander community are rightly proud of their part in protecting the nascent nation as ‘the town that fooled the British.’ in the War of 1812.

All of which you can discover for yourself, and you should as an extension to visiting the US capital 85 miles to the west, at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Light the lantern of freedom

America the Brave: St Michaels fights back

The story goes though that in the early morning of August 10, 1813 the citizens reportedly placed lanterns high in the trees, on ships’ mastheads, and on the roofs of buildings.

So that the enemy would be fooled into firing over the town.

And so the British Redcoats rowed their boats along the Miles River, on a dark and stormy night.

The British appeared at Parrot’s Point at 4am, where the Americans had two cannons waiting for them.

As 300 British marines marched on shore, William Dodson and the Marylanders took aim.

Shots heard around the world

Sign of the times: The proud St Michaels boast

The museum’s curators tell us that the Americans “’were able to get maybe two shots. And then they grabbed their flag and ran back to town.’

After the Americans disappeared into the mist, the British got back in their boats, and trained their cannon on St. Michaels.

But they were not successful, shooting over the town.

St Michaels, just like every small town, big city and shotgun shack across the US will celebrate Modern America’s 250th all across the year.

And the good news for us is that they’re not playing Hide and Seek with today’s British visitors.

Countries, Europe, Flying

Get off to a flier with twin trips

10th May 202610th May 2026 funtime65

And as our own race across the world continues here’s how to get off to a flier with twin trips.

All of us know that burning curiosity of looking out over to the next field.

Before finding out for ourselves how green it is.

With visitors on our loveholidays odyssey to Rhodes availing of the hop, skip and jump to Marmaris in Turkey.

Symi, see you: And Turkey on the horizon

And sailing into Turkish broadband space in Greek Dodecanese Island Symi.

Just as we found on the Jordan side of the world’s waterway the Red Sea when we entered into Israeli broadband space.

While we looked out over the Jordan river itself at the site of John’s baptism of Jesus to Israel.

Broadening our borders

There are many ways to cross a border, some more hospitable than others.

And we’ve climbed every mountain to walk unopposed through a metal gate from Austria into Germany.

And will walk across the International Bridge from Valenca do Minho in Portugal to Tui in Galicia in north-west Spain on Camino.

With La Raya/A Raia (the border) Europe’s oldest, dating back to 1297.

So now we’ve outlined some of the walkable borders.

We move on to those we can traverse by train and plane.

Now our friends at our local Edinburgh Airport have pointed us in the direction of these top twin trips.

From Berlin to Biarritz

Now Poznan’s charms have naturally long been known to Poles.

But for the rest of us we only came to love the western Polish city at Euro 2012.

With their fans’ backs to the action goal celebration.

Join the Poznan wave yourself by taking a three-hour train journey from Berlin.

While Austria and Hungary are linked by proximity and politics.

And Vienna and Budapest are just two and a half hours apart.

Of course, some countries’ borders are always disputed.

And people on one side share more in common with those across the border than the rest of the country they inhabit.

As is the way of it with the Basque Country, separated by the French and Spanish border.

But, of course, you can enjoy both by train from Biarritz to San Sebastián in just over an hour.