https://www.cassidytravel.ie/ Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Now Scotland’s World Cup opener with so-called underdogs Haiti is scary enough but we’d like to avert your eyes away from the football to Bewitching Boston and the Salem witch trials.

Because the beauty of football travel is to drink in the culture (and here it’s Sam Adams) around you when you’re there.

Which, of course, we’ve done during a working summer after uni at the coalface, and 30 years later as guests of the Bostonians.

From the cradle to the grave

Boston, of course, is front and centre this year of the 250-year celebrations, as the birthplace of the American Revolution.

It is tempting to imagine Beantown‘s story beginning in the 1770s with the Boston Tea Party but the great old city dates back to 1630.

And, of course, Boston’s hinterland has always been central to its history which is why you should enjoy the city, yes, but also get out to the hinterland.

Where back in the 17th century, and still, the spirits are still exercised.

In the shape of the restless souls in Salem.

Where 19 people were hanged in the Salem Witchhunts of 1692.

Scaring up a treat

Fun of the fair: Haunted Happenings Festival

All of which you can see for yourself at the Salem Witch Museum & Witch Trials Memorial.

And the Haunted Happenings Festival with parades, live music, themed nights and family-friendly events.

With the train from Boston North Station to Salem taking just 35-40 minutes and costing just $20pp round trip.

Going back to Massachussetts

By hook or by crook: The Salem Witch Museum

Our Irish pals Cassidy Travel are offering a three nights in Boston and one night in Salem package for October from €1,999pps with the option of adding nights.

Staying at the AC Hotel Boston Downtown and The Hampton Inn Salem.

You’ll be taken on a Ghost Tour, Experience Haunted Happenings Festival, Visit The Witch House & Witch Trials Memorial.

The Old Burying Point Cemetery, Pickering Wharf, Old Burying Point Cemetery & Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery.

Your package includes direct flights from Dublin.

Countries, Deals, Europe, Food

A stack of Christmas Chimney Cake crackers

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And if you’re on the lookout for something new this time of year here’s a stack of Christmas Chimney Cake crackers.

Now our chums at Cassidy Travel know Hungary isn’t just for Christmas and they’re the gift that keeps on giving.

With their last-minute Christmas Gift city break to the city by the Danube the answer for those scrambling for presents.

And a two-night package on February 16 and staying at the 4* Royal Park Boutique Hotel.

With the stay and flights from Dublin coming in at a festive fun price of from €135pps.

And you’ll be located in Budapest city centre with the St. Stephen’s Basilica.

And its parliament on the shores of the Danube only five metro rides away.

Let us eat cakes

But make sure that you validate your ticket so you don’t get stung for an on-spot fee.

Which will kill your vibe after your pampering at the outdoor baths.

And goulash and Chimney Cake at the Great Market Hall.

Now your Chimney Cake if you’ve never been to Hungary (and you should) is a moreish pastry that everyone eats in cafes and we daresay at home.

Kürtőskalács as its called in the Magyars’ famously difficult language is, we’re told, easy to make.

Working it off: Hungarian open-air baths

And a special touch is to use empty beer cans wrapped in kitchen foil to wrap the cake around.

And then roll it in cinnamon sugar for a caramelised coating.

We can trust you, of course, to empty the beer cans responsibly and that you’ll try to make them Saproni or Dreher.

Now we’ve shamelessly sifted the Best of Hungary site for the recipe.

Chimney cake is smokin’

Sift the flour into a bowl and mix with the salt. Heat the milk until lukewarm, add the sugar and yeast, then cover and let it rise for 8-12 minutes.

Add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter to the flour and knead it into a flexible dough. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 1 hour until the dough doubles in size.

Place the rested dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll it out to the thickness of your finger. Cut it lengthwise into 2 cm wide strips.

Sprinkle your fairy dust: On your Chimney Cake

Mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Wrap the empty beer can in kitchen foil and grease the foil using some oil. Take a strip of dough and roll it tightly onto the greased can. Brush the dough with oil then roll it in cinnamon sugar.

Place the chimney cake in an oven preheated to 200 degrees for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

We’re sure Santy will thank you after he slides down the sooty chimney to find the Chimney cake laid out for him at the bottom.

America, Countries, Europe

See Lewis give rival bum’s rush with Cassidy Travel

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And they’re off and take it as red you can see Lewis give them bum’s rush with Cassidy Travel.

Our grand prix Irish globetrotters Cassidy are again inviting all you petrolheads out there to follow the F1 circuit with them.

Hotshot Hamilton has, of course, got a fresh spring in his step now after joining the sport’s most glamorous team, Ferrari.

And he is confident that he will leave world champion Max Verstappen and the rest in his slipstream now he has got a faster car.

Float on Lewis

Who’s that rear-ending me? The Great Man

Now while Lewis likes little better than going at breakneck speeds around a track, he also loves a leisurely float at a Caribbean carnival.

And the only people moving at any lick were the girls in our party in Barbados at the Grand Kadooment closing festival of Crop Over.

When I pointed out that their favourite sportsman was hanging off the back of a float with his boardies only just staying on.

It’s probably the closest most ordinary petrolheads who aren’t invited into the VIP areas get to the Great Man.

Although Cassidy does its best, and is offering these packages around the world for the new season.

Miami vibes

Miami Grand Prix 2025

May 2-4.

Race Packages Includes:

5 Nights in Miami Accommodation

3-Day General Admission Ticket (Upgrades Available)

Return Flights

Prices from €1739 per person.

Carcelona

Barcelona Grand Prix 2025

May 30-June 1.

Race Packages Includes:

4-Nights in Barcelona Accommodation

3-Day General Admission Ticket (Upgrades Available)

Return Flights (Optional)

Prices from €699 per person.

Hungaroaring

Hungary Grand Prix 2025

August 1-3.

Race Packages Includes:

4- or 5- Nights in Budapest Accommodation

3-Day General Admission Ticket (Upgrades Available)

Return Flights (Optional)

Prices from €639 per person.

The Lone Car State

Chase ’em down: At the Austin Grand Prix

Circuit of the Americas – Austin Grand Prix 2025

October 17-19.

Race Packages Includes:

5-Nights in Austin, Texas Accommodation

3-Day General Admission Ticket

Return Flights

Prices from €1775 per person.

So because the world is your racetrack pick and choose and see Lewis give them bum’s rush with Cassidy Travel,

America, Countries, Music

Mariachi y’all with Cassidy in Nashville and Mexico

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And if Beyonce can fuse hip hop and country then we and Cassidy Travel can mash up Mariachi y’all in Nashville and Mexico.

Well, both musical movements like an oversized hat, bright clothes and fancy boots.

And Tex Mex proliferates in the Lone Star State.

Fingers on the pulse

Cassidy, who always have their fingers on the pulse, have matched Nashville and Cancun for their customers.

With a ten-night package across the border travelling on April 29 from €1,999pps including flights.

With three nights at the Downtown Nashville Hotel.

And seven nights at the 5* All-inclusive RIU Resort Cancun.

Urban Legend

Sunshine on Keith: Country’s Keith Urban

For those lucky enough to be visiting Music City over the festive season there is the chance to see our old buddy Keith Urban.

Keith, a great pal to Country 2 Country, Europe’s biggest Country festival which we witnessed him headlining in Dublin.

And we know Music City will be in for a treat when he does so again at the free and Paramount + Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash.

Do the Cancun

Of course, for many, the pleasures of Mexico’s iconic resort is their 22kms of sandy beaches.

But for the rest of us it’s the sombreros, tacos and tequila, guacamole and the mariachi we’ve enjoyed.

From Boston through Florida to San Antonio, Texas but not as yet, but soon, Mexico.

While those who want to can dip further back into Mexican and Maya culture with its pyramids and ancient structures.

With a day trip to Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, a match for our own wonders Rome’s Colosseum and Jordan’s Petra.

So get your dancing shoes on and raise your voices for 2025 with a Mariachi y’all in Nashville and Mexico.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe

On the rooftops of the Medicis’ Firenze

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Back when all the world believed in Him the tallest buildings were always places of worship so we could get closer to God… all of which you’ll see for yourself on the rooftops of the Medicis’ Firenze.

Il Duomo still dominates Firenze‘s skyscape with every visitor heading for the jewel of the Renaissance City.

Santa Maria del Fiore (Lady of the Flower), to give it its Sunday name, is a nod to the very name of the florid city.

One of the largest churches in the world, we all focus on the large octagon of the immense dome, around which are three radial apses (or “tribunes”), each consisting of five chapels.

All of which you can get the best vista of if you are perched on a roof garden in a swish hotel, preferably with an Aperol Spritz in hand.

Arts and Kraft

Our travel buddies Cassidy Travel are happy to oblige, providing accommodation with a three-night package at the 4* Kraft Hotel from October 22.

All part of their Jewels of Italy programme.

You will get flights, 10kg luggage and return train Pisa/Florence included. All from €745pps.

The Kraft is central, meaning not too much walking before you hit that crazy paving, so disliked and avoided by the Medici, the family of Renaissance Firenze..

The centrepiece in your hotel is, of course, their panoramic top floor terrace with roof garden, restaurant and a heated swimming pool.

Firenze FOMO

Medici maestros: And everything is Va Bene

Not that we had any Firenze FOMO at all when we had to cancel our trip to the Flower City this time last year because of a family bereavement.

And we know the aforementioned and much-missed Maj who waxed lyrical about his visit there will want us to put that right and follow in his footsteps.

To learn more about this fascinating family, you should immerse yourself in Medieval Medici mirth by following this easy-to-follow free Visit Tuscany guide.

You can discover more about the 505m corridor they used to keep them away from the plebs.

With it spanning from their luxurious Palazzo Pitti to the Uffizi office (not shabby either). The additional 155m would include walking through the Uffizi Gallery to the Palazzo Vecchio.

All this art, well that was down to the Medici too with Michelangelo working for La Famiglia.

And his David (Boy, not Beckham) the symbol of Firenze and the most Instagrammable pic from your visit.

While Galileo Galilei was also in their employ and presented to his former student, the Grand Duke Cosimo II of Tuscany, the Medician stars.

That’s a discovery of four celestial orbs that became the perfect way to honour the Medicis.

Ice one Medicis

Perhaps, of course, the Medicis greatest gift to the world was gelato.

Or Florentine chef Bernardo Buontalenti, although the Medicis naturally took the credit.

Bernardo invented modern gelato in 1565 when the Grand Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici asked him to organise a banquet to receive the Spanish deputation.

And he invented a tasty dessert based on eggnog, milk, and fruit, producing the famous ‘Florentine cream’ and ‘Buontalenti.’

So there’s a scoop for you, OK 650 years old. Salute and enjoy your Aperol and gelato on the rooftops of the Medicis’ Firenze

Countries, Europe

Real Disney Beauties in Europe

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There were few castles or kings and queens for Walt Disney to base his on in America… so he chose real Disney Beauties in Europe.

Many of our Disney favourites were cribbed from fairytale and folklore, often grisly, from the Old World.

And they are front and centre around the Disney world and particularly so this Halloween.

And while, of course, it is a tale as old as time Disney never tires of telling it, nor we to hear it.

Which is why we alighted on the Mischief Makers’ body popping in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris.

As part of Mickey’s Halloween Celebration.

Halloween tale as old as time

Light the flame: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

All of which will be in your programme in your Cassidy Travel Autumn getaway.

Cassidy are offering a three-night package with flight from October 29, staying at the 4* Relais Spa Chessy Hotel

From €2,769 for two adults, two kids.

Now, of course, anyone who is going to Disney is already a big kid.

A Disney pilgrimage

And we are already familiar with the Real Disney Beauties in Europe which for many is their doorstep.

But, France is the spiritual home to the OG Beauty and the Beast.

As the magnus opus of 18th Century French writer Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve

And so a Halloween visit here is something of a pilgrimage.

While for visitors from other continents, or even within ours.

You can also walk through the original Disney Castle, the Wonderful World of Disney’s Neuschwanstein, in Bavaria in Germany.

Or in the case of one excitable Disney fan, enjoying a break from Oktoberfest, run up the hill to it.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe

Columbus, The Great Explora and the Greater Spain

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Olé, olé, olé we’re on our way with Columbus, The Great Explora and the Greater Spain.

And Cassidy Travel and Explora Journeys which whisper it, or on second thoughts, shout it, who are a better bet than Columbus.

History has been kinder than it ought to have been to Columbus.

Who sailed the ocean blue in 1492 though didn’t know where he was going, which was the wrong way to Asia.

And even mistook manatees for mermaids.

Columbus on a pedestal

All of which appeals to this accidental tourist who has turned the wrong corner more often than not, and found an oasis.

Columbus is still trusting to instinct rather than updated maps to this day from his plinth in Barcelona.

Where he points not to America, where let’s remember he never set foot in, but to Algeria.

The great Catalan city honours the Genovese on account of his reporting to the Spanish monarchs after returning from the Caribbean.

And erected his 60ft statue by Las Ramblas for the Exposición Universal de Barcelona in 1888 in honour of his Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas.

Which if you’re lucky enough to first witness Barcelona from opened curtains on a cruise ship is the first thing you’ll see.

Carry on cruising

Barcelona will be your first port of call and departure point.

On your Journey to Stars of Casablanca & The Coast of Granada.

The Explora II will leave Barcelona in October 16 for ten nights from €4195pp (€500pp deposit).

Cassidy and Explora will put you in an ocean terrace suite.

And treat you to all-inclusive wining and dining

You’ll sail from the Catalan capital, overnight in Casablanca ad visit Cadiz, Puerto Banus (Marbella) and Motril.

While you’ll also get return flights from Dublin.

Countries

Floaty Rhine cruisers

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We could only watch with our noses up against the bus window at the floaty Rhine cruisers wending their way by.

Of course it’s what you aspire to but needs must when you’re a student or an OS (overseas) Aussie or Kiwi, so it was the Top Deck bus for us back then.

Mind you the booze was flowing and there was love (or lust) in the air as we headed back from the Oktoberfest in Munich.

Probably best then that they’d pencilled in a trip to church to seek forgiveness… and not any old church but the colossal Cologne Cathedral.

Much has changed in Germany since those heady late-teen days and there’s snow on the beardie now.

Koln card

Aspiring: Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge at sunset/nighttime

But the Rhine still flows gently along the same route and God is in his world in Koln.

Where you can see his house in even more glory now with a lift up the outside of the building and peer inside at our fellow worshippers at prayer.

All of which awaits you with Cassidy Travel and their Festive Markets Rhine River Cruise.

Cassidy are offering a four-night all-inclusive Arosa Aqua for December 2 or 6, from €9,199pps.

With an upgrade to a French Balcony Cabin for €150pp extra.

Cassidy will fly you out from Dublin to Dusseldorf with 10kg check in luggage allowance.

Booze cruise

As well as the four nights on board, you’ll have gourmet buffets with live cooking and all-inclusive restaurants.

There’s a heated outdoor whirlpool, spa including sanarium and gym.

And on-board entertainment each evening.

You’ll start in Cologne and take in Rudesheim, Mainz, Frankfurt, Koblenz and back in cathedral city.

And just as back in the day when we were the busboys to the floaty Rhine cruisers, these Cassidy cruisers get to enjoy all the beverages you like.

America, Countries, Music

King for the day in Memphis

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For Dutchie it was his first paying gig and few better places than BB’s Blues Club, he was what he‘d always wanted to be… King for the day in Memphis.

You don’t, of course, have to possess the guitar-playing abilities of Dutchie to fulfil your musical dreams in Memphis.

Or be asked by Muriel to do a little number at ‘the Hollywood’ to be rockin’ in Memphis.

You just ideally need the services of insiders who know the town.

Like, say our friends at Irish travel providers Cassidy.

Anyone for Tennessee

Memphis, and Tennessee as a whole, has indeed been richly blessed for music.

Maybe that’s down to the gospel choirs or their antithesis, the devil’s drinking dens that spawned the likes of Robert Johnson.

Who famously sold his soul to the Devil so he could play perfect Blues guitar.

But Memphis, adopted home of WC Handy, BB, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes and actual birthplace of JT, Justin Timberlake, is the gift that keeps on giving.

I got rhythm

As are Cassidy’s, who again bring us another package ‘Rhythms of the South, which is music to our ears, a four-nighter from €1,529 with flights from Dublin.

You’ll travel out on December 2 and get to stay four nights at the 3* Holiday Inn Nashville.

And three nights at the 4* Doubletree Hotel Memphis.

A night at the Opry

Now in a state so richly blessed for music as Tennessee there’s naturally a friendly rivalry.

As to which is considered the most musical city.

Of course, you can always settle that debate by just claiming it, as has Nashville.

By putting it in your marketing… Nashville Music City.

Because Nashville, home of the Grand Ole Opry and country music has become more, much more than that.

Nashville boasts 150 live venues, many of them Honky Tonk bars.

Where you can hear the best With more country, rock’n’roll, jazz, bluegrass, folk, and Americana.

Tale of two Southern cities

Ten feet off of Beale: Walkin’ in Memphis

Now should you be curious to know the difference between Memphis and Nashville and that’s the journalist in me.

Then my old friend Tennessean Heather, from our unforgettable Tennessee and Mississippi trip to trace Martin Luther King’s last days, helpfully explained.

If you want to meet someone in music in Memphis you just go up and introduce yourself.

In Tennessee you get your people to talk to their people and then you’re up and running.

Heather, is, of course a Memphian, and the best representative a city could want.

I was lucky enough to be introduced to their people, the Nashville delegation.

When they visited Dublin and partied with us.

And yes, they offered to introduce me to their people and come out to their city.

Which doggone I couldn’t at that time because I was jet setting off somewhere else.

Of course good ole Southern folk never forget y’all so we will get over.

Made of New Orleans

So whether you want to be King for the day in Memphis or Cash in in Nashville then just put yourself forward (Dutchie did) and let Cassidy do the rest.

And if you’ve the time complete your Southern musical odyssey down in ole New Orleans, home of jazz.

Cassidy offers aUSA Food Tour of Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans

Tastes and Sounds of the South is a ten-days/ five cities/nine nights/nine breakfasts/four dinners bonanza.

They promise jazz, soul food, country music, and a whole lot of rock’n’roll.

Showcasing the rich culture of Memphis, Nashville, Natchez, and New Orleans, plus a trip to Graceland.

From €3,000pps, flights not included.

And when you do get to New Orleans say hi to me to jazz great Kermit Ruffles.

And remind him of how we rocked the San Antonio River Walk.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Wild Women’s Wellgarve

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I’ve gatecrashed these gigs so bring it on… Wild Women’s Wellgarve.

Well, it was Biarritz and a thalassotherapy hotel, and I was the only bloke among a gaggle of women (it was ever thus).

And there I was getting covered with mosses and gels, doucheing down… and drinking kale.

All of which proved to myself that I’m as comfortable on a girly getaway as I am on a boys’ booze bus.

Now over to our friends at Cassidy Travel, who we’ve been sharing all their boys’ weeks away sporting packages (girls are allowed too).

And they have given us the nod here on women’s tribes.

That’s their words so don’t shoot the messenger!

Cassidy have flagged up Wild & Free in one of our favourite European coastal resorts, Algarve.

As a women’s retreat to give you time and space to connect with your authentic self, gather with your tribe and tune into feminine wisdom.

It’s hosted by Sarah Shannon and Wild & Free takes you on a journey.

She promises that she’ll help you find ways to listen to your inner wild and allow yourself to be free.

And you’ll enjoy morning meditations and rituals, guided journaling and yoga classes suitable for all levels.

And workshops, women’s circles, a cacao ceremony, sound healing and other special activities.

All included in the price.

There will also be plenty of free time to enjoy the surrounding beaches and stunning retreat venues on your Wild Women’s Wellgarve trip.

And, of course, I’m a past master of Algarve sporting, fitness and wellness at the Campus, Quinta do Lago

And don’t you just know the first of these retreats is on a very special anniversary.

Although The Pampered One is already being swooped away… to Firenze.

Wild & Free September Retreat

They have a five-night package with all meals and activities included on September 17 at Loule in the Portuguese holiday getaway.

With deluxe private & standard private rooms from €2179pp.

Twin sharing rooms en-suite from €1599pp.

Flights and transfers are not included but can be added at time of booking.

Wild & Free October Retreat

Or enjoy Autumn in the Algarve with all meals and activities included, arriving in Loule on October 26 for a five-night package.

With deluxe private & standard private rooms from €2179pp

Twin Sharing Rooms En Suite from €1599pp.

And again you can add on your flights and transfers on booking.