Deals Archives - Page 6 of 43 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

How to be the life and Soll of a skiing trip

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And this one’s for Daughterie and her partner Cakes as she takes her first steps on the snows of a nursery slope… how to be the life and Soll of a skiing trip.

Because the Austrian user-friendly skiing resort was where we, the Scary One and myself, tested whether we were suited for the mountains.

The answer to which is ja, but only through patience and the reviving powers of shots and schnapps.

Which I should have tried with my University sweetheart in Aberdeen.

Now as Daughterie and Cakes (and as an ex-ice hockey player, I put him down as a black runner) scope out trips for their first skiing holiday.

I’m gently directing them to Irish providers Directski.com.

And the Black Friday deals which run until December 2.

Live life to the Max

Reach for the heights: The Austrian Alps

With a tag line of ‘founded on the belief that skiing shouldn’t be reserved for the loaded or Lycra-clad’ Directski.com sounds just right for my party people.

Directski.com offers flights, accommodation transfers and a friendly rep in resort, all bundled in in a week of snowy fun.

Of the destinations they’re flagging up is our old stomping ground of Soll.

Where you’ll stay at the Pension, or Hotel, Maximilian on January 31.

With a bumper reduction, from €948, down to €699, which is a saving of €249 per person.

Of course, proximity is key with any accommodation, then this billet will suit you down to the Max.

It’s just a three-minute walk to the ski bus stop, with easy access to the slopes.

Andorra’s box

Alternatively, Andorra is often mooted as the ideal destination to learn how to ski plough.

And, of course, visitors from Ireland need no education in apres-ski.

Now Directski.com are all over the tiny Pyrenees country between France and Spain.

Arinsal is the pick of the bunch with Directski.com pointing us in the direction of the Hotel St Gothard for a week from March 8.

Where they’re offering a ski couple getaway to knock your ski socks off.

Pitched at €679, down from €903, which, and we’ll do the math for you, is a saving of €224pp.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Pilgrimage

No man gets left behind on a Tenerife trek

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My old colleague, The Other Jim, is, of course, well-travelled and his boots well-trodden but even he wilted under the Canarian sun… then again no man gets left behind on a Tenerife trek.

You may well have seen the esteemed James Gallagher, with whom I shared a parish for years in Ireland, striding along a lane near you.

Particularly if that lane is the Wild Atlantic Way.

On this occasion we were pioneers on a recce for a new CaminoWays trek in Tenerife, CanariaWays.

Only our guides had overestimated our Irish pastiness.

Or our need for more than the usual water, chocolate and protein bar supply on those open hills.

All of which meant that we had to come back down the hill from the Franco memorial bar (now, that’s another story).

To retrieve Big Jim because no man gets left behind on a Tenerife walking trek.

Walk like an Irishman

I found that too in a different terrain and a different walking group, the most resilient trekkers you can meet, the senior citizens’ walkers.

On a hike through the Austrian Tyrol with Travel Department.

Now, of course, have boots, will travel, is the TD motto and they will guide you through the multi-faceted, multi-climate zone, idyll that is Tenerife.

You’ll be based in the town of Puerto de la Cruz and enjoy the volcanic black beaches of Playa Jardín.

Mojo rojo: In Tenerife with Matthew Hirtes

Your guide will lead you on trails through Teide National Park, offering stunning views of Mount Teide.

You’ll explore the lush laurel forests and rugged cliffs of Teno Rural Park.

And trek the historic Las Vueltas Footpath in Anaga Rural Park.

The volcanic landscapes of Montana Samara.

And visit the ancient caves of the indigenous inhabitants within Corona Forestal Nature Park.

A walk for all

You’ll travel on February 5 with prices from €1,719pp.

The seven-night trip will offer moderate routes on each walking day.

And is ideal for moderately experienced or experienced walkers, and Our Jim.

The average daily walking distance on moderate walks is between 7.6km-12.85km.

With ascents between of between 369-730m.

And a maximum daily walking duration of up to four and a half hours.

A Teide packet

TD offers €100pp off tours departing before April 1 use code WALKING100.

Explore magnificent natural scenery & impressive hiking trails on this walking holiday in Tenerife.

There will be five guided walking trips through diverse terrains & national parks.

Experience highlights like Mount Teide, Anaga Rural Park & Montana Samara.

Unwind after hikes on the volcanic black sand beaches of Playa Jardín.

Your seven nights will be spent in a three-star half board hotel with flights and transfers from Dublin.

Countries, Deals, Europe

A Vlads holiday in budget Romania

31st October 2025 funtime65

And for the day that’s in it here’s one to get your teeth into, a Vlads holiday in budget Romania.

We all know that the oul’ blood-sucker themselves, no, not Rachel Reeves, but Dracula hails from Transylvania.

Which despite the protests from the Hungarian friends we met this year belongs to modern-day Romania.

And which draws tens of thousands to the ancient Central European state particularly at this time of year.

Now if you want a fangtastic Autumn holiday to look forward to next year then keep your black cape to hand.

Legends & Landscapes

Solos puts on an escorted Legends & Landscapes of Romania tour.

Which takes solo travellers deep into the landscapes that inspired the Dracula legend.

From the medieval streets of Bucharest’s Old Town to the dramatic peaks of the Carpathian Mountains.

Guests will visit the imposing Bran Castle, long associated with Count Dracula.

As well as the fairytale Peleș Castle and the UNESCO-listed citadel of Sighișoara.

The birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure behind Bram Stoker’s vampire.

From Dublin to Romania

Bram, with an ‘n’ being the Dublin Victorian author who brought the oul’ vampire back to life.

And who is marked every year in Dublin with his own day where you can visit his home, a modern-day attraction.

Solos’ week-long itinerary also includes guided walking tours of Sibiu and Brașov.

Plus a visit to the Zărnești Bear Sanctuary, home to rescued brown bears.

Vampires and bears

The seven-night Legends & Landscapes of Romania tour departs 4 May and costs £2,199 pp.

Including return flights, airport transfers and taxes.

A room for solo use, daily breakfast, welcome dinner, one lunch and farewell dinner and a welcome drink.

A walking tour of Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov and Bucharest.

Visits to Prejmer, Brukenthal Museum, Biertan, Viscri, Peles Castle, Dracula’s Castle, Libearty Bear Sanctuary and a dedicated Solos Tour Leader.

Alternatively, Solos also offers a 28 September departure if you want to get closer to the Halloween date.

Africa, Countries, Deals

Sharm el-Sheikh it up

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And when the leaders of the world have to combine work with pleasure they Sharm el-Sheikh it up.

The fabled resort on the Egyptian Red Sea was, of course, the setting for the Middle Eastern peace conference.

Fittingly, really, as the great watery pleasure ground fronts on to eight states.

Which you’ll know if you’ve been taken out on the water.

Which, we were, in our case by Zuhair, our Jordanian guide on our G Adventures break.

Alas in this region you are never too far away from reminders of conflicts past and present.

Such as tanks which have been dropped in the sea… to help with the marine life.

And which the snorkelers in our party availed of, swimming down to the great hulks.

While others wimped out on first contact with the water and got back on board to get an early start on lunch.

Now should you wish to alight on Sharm el-Sheikh and it is to my regret that I caved in to the Scary One.

And gave away our invitation there back in the day to a less deserving colleague and friend.

Then here are five 5* options hand-picked by our friends at the welcomingly named Plenty Holidays.

With emojis compliments of Plenty Holidays, symbols we think would meet The Donald’s approval.

Good luck Sharm

📍 Stay 7 nights at the 5* Sheraton Sharm Hotel & Spa
🛏️ All Inclusive Stay + FREE Transfers!
🌊 Free Upgrade to Sea View Limited availability !
💰 Just £379 pp with Return Flights Included!
📅 Travel Oct-Dec 2025 / Jan- Oct 2026. Price based on Jan 2026.

The Phew Lagoon

📍 Stay 7 nights at the 𝟓* 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭
🛏️ All Inclusive Stay + FREE Transfers!
💰 Just £349 pp with Return Flights Included!
📅 Travel Oct-Dec 2025 / Jan- Oct 2026. Price based on Jan 2026.

The lucky Pickalbatross

📍 Stay 7 nights at the 𝟓* 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭
🛏️ All Inclusive Stay + FREE Transfers!
💰 Just £449 pp with Return Flights Included!
🌊 Free Upgrade to Superior with Balcony/Terrace Limited availability !
📅 Travel Oct-Dec 2025 / Jan- Oct 2026. Price based on Dec 2025.

Asp and you shall receive

📍 7 nights at the 𝟓* 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐮𝐱𝐮𝐫𝐲 Resort

🛏️ All Inclusive Stay + FREE Transfers!
💰 Just £459 pp with Return Flights Included!
📅 Travel Oct-Dec 2025 / Jan- Oct 2026. Price based on Dec 2025.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe

Your night at the Dresden Semperoper

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Theirs is an epic story of resilience and rebirth to play out ahead of your night at the Dresden Semperoper.

Twice destroyed by fire and once by water the Semperoper looks every inch the Renaissance classic erected in 1841.

Only this is the second opera house, the original having been destroyed in a blaze in 1869.

And then by Allied bombers targeting Saxony at the end of the Second World War.

The voice of Dresden: With Ingrid in Dresden

All of which I know and more from my freunde and guide, see I was listening Ingrid.

Dresden’s reputation as the Florence of the Elbe alas did not preserve it from Allied Bombers.

Despite the convention that cities of culture should be immune.

Feather touches

Dresden’s renaissance, brick by brick, fresco by fresco, makes it the perfect pick.

For your Institute for Cultural Travel mini-break.

Billed as The Magic of Dresden: A Three-Night Cultural Escape, your delve into history and opera comes in at from €1495pps for April 27.

You’ll arrive from Dublin on your Ryanair flight in Berlin early on your first day in Berlin.

And your guide will drive you the two hours down the road to Baroque palace and moated castle, Moritzburg.

If it’s hunting trophies and ornate gilt leather tapestries that’s your thing then Moritzburg is the place for you.

Never mind the famed Feather Room, adorned with over a million coloured ticklers… followed by lunch in a local restaurant.

The stage is set

You’ll stay the next three nights being wined and dined and sleeping the night off at the Hilton Dresden.

But maybe pace yourself as you’ve 700 years of history to walk through and that Verdi opera at the Semperoper.

Admire the graceful Augustus Bridge and the magnificent Residenzschloss, one of the city’s oldest and most historic buildings.

Your guide will take you to the historic Sophienkeller restaurant for pre-opera dinner and drinks.

Before taking your category 1 seats for La Traviata.

Culture vultures will delight in the next morning’s trip to the Old Masters Picture Gallery.

In the 19th-century Semper Building at the Zwinger, restored after seven years of renovation.

Answer to our prayers

And Dresdenophiles will advise that you visit the Frauenkirche and Martin Luther will point you in the right direction.

Ich bin ein Dresdener: Und Martin Luther

Of course, whatever you miss you can come back and see the next day.

Before your guide takes you back to Berlin and onwards to Dublin.

Asia, Countries, Deals

Sumo Fomo then this is what’s big in Japan

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It’s the heavyweight attraction taking London by storm but if you can’t get there and are having Sumo Fomo then this is what’s big in Japan.

Wexas Travel will take you to the stable, well they are thoroughbreds.

Where for a £125pp extension to your holiday you can get inside the sumo wrestler (insert your own gag here).

All with the help of a guide and reference book (in English) for the tournament.

Of course the best place to learn about Sumo isn’t Channel Four.

Although that was for most of us our introduction to the heavyweight sport back in the 80s when the station launched in Britain.

A yen for sumo

But, fair play, they had gone out to the Kokugikan National Sumo Arena, Tokyo, where you’ll be going.

You’ll meet your guide at a nearby hotel at 1.15pm for a short lecture about the history of the sport.

And then join the crowds of fans awaiting their favourite wrestlers.

Sumo being as much about the stylised ritual as the sport you’ll enjoy the entrance ceremony of the highest ranked yokozuna wrestlers.

The matches start and continue until 6pm.

All the time guests will be free to explore the stadium as they please.

I’ll have what he’s having

The sumo museum is a must and you’ll be keen to fill your cart with merch and we just know a nodding sumo on your bookcase will get people talking.

Of course the highlight outside the arena will be channeling your inner Japanese at their food and drink stands.

And particularly the hall where sumo wrestlers serve chanko nabe, the delicious that they eat to bulk up.

All of this, of course, is a combo with your main tour.

Essential Japan

And Wexas offers Essential Japan, a 10-day tailor-made holiday from £4,125 pp including flights.

With three nights in Tokyo, two nights in Hakone and three nights in the ancient capital Kyoto.

Wexas kindly boil that down to:

Experience the big city commotion and skyscrapers of Tokyo
Stay in stunning national park ryokans, hike past peaceful forest-fringed lakes and soak in private onsen baths
Take in scenic mountain railways and elevated metropolitan loops on authentic Shinkansen bullet trains
Discover Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto
Explore ancient geisha districts and elaborate Buddhist temples.

America, Countries, Deals

Universal’s Fast & Furious Flying Cars

17th October 2025 funtime65

My Dear Old Mum‘s driving prowess was legendary with Dad calling her Stirling Moss, so I’d venture that she was airborne long before Universal’s Fast & Furious Flying Cars.

Time has surely whizzed by since Jimmy Fallon, no less, was audio guiding us through a crazy Fast & Furious studio tour at Universal Hollywood.

And now our Universal buddies have only up and added to the fun with Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.

Universal Studios Hollywood has begun extended testing with its first launch of the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift ride vehicles.

As the theme park’s first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster prepares to open in 2026.

The train containing the four ride vehicles, including the Dodge Charger, will be concealed during this initial test phase.

With the remaining ride vehicles revealed at a later date.

Get the drift

Jimmy, Jimmy: Jimmy Fallon and the Universal Studio Guided Tour

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will feature 360-degree rotation of the individual ride vehicles.

As guests travel along 4,100 feet of elaborate track – the equivalent of nearly 12 football fields – built with sound reduction technology.

So for those who haven’t been in a car with my daredevil Mum, and we know you’ll have your own, it’s a seamless sensation of drifting cars.

As guests spin in motion at fast speeds while speeding along an aerial track.

Get there Fast

That winds its way over sections of the theme park, including the multi-level escalator that connects the Upper and Lower Lots.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will be located on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood.

Guests will queue up within an expansive garage-like structure before settling into one of four ride vehicles, designed to look like the iconic cars from the films.

Including Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger.

We found a return Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Los Angeles (LAX) for a sample five days next month from €551.51 with Ireland’s special pre-clearance obviously.

Countries, Deals, Europe

All you need is Algarve

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All you need is Algarve, it’s the story of Paul and Portugal, let it Penina Albufeira and the Beatles.

Of course. it was a different time, the explosion of package holidays, which even drew in one of the biggest pop stars of his day.

It is hard to imagine the Paul McCartney of today wandering into reception in a Portuguese hotel.

And asking to have five pounds exchanged into escudos (ask your parents).

But party animal and general good guy Paul was persuaded into joining house band Jota Herre on stage in the Sixties.

And improvising a song at the piano which became Penina, before entertaining the patrons until 4am.

Fado Goodbye

And there the story may have stayed other than Portuguese prattle.

Had it not been for Paul playing a version of the song with John Lennon and Ringo Starr during the Get Back sessions.

And Jota Herre recording and releasing the song in March of that year, 1969, followed by Portuguese singer Carlos Mendes.

All of which pop legend is still played out at the Penina.

And Albufeira nights at the Radisson Blu nights in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Macca’s pitch

Come on Aileen: With Senorita Albufeira Aileen

Of course when you have such a prized piece of estate as the Paul McCartney piano he played on that night, well you’d keep it.

It is not unfortunately recorded in the annals of history whether Macca played a round of golf.

At the Panina, the country’s first golf course, designed by major winner Henry Cotton.

But the Penina is still dining out on its Paul McCartney connections.

Deal us in

Just 45 minutes from Faro Airport and served by Ryanair and Jet2 Penina has of course many other features to appeal.

Such as the biggest pool in the Algarve, an Olympic-style swim.

And the first and oldest course in Portugal, dating from 1966.

And standing at their version of St Andrews’ iconic Swilcan Bridge.

We found a random week in November with our go-to providers loveholidays from £778 for two, down from £843.

Countries, Deals, Ships, UK

Irish Ferries are in with the bricks for Halloween

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And as we build for Halloween… let’s go Lego and Irish Ferries are in with the bricks for Halloween.

Bringing visitors across the Irish Sea.

With the culture and mores which we’ve all adopted in Britain in our calendar of festivities and celebrations.

Such as Samhain which the Brits and Yanks have repackaged as Halloween and claimed as their own.

Scaring up a treat

Now, of course, we’re all for cross-fertilisation especially when it adds to the enjoyment.

Which our friends at Lego have always done.

And where Irish Ferries are giving us a fresh incentive this Autumn to join in.

As part of their 10% savings on your theme park package break if you book before October 13.

Now we all have our favourites with some parks feeling like they’ve been around since the first Halloween.

Although they never feel old and are always freshening things up.

Particularly around Halloween, one of the biggest dates in the calendar.

On a theme

Thrill seekers can look forward to the return of award-winning Scarefest at Alton Towers,

While we’ve also been alerted to a fang-tastic Halloween at Chessington World of Adventures, HOWL’O’WEEN!

Both of which look frighteningly good and we’d encourage you to check out.

Gruff break: Gruffalo trail in Chessington

Still, we know that those of us who live in the earthly world are a little more limited in our mobility.

So we’re focusing on one theme park from our old stomping ground.

Brick or treat party

My own Scary One’s back yard of Berkshire in the south of England.

And Legoland Windsor which back in our time was a Safari Park.

But which is now the realm of our favourite blockheads.

And which will naturally be throwing a Brick or Treat party.

Cut us in

Best seat in the house: Legoland attractions

And so you can get your Legoland Windsor package at a cut-price €636, down from €706.

You’ll be treated to a return cruise ferry journey.

Stay for two nights at the Novotel Reading Centre

And enjoy a day at the theme park.

All for two adults and two children up to the age of 11.

Countries, Deals, Europe

This could be Rotterdam, Seville, Riga or Porto

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And with apologies to popsters the Beautiful South and with very different sentiments… this could be Rotterdam, Seville, Riga or Porto.

Because these too-long neglected destinations, which have been living in the shadows of neighbouring bigger cities are now having their moment.

Of course, long before Paul Heaton had raised Rotterdam’s profile with his hit song, your Bandanaman was carting Herself off to enjoy its charms.

Although she might not have been expecting a football match, the Netherlands v Greece at the De Kuyp stadium.

But hey, as I always say, if you want to get under the skin of a people, go to where they play and pray.

Rotterdam good city

And the train to the match was jumping with orange boiler-suited members of the Oranje Army with half basketballs perched on top of their heads.

While we went native ourselves at the game with pea soup and French Fries with mayonnaise, very Dutch.

Our pals at Best Online Holidays have opened up the great port city’s many other charms to us.

Such as the over 40 museums, buzzing cultural scene and bold modern architecture.

Best Online Holidays are offering three nights stay at 3* The James Rotterdam including flights, sure it’s got my name on it.

Stay in the heart of the city, close to Markthal, Coolsingel, and Lijnbaan.

Departs from London Stansted & London Southend on October 11, 12, 13, 26 and 31st from £199pp.

Let’s all be Seville

Seville too was a whistlestop tour to take in the Expo although we almost took in Madrid too.

As The Scary One tried to negotiate the multi-lanes and whizzed back into the right one just in time.

The pride of Andalucia is a delight any time of the year but especially so at festival times, for Semana Santa and Feria de Sevilla.

The same travel providers have two nights stay at 4* Hotel América, room only, including flights.

From London on October 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 from £129pp.

You’ll stay in the heart of Seville’s old town, close to the Cathedral, Giralda, and Santa Cruz district.

Don’t pass the Porto

And so coming to Oporto to give it its proper name we, of course, all associate it with its famous fortified after-dinner wine.

And while the etiquette we’re told is to pass the Port we’d never advise you passing the Porto.

Or you’ll miss the UNESCO-listed centre, lively neighbourhoods, world-famous Port wine cellars, and nearby Douro Valley vineyards.

A three-nights stay with Holiday Buzz at the 4* Eurostars Porto Douro including flights, departing London Gatwick on October 18, 20, 22 and 26 for £289pp.

The last Latv

And, of course, resilient travellers that we are we won’t be put off by noisy neighbours.

Which is why Latvia and its vibrant capital is attracting more and more curious visitors.

Its UNESCO-listed Old Town offers a blend of medieval charm and Art
Nouveau elegance.

With bustling markets, stylish cafes, and riverside promenade making it a captivating city break.

Superscapes offers three nights at the 4* Monika Centrum Hotels.

Just 500m from Riga Old Town, departures from London are on October 5, 6, 7 and 17 October from £139pp.