Europe Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Countries, Deals, Europe, Skiing

Ski TV… and La Plagne’s plans

9th September 2026 funtime65

And we just had to mark Ski TV… and La Plagne’s plans.

The winding up of the iconic BBC Ski Sunday show resonates particularly with Gen X.

Those like us, born in the Sixties and who were first drawn.

To those Incredible Snowmen Franz Klammer and Ingemar Stenmark, as they flew down the Alps in the Olympics.

And who we got to see every Sabbath for ourselves when David Vine brought it to our screens in 1978.

Now the British state broadcaster, in their own wisdom, have decided to pull our weekly diet of snow sports.

Leaving us to wait for the Winter Olympics in 2030 for our fix.

Looking up

And it’s our good fortune that we’re in safe hands skiing in La Plagne.

Now, of course, we’ll be blessed with getting to see the world’s best practitioners of the slopes.

In the blue-ribband events at the Olympics.

But in a throwback to our younger days the French Alpine resort is also bringing back a favorite of TV viewers on the continent.

And one which we regret that we didn’t see over on this island.

Where the only snow on our peaks is the northern forgotten bit of this island.

Probably just as well judging by Britain’s record in its companion show Jeux sans frontières .

Or in time-honored British tradition, translated into English, as It’s A Knockout.

Let these Games begin

Well, we will be treated to a new iteration of Interneige, born in 1965, a great year, and held in 1966 in La Plagne.

And but yes, we’ll want you to watch this space to see what they’ve got in store.

And if we’ll see a revival of events such as…

The Hare and the Tortoise, or the Hare and the Tortoise, The Grasshopper and the Ant.

And then there’s The Frog Who Wanted to Be as Big as the Ox.

Which we don’t have to tell you is The Frog that wishes to be as big as The Ox.

Throughout the seasons, there were numerous events, all culminating in Les slaloms parallèles pour le Fil rouge.

Hats off to La Plagne

And interspersing it all is that ubiquitous Plagne red bobble-hat which celebrates its 60th birthday this winter.

Born in a black and white TV age In 1966, La Plagne needed a simple logo that viewers could instantly recognise.

The Red Hat is getting a makeover for 2026.

It will change hats, acquire different expressions and become animated as part of La Plagne’s new visual identity.

Make a plan for La Plagne

La Plagne is a 150-minute drive from three main airports, Geneva, Grenoble, and Lyon.

Either hire a car from the airport, book one of the transfer companies or take the bus.

Alternatively let the train take the strain.

Eurostar Snow train offers rail service from London St Pancras International to the Aime-la-Plagne (with a change at Lille).

Trains depart London St Pancras International on Saturdays and return to London on Sundays.

Countries, Culture, Europe

Make a tourism killing from the Fjords to Guadeloupe

30th August 202630th August 2026 funtime65

And as next big Nordic noir thing Randi Fuglehaug popularises Norway we explore where they make a tourism killing from the Fjords to Guadeloupe.

Now you probably know Randi from her young adult Netflix series Royalteen.

But you’ll soon be acquainted with her and her and her detective Agnes Tveit’s stomping ground of Voss in west Norway.

Normally a sleepy mountain town close to Norway’s Hardanger region Randi ramps it up.

With murders around an extreme-sports week and a sheep’s-head feast Ekstremsportveko, jazz festival Vossa Jazz and food fest Smalahovesleppet.

All standard settings for crime writers and a tourist board’s dream for promoting their region.

Elementary detective setting

We have, of course, seen Guadeloupe given the tourism treatment as the site of many a murder in Death in Paradise.

While here on this island and the rocks off it there is no shortage of murder capitals.

The actual English and British one where Sherlock Holmes’ fictional abode 221b Baker Street is a popular tourist spot.

While as far north as you can be in the Shetland Islands you can walk in Jimmy Perez and Ruth Calder’s footsteps.

C’est murder

While way south, almost France really you can soak up Bergerac’s Jersey.

Why not walk the rues of Paris and the Quai des Orfèvres, the historic police headquarters of Inspector Maigret?

Back on Holmes, you can pay homage to the Scots author in his hometown of Edinburgh.

And at the Conan Doyle boozer in the New Town.

And the scene of Holmes and Moriarty’s set-to at the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland.

Wallander to Marlowe

Back in the frozen north you can visit Wallander’s favorite haunt, Fridolfs Konditori in Sweden and order a Wallander pastry.

While Istanbul, the crossroads of Europe and Asia is an obvious setting for detectives.

From Hercule Poirot on the Orient Express to today’s Turkish Detective.

And in America my uncle would dine out on when Kojak was shot in his Pirate’s Cove pub in Manhattan.

While if it’s old Californian tec vibes you want.

Then San Francisco is an enduring character for Sam Spade and Los Angeles for Philip Marlowe.

The fourth book in the Agnes Tveit set will be out early next year.

And it is set during a local football tournament.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Cani-hiking in Avoriaz

25th August 202625th August 2026 funtime65

Munro bagger supreme Jimmy thinks nothing of climbing hills with his dog so cani-hiking in Avoriaz will be right up son mont.

Now granted the Pentland Hills which frame Edinburgh aren’t, or would ever claim to be, the French Alps.

See you Jimmy: With Jimmy, far left at Dunbar’s finest

But fear not you won’t have to haul, or be dragged by, Fido up the slope.

You’ll be equipped instead with a waist belt and elastic lead.

And Fido will gently pull you along and set the pace so you can enjoy the scenery.

Dog days

The experience lasts around an hour and a half and includes a break for refreshments for you and your dog.

And the chance to take photos with them.

Suitable for adults and children aged 10 and over, cani-hiking takes place in the late afternoon or evening.

To keep the dogs comfortable during the warmer months.

Available daily from June 25 to 29 August, so it’ll be a case of pencilling it in for next year.

The experience will cost you €30/£26pp.

Taking the lead

Get out for a stretch: No shortage of routes

Plenty of time then for you to get into training.

Although heads and paws up here, you will be provided with a dog, a northern dog… think huskies.

Now you’ll want to know where is best to stay around Avoriaz.

Your residence awaits

And we’ve been pointed to Résidence Pierre & Vacances Saskia Falaise for a seven-night stay.

Arriving 28 August and priced from £312 for a self-catered stay in an apartment sleeping up to four people.

With flights and transfers extra.

All of which we imagine are similar for next year.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe, Ships

Taking the dragon on a cruise

24th August 202624th August 2026 funtime65

Yes, our friends at MSC have opened themselves up to hackneyed gags about taking the dragon on a cruise.

Only this is Asia where the dragon is venerated.

And MSC passengers should be fired up by the unveiling of a spectacular 12-metre sculpture.

Aboard its newest flagship, MSC World Asia, ahead of its launch in December.

Suspended 10 metres above the outdoor promenade, Dragon features nearly 700 mirrors and more than 3,000 LED lights.

Bright lights

Now MSC are known for being the bright lights of cruising.

With their iconic sparkling staircases and tens of thousands of genuine Swarovski crystals.

Now we don’t have to wait long to see the new feature for ourselves.

With MSC World Asia beginning its seven-night Mediterranean sailings from December 4.

A sample seven-nightMediterranean sailing from Genoa aboard MSC World Asia is available from €769pp.

Columbus crew

Now you’ll leave from Christopher Columbus‘s homestead for Civitavecchia, the port of Rome.

Messina (Taormina) is your next stop for all things Sicilian.

Before you take in the harbour of delights that is Valletta in Malta.

And then a day at sea with on board activities.

Before you disembark in Barcelona and if you think that Columbus has been following you.

Well, there he is in Las Ramblas pointing you to the New Word… and your next trip?

Before cornering for Marseille and back to Columbustown in Genova and home.

Countries, Europe, Pilgrimage

Portustroll in shoulder-season

19th August 2026 funtime65

It’s a step change all right putting off a summer getaway for a Portustroll in shoulder-season.

But shoulder season, or autumn travel away from the burning summer heat, is this year’s travel trend.

And because we’re always ahead of the curve we’re lacing up our walking boots next month on the Portuguese Way for our Camino.

But more of that later we’ve got to get a shift on here to tell you of the walks you can enjoy this shoulder season.

The shoulder season in Portugal, the geographical shoulder of Europe.

Shoulder to shoulder with its Iberian neighbour Spain.

Bordering on the meticulous

Water way to go: Take in the surroundings

The charms of Alcoutim: The longest continuous border in Europe, dating back to 1297, gives the gentle stroller the chance to straddle two ancient nations.

You’ll start and finish your 4.6km walk in the Praça da República (Square of Republic).

The trail takes walkers through the border city of Alcoutim.

And reveals iconic landmarks, the Castle of Alcoutim, the ruins of the Old Castle, the Praia Fluvial, and the River Guadiana landscapes.

There is also the chance to cross over to the other side of the river and visit the Spanish town of Sanlúcar del Guadiana.

Stroll to the beach

Rota Vicentina Circular routes Amado (Rated: Moderate): OK, you start and finish at the Amado beach on this moderate 7.75km walk but you get the picture.

And you get to wash your feet in the Atlantic swell at the end on the beach which incidentally is Portuguese for beloved.

This coastal trail offers a blend of wildlife, rare flora and fascinating geology.

Hikers can spot native birds and wildlife, admire globally rare cliff-top plants, and explore landscapes shaped over 300 million years ago.

Hot foot in the Algarve

Rota Vicentina Historical Way Carrapateira – Vila do Bispo: And one for those British sitcom friends and you might not BELIEVE it.

But our Portuguese pals call this route 21.4km moderate.

You’ll start your journey at Largo do Comércio, Carrapateira and end, and say a prayer, next to the main church in Vila do Bispo

And, of course, the Algarve will show many of its dramatic landscapes, where rugged mountains meet the coast.

Along the way, hikers can spot native flora, protected temporary ponds.

And a variety of wildlife, including rare birdlife and the endemic Triops vicentinus, an indigenous prehistoric tadpole shrimp.

All of which conjures up all that lovely seafood to keep you going on your travels.

Walk this way

Section 7 of the Via Algarviana Salir–Alte: And because we like a challenge, this, the seventh section of the Via Algarviana, is calling us.

You’ll start your 16.4km odyssey in the square next to the Mother Church of Salir.

And finish in the Fontes de Alte Natural Springs.

Now the terrain is rural paths, traditional villages, and farmland that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage.

Along the way, walkers can admire old stone walls, water wheels.

And the impressive Rocha da Pena Protected Landscape, renowned for its rich biodiversity and local legends.

The route continues through the picturesque village of Benafim.

Before following the peaceful Ribeira de Alte to the scenic Fontes Grande and Pequena, ending in the charming village of Alte.

Walking season

On the road again: With your fellow walkers

Alternatively, visitors can visit the Algarve Walking Season website to find out about upcoming walking events.

And for a comprehensive guide to walking opportunities throughout the year in the Algarve.

Visitors can easily view the calendar of all walking festivals in the region, including their locations and key features.

It also provides regular updates on these festivals and walking-related news in the area.

Countries, Culture, Europe, Food & Wine

Taking that Van der Valk in Old Amsterdam

15th August 2026 funtime65

If you’re like us, and we know you are, you’ll be looking for clues when you’re taking that Van der Valk in Old Amsterdam.

Now one of Amsterdam’s 165 canals looks like any other to this old clogger.

But we are determined to spot ours and George and Amal’s favourite hotel, the Dylan Amsterdam.

Before this run of the detective series ends.

The best place to start is Piet and his pals’ watering hole.

Hamburger Amsterdam Angus

The Café-Restaurant Scheltema near the Royal Palace in Dam Square.

Now far from it for us to tell the Dutch detective how to do his job or live his life.

But we reckon the rake-thin tec would be a little less surly with a good square meal.

And wonder why he and his pals are only ever seen drinking and never eating the de Langes’ sumptuous fare.

Of course, as Scots carnivores our eyes fixed on the Hamburger Black Angus at €17.75 and Steak Black Angus at €22.75.

Met spek, champignons & uien

While one of our defaults is to plump for the restaurant-brand.

And Steak Scheltema at €25.75 comes met spek, champignons & uien.

Now for thrillseekers who like to go blind on a foreign menu then there’s always the Kapucijners at €18.75.

Or Kalfslever at €20.50. Both met spek en uien.

Now fat as a laughing Frans Hal cavalier and lubricated by Piet’s favourite Amstel lager.

Watch an Old Master

For art’s sake: The Night Watch in the square

You can check out, as Piet does in his investigations, the Rijksmuseum.

And check out how Rembrandt’s famous The Night Watch is a work in progress centuries after the Old Master put down his pen.

Following five years of research that began in 2019, the Rijksmuseum has launched a major restoration.

And they have carried out the work in full view of museum visitors.

In among the canals

Carrying on walking in Van der Valk’s footsteps you can’t, nor ever would want to avoid the Canal Belts.

A historic 14km network of waterways, known as the Grachtengordel.

Additional filming spots have included the Baruch Spinoza statue, the NDSM wharf and the Muziekgebouw concert hall.

Now back to scanning the scenes and trying to guess the killers as we vicariously enjoy awesome Amsterdam watching Van Der Valk.

Africa, Countries, Deals, Europe

Why everyone really wants to go to Ceuta

10th August 202610th August 2026 funtime65

It’s this year’s must-visit destination with 60,000 clambering across the border… but here’s the real reason why everyone wants to go to Ceuta.

If you hadn’t heard of Ceuta before don’t worry, none of us had.

But truth is the Spanish enclave in Morocco has long been a day out for visitors to Fezland.

With a cursory glance at Get Your Guide opening up a host of attractions and activities for the city across the Gibraltar Strait.

Which despite being encircled by Morocco has been under Spanish rule since 1580.

Now you can reach Ceuta by land, by sea, by air and from either neighbouring Morocco or mainland Spain.

Boats and moats

Get Your Guide offers a new full-day Excursion to Cueta from Algeciras from £135pp.

You’ll ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar in the company of a licensed tour guide.

And lunch at a local restaurant, and a cruise tour on Europe’s only navigable moat.

And that will allow you to see the Royal Walls from a privileged perspective.

Visit the Casa de los Dragones which will doubtless appeal to Game of Thrones fans.

Walk through the historic centre, get an selfie with Hercules, and discover the mix of Spanish and Moorish cultures.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where you can sample Ceuta’s cuisine.

Before free time to stroll through the city center, relax by the sea, or have a drink at the marina.

A Spanish stroll

Now the bonus of being an enclave is the accessibility to Morocco.

And your friendly excursion specialists offers a two-continent African trip with a dip into Morocco. And all for £154pp.

There are pickups available from Malaga and other cities along the Costa del Sol.

You and your guide will travel to Algeciras for the 45-minute ferry ride across the strait of Gibraltar.

You’ll arrive in Ceuta before passing through border control into Tetouan.

You’ll spend five hours in Tetouan with a guide and take in the old Jewish quarter of Mellah and Hassan II Square.

You will also visit the souk of Tetouan and the Medina of Tetouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site… and shop til you drop.

Before you visit a Moroccan Berber farmhouse.

So, there you have it and now we get it, why everyone really wants to go to Ceuta.

Countries, Europe, Sport

Power to the padel and the new Wimbledon

9th August 20269th August 2026 funtime65

We always like to be there at the birth of a new phenomenon so we say power to the padel and the new Wimbledon.

It was lights out, all out, this past week as London took its place on the Formula 1-style Premier Padel calendar.

Padel, described to us in Portugal as the child that tennis and squash would have begotten, has taken Britain by storm this summer.

And 20,000 padel fans, new and old, have filed through Olympia to see padel’s finest put through their paces.

And with the type of flair and salesmanship you would expect from the Saudis who are championing the event.

Padel Pedro

Bat’s the way to do it: Champion padel players

Sela chief growth officer Luke Lloyd-Davies predicted: ‘My hope would be it could become a Wimbledon of padel.

‘It is all up for being shaped and discussed with Premier Padel and with the Lawn Tennis Association.’

Padel’s popularity has long been enjoyed in the Iberian peninsula.

Where it is even more popular than tennis and the second highest participation sport after football.

Padel’s beauty is, of course, in its simplicity.

Keeeeep dancin’: With Judy Murray in Portugal

With its underarm serve, smaller enclosed court and glass walls keep rallies alive longer.

The underarm serve, smaller enclosed court, and glass walls keeping rallies alive longer.

And making it simple for beginners including this tyro in Quinto do Lago in Portugal.

Armed then with the tennis skills passed on to me by Judy Murray (only the best).

Padel prices

Its accessibility too makes it a clear winner with Spain and Portuguese courts costing between €6 and €20.

Meaning at its optimum only €5 for the four of you.

Ideal for couples and families on holiday.

Compared to the £100 it could cost you around London.

Just a nod there to the padel people who are trying to hit me up here for a donation for a court around East Lothian.

Although they might want to sign me up as a professional.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Porchewgal the foodie’s haven

5th August 20265th August 2026 funtime65

And here’s somewhere to get your teeth into… Porchewgal the foodie’s haven.

Where it’s two full three-course meals and grazing with pasteis de nata and quaffing Vinho Verde every day.

Which is probably why Cristiano Ronaldo decamped to the Gulf to hone his body.

I partly blame José, who puts on tours de force in Portugal for visitors, and the pounds.

With no carnivore or piscavore left behind.

While Quinta do Lago serves up sustenance and sports in equally oversized portions.

Fado, footie, Fatima & food

There are, of course, other resorts available, although only one for Special One José.

For whom everything and everyone came from Coimbra, including, of course José.

And here we turn to management experts Amazing Evolution will keep you sated.

Portugal savours its traditions and, of course, when it comes to food, they are a cod-fearing people.

No visit to its ancient capital, Lisbon, is complete without trying bacalhau à Brás.

The much-loved salted cod, finely shredded potatoes and egg dish.

Or enjoying that warm pastel de nata fresh from the oven from the Pastéis de Belém bakery.

Beyond the restaurants, food lovers should explore the Time Out food market.

And neighbourhoods including Mouraria, Intendente and Príncipe Real.

Where independent cafes, wine bars and traditional taverns sit side by side.

We’ve got it Infame

Amazing Locations will put you up in 1908 Lisboa Hotel which is perfectly positioned for exploring Lisbon’s thriving culinary scene.

Their restaurant Infame, has become a destination for Lisbon locals and creatives.

Serving modern Portuguese cuisine inspired by seasonal ingredients from local producers and the best cocktails and wines.

And get this… their dishes start from €15.

With rooms at 1908 from €140 per night.

Portugal’s take on a tale of two cities would, of course, be the capital and Porto.

Although Jose would have something to say about Coimbra.

Vinho Vici Verde

Hidden between Porto and the Douro Valley, Amarante is one of the north’s best-kept culinary secrets.

Set in the heart of the Vinho Verde region, at the heart of the town sits Casa da Calçada.

It is home to the Michelin-starred Largo do Paço.

Here, beautifully crafted tasting menus showcase the finest seasonal ingredients from northern Portugal.

Combining traditional flavours with contemporary techniques.

And you can learn too about that great vinho gateway Vinho Verde at one of their estates.

Or enjoy leisurely riverside cafes.

Or wander Amarante’s historic centre.

Where independent bakeries, wine shops and artisan producers celebrate the flavours of the region.

Largo do Paco’s exclusive tasting menus start from €150.

Rooms at Casa da Calcada start from €230 per night.

Porklife

If you prefer pigging out on pork then Alentejo is the region for you.

Here it’s all about timeless recipes, exceptional local produce and slow, seasonal cooking.

Signature dishes include porco preto, the region’s prized acorn-fed black pork.

And açorda alentejana, a rustic bread soup flavoured with garlic, coriander and olive oil.

While you can learn about local vintages Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez and Antão Vaz from family-owned wineries.

You’ll be based near Montemor-o-Novo at Sleep & Nature.

Monte do Vagar Restaurant showcases regional dishes filled with artisan cheeses, traditional breads, olive oils and fine wines.

Main dishes at Monte do Vagar Restaurant start from €12. Rooms start from €115 per night.

Countries, Culture, Europe

Ich bin Queen Berliner

27th July 202627th July 2026 funtime65

It has been a gay magnet since the hedonistic Cabaret Thirties and for the tragic day that’s in it we say Ich bin Queen Berliner.

And reflect on making the pilgrimage to the Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism in Berlin.

Not because I’m gay, because I’m not, but rather that is not the point but because hate crime comes for us all.

Spelling it out: Remembering the gay victims of the War

As best expressed by Pastor Martin Niemoller in his testament They First Came.

Inscribed on a wall in the Hall of Witness at the New aEngland Holocaust Memorial in Boston.

Outside my old Faneuil Hall stomping ground.

And the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC.

A cloak of honesty

That points to the Nazi vilification, victimisation and evisceration of homosexuals and lesbians.

Berlin wears its history in its memorials and museums but not as a hair shirt but as a cloak of honesty.

The German capital is, of course, a great learning city and a great walking one.

And you can stumble upon the memorial to the gay victims of the Third Reich.

While on your way through the city to your digs.

In the shadows

Learn how 50,000 were convicted and thousands sent to their deaths in concentration camps.

And were still criminalised after the War and that it was not until the Millennium that there sacrifice began to be acknowledged.

And 18 years ago that a lasting memorial was erected.

The kiss-off

Everyone’s doing it: Brezhnev and Honecker

In a concrete tribute with a film depicting a same sex couple kissing inside.

Which is the Berliners’ calling card to the world.

With their satirical merchandising of the Brezhnev and Honecker kiss on every stand.

Anyone can, and does kiss each other at the big Berliner Pride party at the Brandenburg Gate.

Or Christopher Street Day on July 15 and 25 over these past 47 years in commemoration of the Greenwich Village protests from 1969.

The most enabling resistance day

Christopher Day 2026 will forever be remembered for the victims of homophobia.

But the near million and maybe more, and many straights among them, will be back next year.

For the most enabling resistance day in its history.