Europe Archives - Page 3 of 103 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Symi, see you, Symi 2

19th April 202619th April 2026 funtime65

And seeing we’ve got Helios the Sun God back on side we’re off Greek island hopping, so SYMI, see you, SYMI 2.

All of which will become as clear in time as the Aegean we’re sailing on to the Rhodes neighbouring island on our loveholidays odyssey.

Where after an hour and a half on the water on our Sea Dreams boat Symi 2.

The pristine blue and white Captains Houses and neo-classical mansions around Gialos harbour and hills hove into view.

We dive into island life though not literally.

Dive straight in

We will leave that to the likes of the moustachioed Stathis Hatzis, the legendary naked diver who stands sentry at the bay.

Who we learn dived to retrieve and tie an Italian anchor, holding his breath for nearly four minutes.

Now did we say that Gialos is breathtaking?

Particularly from higher up, as you can see from the lens of the expert in the family.

We scale the steep steps after calamari and a kalimera and Greek salad at Trata Trawler.

And discover that the best welcome is from a friendly Simi cat we christen Simi 2 after our boat.

The best habits

Alas, the mechanical Symi 2’s hooter reminds us that we must part.

But hopefully our prayers will be answered at our next port of call, a monastery on the north end of the island.

Greek churches as we have all come to appreciate appreciate their icons and you can’t move for them here.

At the Holy Monastery of the Taxiarch Michael Panarmitis.

Again, we bump into a Greek Orthodox priest in flowing black robe.

Now he may or may not know our Archbishop Makarios back at the Alphatron Hotel in Rhodes.

But we imagine he will be waiting near the bar for his liqueur as he has been all week.

Though not necessarily for us.

The cat’s whiskers of a deal

But Socrates, the hotel cat… OK, not the only one but the one we took to first will be.

And he can have the Amphitryon because Simi belongs to Symi 2.

Your friendly neighbourhood Bandanaman is travelling with loveholidays and EasyJet from Edinburgh.

And staying at the Amphitryon City Hotel, 800m from the Old Town.

All for £1,028 for two, B&B and evening meals, for a week with airport transfers.

Countries, Deals, Europe

When it rains on the Sun God’s island

18th April 202618th April 2026 funtime65

So where to go when it rains on the Sun God’s island of Rhodes?

What we’d done to offend Zeus on Mount Olympus or whether Helios was away, we need shelter from their wrath.

And that means a visit to the Throne of Helios opposite the harbour off the Old Town.

For the 9D spectacular of the history of Rhodes, the first of its type in Europe, and a very special chariot race.

Hair-raising stuff

Spooktacular: History lesson in Throne of Helios

You literally don’t have to leave your seat for a rocky thrill ride.

Although even inside the repurposed original Rhodian cinema, 100 years old next year, you won’t be entirely dry.

As you’ll get sprayed with water from the sea.

Caught up in a battle, rocked by an earthquake and sprayed with smoke.

And bumped from the back.

All of which might illicit a scream of ‘what, I’ve just done my hair.’

Up close with Helios

The Throne of Helios is a 20-minute riproaring thrill ride which will occupy kids and big kids, rain or shine.

And for just €13 of our modern coin you’ll forget that Helios has taken a day off and believe he is actually in here.

Of course, all good things must come to an end and it’s back out into the elements.

Stone me: Larking in the Archaeological Museum

But there is immediate help at hand in Umbrella Corner, where you have a choice of brolly good specialist shops.

With your Bandanaman hooded and Medusa covering her strands with her newly acquired brolly we go to have a word with Helios.

Where he was, or perhaps his spirit still is, between the two piers where the 80m Colossus in his memory is said to have stood.

At home among the old fossils

Peering enviously at the big yachts with Russian names nyet no reprieve.

We trudge back into the Old Town for our next stop.

And a step back in time at the Archaeological Museum.

And an education, and then some, of the civilisations which have passed through Rhodos.

For the overgrown schoolboys (guilty) and schoolgirls (a group of giggly gals from my hometown of Glasgow) there are naughty bits.

Greek busts and phallises but also beautifully preserved amphoras or jugs.

And on the grander scale statues to the gods and headstones.

The ancient and the modern

It is though in the small things that we often find God’s most wondrous hand.

And it takes some comprehending that the tiniest hedgehogs and frogs from thousands of years ago are preserved so beautifully.

Whether Helios had a late one he is arisen and shining now and we are ready to embrace his creation again.

Which for my goddess means a refuel at our now favourite stopping off point, Socrates Garden.

Before a shopping expedition around some very well-thumbed stall items.

Now that’s a whole different odyssey of epic proportions.’

Deal me in

Your friendly neighbourhood Bandanaman is travelling with loveholidays and EasyJet from Edinburgh.

And staying at the Amphitryon City Hotel, 800m from the Old Town.

All for £1,028 for two, B&B and evening meals, for a week with airport transfers.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Better lute than never to the Bouzouki party

17th April 202617th April 2026 funtime65

And when in Rhodes better lute than never to the Bouzouki party.

If bouzoukis strike a Greek chord with you then it’s probably because of Zorba the Greek.

Filmed in Rhodes which is where we’re billeting for the week on our loveholidays odyssey.

Its unmistakeable hook draws us into Socrates Garden in Rhodes Old Town.

Where we go full Hellenic with an oiled and olived-up Greek salad.

Although our waiters resist the temptation to smash plates.

Zorba dancing at the Amphitryon

We have a Greek night later back at the Amphitryon Hotel presumably for that.

With local group Buzuki playing for the international clientele by the pool.

And captured for posterity here by your Bandanaman even if his posterior was not.

Because somebody in the organisation took the executive decision that that was not fit for family viewing.

The Amphitryon family

The Amphitryon family were out in force to lead the dancing with one particular toddler holding court.

And for our entertainment too the band’s main and veteran bouzouki player looked like he grew up with Socrates himself.

While straight out of central casting ‘Archbishop Makarios’ with his beanie hat as a nod to modernity joining in the clapping.

While tour guide Rosa from group Travel One The Amphitryon took the mic to belt out Hellenic standards.

Before Manolis and his bar staff brought the evening to an end with complimentary ouzos, Greek medicine, for all cures.

Deal us in

Your friendly neighbourhood Bandanaman is travelling with loveholidays and EasyJet from Edinburgh.

And staying at the Amphitryon City Hotel, 800m from the Old Town.

All for £1,028 for two, B&B and evening meals, for a week with airport transfers.

YAMAS AND MEET YOU ON THE FLOOR

Countries, Deals, Europe

The Lindos Hop

15th April 202615th April 2026 funtime65

And because there’s whole civilisations out there we’re heading out of Rhodes Town on our loveholidays odyssey… on the Lindos Hop.

Now you’ll need good boots as it’s a fair old hike up to the 4th BC acropolis.

Although maybe it wasn’t these boots they were advising… the 1litre glass boots of lager you can buy for €9 in old Rhodes Town.

The rumour is that I’ve matured in the 36 years my Medusa has been ruling my life.

Although I echo more the sentiments on the t-shirt in that kerching store…

‘I’m not 60 but 18 with 42 years experience.’

Have boots, will travel

My first couple of experiences of the glass boot being part of a party game in Austria with Aussies and Kiwis at Oktoberfest.

Of course, just like 40 years ago I digress and we are on an hour-and-three-quarter ride on Vangelis’s coach.

Where we are to spend three hours climbing up to the 116m settlement dedicated to Athena Lindia.

Which can be negotiated by donkey, but and we don’t want to be an ass about it, it’s work for Eeyore.

Acropolis now

Better then climbing up through the pristine old Lindos town to the rocky outpost.

For the best views of this stretch of the south-east Med and the beach in the bay.

The remains of the acropolis which must have made an imposing fortifications to visitors is kept is beautifully preserved.

Now the generations of invaders have stopped chipping bits off.

The biggest danger these days is getting a shrill whistle from curator Maria who guards a selfie-loving tourist from falling off the cliff.

Captain’s calling

A Kalispera (afternoon), Yassou (hello/goodbye), Parakalo (please) and Efharisto (thanks) go along way with Rhodians.

Though a haway is more the currency with the Geordies we met in The Captain’s House Bar.

A charming Lindos house bar with a traditional showpiece island living room/bedroom at the back to visit.

Take a seat: Back of Captain’s House Bar

Lindos is more frosted glasses for Mythos beer or tumblers for ouzo, or Greek medicine as mine host calls it.

And with a Yamas, or cheers, we while away an hour before I get the hook.

Because my goddess feels an hour will be a stretch to get in the shopping she needs.

And as stunning as the acropolis is I definitely don’t want to become a stone for tourists to slip on.’

Deal me in

We booked a three-hour Lindos day out with getyourguide for £27 for two.

Your friendly neighbourhood Bandanaman is travelling with loveholidays and EasyJet from Edinburgh.

And staying at the Amphitryon City Hotel, 800m from the Old Town.

All for £1,028 for two, B&B and evening meals, for a week with airport transfers.

Countries, Deals, Europe

All Rhodes lead to… getting lost in the Old Town

14th April 202614th April 2026 funtime65

Kalispera and when we’re around then all Rhodes lead to… getting lost in the Old Town.

And all because the lady loves a holiday and loveholidays and it’s 32 years since we honeymooned in the Greek islands.

And she feels a debt to Saint Phanourios for finding her set of keys from the recycling bin after Christmas.

When I prayed to the heavens for intervention which is as we all know is where you go for lost and found.

Mapping Phanourios’s journey

And so we’re pounding the cobbled stones of Rhodes Old Town looking for the chapel dedicated to Phanourios.

Only to find that we’re going around in circles.

Sure, we find the excellent Path of Gods museum, an old Turkish library and Stavros sports bar.

But Phanourios’s pad, no chance.

Now, a word or a dozen here while she’s turning her map around, on Phanourios.

When you’re lost

The saint is revered on the island of Rhodes where he revealed himself in icon form when the invading Turks ransacked a chapel.

The rest has been handed down to us about the seemingly hundred different ways he was martyred.

And how the spectre of the holy man came to the rescue of three priests.

After a right odyssey with our old stomping ground Kythera also getting a name check.

And then the vengeance he sent on their captors.

It’s all in the name

Where he gets tied up with finding lost things is rather more prosaic.

With the name Phanourios deriving from the Greek verb ‘phanerono’ or to reveal or to disclose.

Which means that the islanders, and further afield, pray to Saint Phanourius to help them find lost objects.

And the object is retrieved, they bake a sweet bread and share it with the poor.

And offer prayers for the salvation of saint’s mother.

Anthony’s partner in rhyme

Now if there are shades of the Saint Anthony of Padua’s secret powers about this story we reckon that’s no coincidence.

And that Western Catholicism’s finest Anthony and the pride of the Eastern Orthodox church Phanourius likely divvy up the requests.

So efcharisto Phanourius for finding her keys back then at Christmas.

And maybe you could help her with her map which she left somewhere when bending down to pet one of Rhodes’ many cats.

Or maybe ask them because they seem to have the run of the streets.

The full package

Your friendly neighbourhood Bandanaman is travelling with loveholidays and EasyJet from Edinburgh.

And staying at the Amphitryon City Hotel, 800m from the Old Town.

All for £1,028 for two, B&B and evening meals, for a week with airport transfers.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Ibiza for girls and big girls blouses

7th April 20267th April 2026 funtime65

And because I’ve always been comfortable enough to explore my feminine side I’m taken here with Ibiza for girls and big girls blouses.

So let me explain.

When an invitation came in for a week in a thalassotherapy break in Biarritz I shot my arm up.

And disappointed the girls in the office who said that no man should be shoulder-charging their way into a wellness break.

Not put off by being the only man in the Sofitel village or being wrapped up in seaweed I signed up for more girls’ trips away.

And partied at Crop Over in Barbados with the must fun party of ladettes.

While my old Scots-Trinidadian university buddy Jevan made sure I manned up.

For the islanders’ own through the night party, Foreday Morning.

Women only… and no Scotsmen

Of course, there are some gigs you can’t blag your way on to.

And I decided to pass on a once-in-a-lifetime International Women’s Day trip to Ethiopia.

With an all-female Ethiopian Airlines crew.

And not even the explanation that as a Scotsman with a kilt.

That I could maybe pass myself off got me on that trip.

Modern girls’ getaway

Now our travel provider friends who represent Amàre Beach Hotel Ibiza, are billing their offer as a modern girls’ getaway.

Why it should be just for girls they don’t say but I guess they had their reasons.

Well, the fun all kicks off for the summer season on April 24.

Where Amare has redefined the modern girls’ getaway as a grown-up, design-led escape.

With style, music and meaningful moments coming together on the shores of the White Isle.

Musical Tur de force

The adults-only hotel is located in the heart of Cala de Bou, Sant Josep de sa Talaia.

Amàre Beach Hotel Ibiza is a haven of bohemian style, excellent cuisine, wellness and relaxation, sunshine and good times.

And new for 2026 is a real female powerhouse in Anna Tur.

A native of the Med madhouse and one of the island’s most influential musical talents, she is the new curator of its music selection.

You might know her, of course, from some of Ibiza’s most prestigious clubs.

At international venues such as the Kit Kat Club in Berlin and at some of the world’s biggest festivals.

Anna is also a music producer, founder of her own label ‘LOWLITA Records’ and radio host.

Her selection of Balearic beats will flow through the hotel’s spaces for the entire season.

Party with panache

Overlooking San Antonio Bay, Amàre we’re told, is where girls on a sunshine getaway can experience a more refined side of the party destination.

Mornings can start with sea-view yoga, afternoons can be spent poolside with chilled cocktails and listening to DJ sets.

And golden hour is the time for epic sunset dinners and rooftop DJ sets that ease guests into the night.

While the amenities at Amàre Club’s Lounge are recommended.

As are the pool and beach areas, outdoor Jacuzzi, gym with personal training available.

Yoga classes and relaxing beauty and treatments at the Wellness area by Germaine de Capuccini.

Eat, drink and be happy

Several restaurants, include the rooftop Hayaca curated by Michelin Star awarded chef Mauricio Giovanini.

While Argentine mixologist Diego Cabrera is standing by at the Belvue Rooftop Bar with his cocktail menu.

Amàre Ibiza is one of three Amàre Hotels.

The other properties are Amàre Marbella, located in the centre of Marbella.

And Amàre Sancti Petri, located in Novo Sancti Petri área of Chiclana, Cádiz which is opening soon.

Prices start from €140B&B for the ‘I Was Here’ room type, per night.

Countries, Europe, Ireland, Pilgrimage

Ewe do it best Ronan on the Wild Atlantic Way

5th April 20265th April 2026 funtime65

And see what we’ve done there… to mark Boyzone’s finest’s celebration of Ireland’s most famous trek, we say ewe do it best Ronan on the Wild Atlantic Way.

The one-time boy band warbler has been retracing his boyhood holidays up the west and north-west coasts of Ireland.

And the great ambassador that he is he has been sharing it with his British audience for Tourism Ireland.

Ronan and the fragrant Storm whom he took for his wife in our Archerfield estate, near North Berwick, being adopted Brits now.

Donegal homecoming

Now Ronan Keating’s Wild Atlantic goes out in Britain on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from tomorrow, April 6.

And it will conjure up Easter memories for this Hiberno-Scot from childhood holidays in my Dear Old Mum’s Donegal homestead.

Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Derry-Londonderry will all feature in the programme.

Ronan, of course, isn’t alone on his trek (the whole route is 1,553 miles from Malin Head in Co. Donegal to the Old Head of Kinsale in Co. Cork).

Getting your hands dirty

Leading the way: Teaching an old dog new tricks

He’ll be joined by a cast of unique fellow travellers.

He’ll try his hand at everything from fishing and hurling to seaweed baths and sheep herding.

Whether Ro’s travels take him to Mum’s townland of Brockagh I’ll just have to watch to find out.

But he did get a big kick out of his walk, saying: ‘I was 16 when I left Ireland, and there was so much of the west coast I hadn’t seen.

‘Now, I’m coming home, and I can’t wait for viewers to share all the laughter and tears along the way.’

A family business

Now if he does we’d advise he visit the Isaac Butt Heritage Centre.

The old schoolhouse which boasts pictures of Mum’s family, the McNultys who filled much of the first class roll.

Before heading down a few yards to the Ramblers, the one-time home and hotel business of Edward and Bridie McNulty.

And say we sent you

HAPPY EASTER

Countries, Europe

Sicily and it’s an offer you can’t refuse

2nd April 20262nd April 2026 funtime65

They’re off again and, of course, we’re going to join them, and this time they’re starting from Sicily and it’s an offer we can’t refuse.

Race Across the World has returned to our screens with five teams race more than 12,000km across Europe and Asia, passing through eight countries.

The journey begins in the land of the Corleones in Palermo.

And it stretches all the way to the remote village of Hatgal on the shores of Lake Hövsgöl in northern Mongolia.

Of course, there are many among you who would be quite happy just staying on Sicily.

And who could blame you?

Our friends at Tropical Sky certainly wouldn’t as they have curated an eight-night twin-centre escape to Sicily and the island of Vulcano.

The journey begins with four nights immersed in Sicily’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.

Followed by three nights relaxing among Vulcano’s natural wonders and soothing thermal springs.

Vulcano eruptions of joy

Pebbles in the sea: The Aeolian Islands. Picture: Roberta Ianni

Now, if you haven’t heard of Vulcano before then it does exactly what it says on the tin.

One of the seven islands making up the Aeolian Islands, of which Sicily is the big cheese, Vulcano is a hotstpot in every meaning of the word.

Our Sicilian amichi advise us that trekking the crater is the thing to do.

And though the trail may look difficult, if you take it slowly, you will reach the top of the volcano without tiring yourself out too much.

And, of course, best to avoid the hottest hours and don’t forget to wear on a proper footwear and to take a good amount of water.

Black is back: Black beaches on Vulcano. Picture: Robbiani

Vulcano also gives you the chance to get away from those boy racers on Sicily.

It’s bicycles, kayaks, quads, Mini-Mokes (no, us neither) or even a cab.

And while the walking tour to the Grand Crater and Vulcanello, Cape Grillo are the headline activities.

You can obviously get around the island on a boat.

With stops at the Grotta del cavallo and at Vulcano Gelso, visit the alum caves and Levante Bay.

Sicilian culture

Now to warm you up (sorry) you’ll get acclimatised to volcanic ways in your first stay on Sicily.

You’ll stay four nights at the elegant 5* Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges, located between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.

Enjoy lush gardens, exceptional local cuisine, and the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.

The three nights on Vulcano will involve private transfer to the port, followed by a scenic hydrofoil ride to the island.

You’ll stay at the luxurious 5* Therasia Resort Sea & Spa, where you can enjoy breathtaking sea views, infinity pools, and a full spa for ultimate relaxation.

Before your return journey, a hydrofoil back to the mainland and a private transfer to the airport.

A 7-night Sicily and Vulcano tour starts from £2,259 pps .

This includes flight to Catania Airport,.

All transfers between destinations and airports are carefully arranged for a smooth, hassle-free experience.

You can watch the series on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Sport

Scalextric at 70 and forward to Monaco

20th March 202620th March 2026 funtime65

We’ve raced off in different directions, but as we look back on Scalextric at 70 and forward to Monaco, wherever you are now Paul DiFazio I trust you’re still on a fast track.

I used to always look forward to visiting my cousin Greg’s part of Glasgow.

But big reveal here I enjoyed going to his neighbour Paul more.

As I’m sure he did on account of Paul owning that most sought-after Seventies toy Scaletrix.

Which no matter how much badgering I could never get my parents to buy for me.

Now Scaletrix allowed us to transport ourselves in our imaginations.

On the fast track

To the exotic tracks around the world, the Monzas, Monte Carlos and Melbournes.

If those early days zooming your cars around the tracks of your living room or your cousin’s neighbour has pricked a lifelong interest.

And you too have got on the fast track and can afford to join the fast set in the likes of Monaco.

Then you’ll likely have come across and called on the services of Keith Prowse Attractions.

Va-va-voom with Keith Prowse

KP offers a full weekend of VIP treatment at the Monaco Grand Prix with two day suite access across June 5-7.

Enjoy the Shangri La rooftop on Saturday, offering panoramic views of the street circuit and starting grid.

Sunday offers unrivalled views of the start/finish strait.

And, of course, you’ll enjoy gourmet all-day dining, premium drinks and an exclusive suite setting across the weekend.

The starting grid package is sold out.

But KP is tempting us with a Vantage Monaco del from £4,590p.

Eleve Monte Carlo from £5,065pp, The Apex from £6,580ppm, Elite Day Experience for eight from £8,270pp.

And a Harbour Club 30M Yacht from £2,170pp.

While if you’re on a different scale, which Paul very might well be.

Gullivers travels

Then Keith’s sister company Gullivers Sports Travel will take you to a whole different level.

By enhancing your experience and including flights, private jets or helicopter flights.

Of course, there is nothing wrong though with just replicating the race.

On your Scalextric tracks in your living room… and saving up.

Countries, Europe, Sustainable Tourism

The world’s happiest country… where are you?

19th March 202619th March 2026 funtime65

And it will come as little surprise that Finland have won for the ninth year out of the last ten but the world’s happiest country… where are you?

Because I just know that my old pal Paula has used her infinite influence to push Suomi’s charms on the voting board on the Good Folk of the World Happiness Report.

Now on the basis that we are all of us ambassadors for our countries wherever we go then Paula has spread the word for Finland admirably on her travels.

An adopted Scot after marrying fellow journo Graham Murray.

He’ll forgive me that I have come to know Paula as ‘Missus’ after a misunderstanding when myself and Paula found ourselves on a group trip to Orlando back in the day.

Now when we turned up for the wellness treatments at the Disney hotel where we were staying the host jumped to a wrong conclusion because of our surnames.

And assumed that we were a couple, which I wouldn’t wish on the delightful Paula.

Well, that’s why

Now it is virtually impossible to stress out in the surroundings of a spa treatment.

And perhaps that is the secret to Finland’s perennial happiness.

With Finns seemingly spending most of their free time in their 1,000 lakes.

Helsinki mayor Daniel Sazonov clearly extols the virtues of a good sauna.

Which every Finn has, with an estimated three million saunas for a population of just 5.5 million.

‘I suggest trying out the different saunas in Helsinki and maybe even a plunge into the cold Baltic Sea,’ he suggests.

And because we always see ourselves as a public service, here’s the top 20 of happiest countries.

Twenty with plenty

Irish eyes: With queen of Spain Teresa, Eoghan Corry and Sharon Jordan in Dublin

Finland
Iceland
Denmark
Costa Rica
Sweden
Norway
Netherlands
Israel
Luxembourg
Switzerland
New Zealand
Mexico
Ireland
Belgium
Australia
Kosovo
Germany
Slovenia
Austria
Czechia

And outside looking in

Now if yours isn’t there then you know what to do about it.

As a postscript the Irish will, of course, be happy to see that the Brits don’t make the top 20, in 29th.

And behind even the USA, in 23rd.