All of this SNOW is making
us a little stir crazy! So
we drummed up a huge sale
on Spring and Summer departures of our favorite
escorted tours to Ireland,
Italy, Scotland, Germany
and beyond. Check out our Dreaming of Spring sale to save up to $600 per couple
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Travel blog about European travels to Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France and more!
Friday, January 31, 2014
6 Spas in Wales
Spa travel is the latest must-have experience. Here are a couple of distinctive hotels that offer unique spa experiences in Wales.
Bodysgallen Hall and Spa
An immaculately restored farmhouse within Bodysgallen's beautiful grounds. The centerpiece is a big 50 ft pool lined with blue mosaic tiles. Ranged around the pool there's the full complement of top-end spa facilities: bubbling spa bath, steam room, suna, large gymnasium and a wide choice of modern treatments.
Lake Country House and Spa
Like Bodysgallen, the Lake's Kingfisher Spa has a proper grown-up indoor pool. 50 ft long. Go swimming, chill out in the hot tub on the balcony overlooking the lake or use the sauna and gymnasium. Treatments and therapies include aromatherapy, reflexology, various massages, manicures, pedicures and facials.
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa
The spa pool's ability to soak away your stress is aided and abetted by a jaw-dropping view of mountain ringed Lake Vyrnwy. Other features include a sauna, Japanese salt steam room, ice fountain, mist and monsoon showers, rasul therapy and exotic treatments from around the world.
Metropole Hotel and Spa
This hotel has the heritage - it played the leading role in Llandrindod Well's booming Victorian spa era. How times change. The Metropole's conservatory might be Victorian in style, but it houses a thoroughly modern spa with a 'fantastic and surprisingly large' 65ft heated pool. thermal suites, Jacuzzi, fully equipped gymnasium and wide range of holistic, beauty and therapy treatments.
Peterstone Court Hotel and Spa
Its old cellars have been imaginatively converted into a spa where beauty therapists offer a wide range of treatments, from luxury facials and relaxing massages to aromatherapy. There's also a stress-busting relaxation room finished in soothing red tones. Other facilities include a sauna, Jacuzzi, air-conditioned gymnasium and outdoor heated swimming pool.
St. Brides Spa Hotel
Its clifftop marine spa is breathtaking for at least two reasons - the seemingly infinite view across Carmathen Bay from its patly named infinity pool, and the range of contemporary spa experiences on tap at this dazzling coastal hotel. Features include aroma steam, rock sauna and treatment rooms, sensation shower, salt infusion room and ice fountain.
These are only a few of the amazing spa experiences to be had in Wales. Start planning your luxury vacation in Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations
Bodysgallen Hall and Spa
An immaculately restored farmhouse within Bodysgallen's beautiful grounds. The centerpiece is a big 50 ft pool lined with blue mosaic tiles. Ranged around the pool there's the full complement of top-end spa facilities: bubbling spa bath, steam room, suna, large gymnasium and a wide choice of modern treatments.
Lake Country House and Spa
Like Bodysgallen, the Lake's Kingfisher Spa has a proper grown-up indoor pool. 50 ft long. Go swimming, chill out in the hot tub on the balcony overlooking the lake or use the sauna and gymnasium. Treatments and therapies include aromatherapy, reflexology, various massages, manicures, pedicures and facials.
Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa
The spa pool's ability to soak away your stress is aided and abetted by a jaw-dropping view of mountain ringed Lake Vyrnwy. Other features include a sauna, Japanese salt steam room, ice fountain, mist and monsoon showers, rasul therapy and exotic treatments from around the world.
Metropole Hotel and Spa
This hotel has the heritage - it played the leading role in Llandrindod Well's booming Victorian spa era. How times change. The Metropole's conservatory might be Victorian in style, but it houses a thoroughly modern spa with a 'fantastic and surprisingly large' 65ft heated pool. thermal suites, Jacuzzi, fully equipped gymnasium and wide range of holistic, beauty and therapy treatments.
Peterstone Court Hotel and Spa
Its old cellars have been imaginatively converted into a spa where beauty therapists offer a wide range of treatments, from luxury facials and relaxing massages to aromatherapy. There's also a stress-busting relaxation room finished in soothing red tones. Other facilities include a sauna, Jacuzzi, air-conditioned gymnasium and outdoor heated swimming pool.
St. Brides Spa Hotel
Its clifftop marine spa is breathtaking for at least two reasons - the seemingly infinite view across Carmathen Bay from its patly named infinity pool, and the range of contemporary spa experiences on tap at this dazzling coastal hotel. Features include aroma steam, rock sauna and treatment rooms, sensation shower, salt infusion room and ice fountain.
These are only a few of the amazing spa experiences to be had in Wales. Start planning your luxury vacation in Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations
Labels:
Celtic Tours,
luxury vacations,
Spa Tour,
Travel,
Wales
Thursday, January 30, 2014
2014 Food Festivals of Wales
All foodies have heard of the Abergavenny Food Festival, possible the UK's top culinary gathering. But it's just one of the many in Wales, reflecting the country's passion for all things local and edible. Here's a run down of some of the best Food Festivals in Wales Welsh Food Festival
Set in the beautiful gardens of Glansevern Hall, the Welsh food festival takes place at the beginning of September and hosts a range of events showcasing Welsh produce. Top chefs host a variety of cookery demonstrations, there’s an assortment of Welsh food to sample and buy at the food market and a full programme of entertainment the whole family can enjoy.
Abergavenny Food Festival
The Abergavenny Food Festival takes place over the third weekend of September. Featuring some of the brightest lights of the culinary world it occupies the centre of the town across six venues. Around one hundred and seventy stalls with produce from Wales, the Marches and further afield, together with a programme of individually ticketed masterclasses, tutored tastings and chef demonstrations (previous participants: Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, Clarissa Dickson-Wright, Anthony Bourdain).
Narberth Food Festival
This community event, entirely volunteer-run, won‘t get the biggest names, but it’s still one of the friendliest and most enjoyable food festivals around. Patrons are Angela Gray and Elizabeth Luard, so you can expect talks and demonstrations from those two luminaries, along with a variety of exhibitors, all sound tracked by live music. Narberth Food Festival takes place at the end of September.
Really Wild Festival
A truly unique event, this is the only festival in the UK that focuses on food and crafts originating from the wild. The festival takes place at the end of May so enjoy some wild talks on how to eat foraged foods, wild walks on where to find wild food and chef demonstrations using this food. To make sure things really are totally wild, they also have ferret and pig racing!
Neath Food and Drink Festival
Thousands of visitors enjoy the abundance of food stalls in and outside the Victorian market at Neath Food Festival which takes place at the beginning of October. Under the guidance of Le Crème Patisserie’s Ian Hindle, they have big ambitions for this event and you can expect Neath Food Festival to get bigger and better every year.
Pembrokeshire Fish WeekFantastic fish and shellfish, wonderful coastal activities, and plenty of family fun - it’s a recipe for success for Pembrokeshire Fish Week which takes place at the end of June. Enjoy the breathtaking Pembrokeshire coast in guided beach walks, boat trips, island rambles, and snorkel safaris. Sample fabulous seafood at local restaurants, join a cookery workshop, or be inspired by celebrity chefs such as Bryn Williams and Mitch Tonks, as they demonstrate delicious fish and shellfish recipes.
Gwledd Conwy Feast The Conwy Feast takes place over two days at the end of October and is now one of the largest and most successful in Wales. With a myriad of choice from local food producers and retailers on hand for you to try (and buy) their produce plus cooking demonstrations and much more, this is a day or weekend for all the family to enjoy.
The experience of a Welsh food festival is one not to be missed – our food festivals are outpourings of flavours, colours and smells. You will find a myriad of different stalls and activities, but the star attraction is the produce brought to you by people with a real passion and talent. Start planning your Wales Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Irish Harmony 2014 - Escorted Tour of Ireland
Ireland Escorted Motorcoach Tour!
Experience the best of Ireland on this extra value tour. Your Irish Harmony tour combines all the comforts of a more expensive tour at a fantastic savings. Sightseeing includes Killarney, the crystal city of Waterford, Cork, Blarney and Dublin. Enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of Ireland and visit the famed Guinness Storehouse.New itinerary now includes 2-nights at Dunboyne Castle Hotel and dinner every night!Your Tour Highlights:
- More meals - 10 meals with breakfast and dinner.
- Top Sights - with visits to Kilkenny, Wateford, Blarney, Killarney, Limerick, Kildare and Dublin.
- Relaxed and updated itinerary.
- Guaranteed Departures
- Top hotels, drivers and entertainment
- As always, no hidden extras when you choose Celtic Tours!
Your Irish Harmony Tour includes:
- First Class Hotels with private bath or shower for five nights.
- Full Irish breakfasts daily, except day of arrival.
- Five (5) hotel dinners.
- Daily sightseeing by luxury coach with the services of a Celtic Tours driver/guide, including tours to the Guinness Storehouse and Blarney Woollen Mills.
- Touring of the Ring of Kerry and panoramic tour of Dublin's fair city.
- Porterage of one suitcase per person.
- Optional pub entertainment.
- Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included.
- Celtic Tours portfolio of travel documents.
Labels:
Celtic Tours,
Escorted Motorcoach Tours,
Ireland,
Travel
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Hotel Spotlight: Wolfscastle in Wales
Wolfscastle
Woflscastle, nr Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA62 5LZThe Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Allt yr Afon Restaurant, a former vicarage nestling in the lush Mid Pembrokeshire countryside, is still known locally by its original name "Allt yr Afon" ("Wooded Hill by the River").
Very much a family affair, in ambience and character, guests regularly compliment us on the hotel's warm welcome and friendly atmosphere which, combined with good service, comfortable bedrooms and delicious food, guarantees a memorable experience. Learn more about this Wales hotel
Start planning your vacation to Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations
Monday, January 27, 2014
Wine Trail Wales
Wales is fast developing a reputation for wines of excellent quality. The hard work of dedicated viticulturists from Anglesey to Pembrokeshire and across to Monmouthshire is being rewarded with prestigious national and international awards, which have created headlines and put Wales on the world wine map.
Welsh vineyards produce around 100,000 bottles of wine each year and many welcome visitors for tours with tasting sessions as part of Wine Trail Wales. It’s a great way for viticulturists to share their passion and for visitors to learn about the complete winemaking process. Visit a vineyard and taste the quality.
1. TY CROES VINEYARD
Dwyran, Anglesey LL61 6RP
Come to Anglesey and enjoy a taste that is normally associated with sunnier climates… or stay longer in our family-run campsite.
2. PANT DU VINEYARD
Ffordd y Sir, Penygroes, Gwynedd LL54 6HE
Come and relax in our café with panoramic views and a bottle of Pant Du wine, cider or apple juice on the slopes of Dyffryn Nantlle.
3. PENARTH VINEYARD
Penarth House, Pool Road, Newtown, Powys SY16 3AN
Penarth Vineyard is situated in a riverside location in Montgomeryshire. Visit our delicatessen Quince’s in Newtown to taste our wines, chocolates and local produce.
4. KERRY VALE VINEYARD
Churchstoke, Powys SY15 6HU
Kerry Vale Vineyard was planted in 2010 by husband and wife team Geoff and June Ferguson. From July 2013 the vineyard will open its vineyard shop for tastings and tours.
5. LLAETHLIW VINEYARD
Neuadd Lwyd, Aberaeron, Ceredigion SA48 7RF
This new family run vineyard in sunny Aberaeron has great plans for the future, but meanwhile the vines need tending! Visit our facebook page for updates.
6. JABAJAK VINEYARD RESTAURANT & ROOMS
Banc Y Llain, Llanboidy, Whitland, Carmarthenshire SA34 0ED
West Wales vineyard with 5 star, Welsh Rarebit restaurant and rooms. Locally sourced food philosophy, great wines and civil ceremony licence for romantic weddings.
7. CWM DERI VINEYARD & ESTATE
Martletwy, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 8AP
Working small-holding surrounded by Pembrokeshire National Park
8. MEADOWVIEW VINEYARD
Crossways, Llanblethian, Cowbridge CF71 7LJ
Rich clay loam soils and cosseted grapes allow this family run vineyard to produce unique sparkling wines by traditional methods.
9. GLYNDWR VINEYARD
Llanblethian, Cowbridge CF71 7JF
Hidden in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, this picturesque vineyard, the oldest established in Wales, produces an exciting range of quality wines…
10. LLANERCH VINEYARD
Hensol CF72 8GG
A laid-back, luxurious location just 20 minutes from Cardiff city centre, popular with locals, day-trippers and holiday makers alike.
11. BRYN CEILIOG VINEYARD
Beggan Farm, Leckwith CF11 8AS
A vineyard and cider apple orchard that forms part of three farms and woodland covering some 300 acres in the Vale of Glamorgan.
12. PARVA FARM VINEYARD
Monmouth Road, Tintern, Chepstow NP16 6SQ
Leave the crowds behind. Stroll among the vines with amazing views of the Wye Valley before trying our wonderful, award winning, Welsh wines.
13. WERNDDU ORGANICS
Wernddu Farm, Pen y Clawdd, Monmouth NP25 4BW
Escape to the country amongst the rolling hills set around an Organic Welsh Vineyard, relax and have a glass or three.
14. ANCRE HILL ESTATES
Rockfield Road, Monmouth NP25 5HS
Home of the Bollicine del Mondo world winner – visit our family run, biodynamic vineyard & taste our award winning, world class wines.
15. WHITE CASTLE VINEYARD
Llanvetherine, Abergavenny NP7 8RA
A dream has become reality with genuine red, white and rose-tinted glasses... come visit the passionate couple behind the reality of this tranquil vineyard!
16. SUGARLOAF VINEYARDS
Dummar Farm, Abergavenny NP7 7LA
Our picturesque vineyard nestles in amongst the rolling Welsh hills – taste and tour in glorious surroundings whilst listening to the hum of the babbling brook.
Fancy Welsh Wine? Start planning your vacation to Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations
Welsh vineyards produce around 100,000 bottles of wine each year and many welcome visitors for tours with tasting sessions as part of Wine Trail Wales. It’s a great way for viticulturists to share their passion and for visitors to learn about the complete winemaking process. Visit a vineyard and taste the quality.
1. TY CROES VINEYARD
Dwyran, Anglesey LL61 6RP
Come to Anglesey and enjoy a taste that is normally associated with sunnier climates… or stay longer in our family-run campsite.
2. PANT DU VINEYARD
Ffordd y Sir, Penygroes, Gwynedd LL54 6HE
Come and relax in our café with panoramic views and a bottle of Pant Du wine, cider or apple juice on the slopes of Dyffryn Nantlle.
3. PENARTH VINEYARD
Penarth House, Pool Road, Newtown, Powys SY16 3AN
Penarth Vineyard is situated in a riverside location in Montgomeryshire. Visit our delicatessen Quince’s in Newtown to taste our wines, chocolates and local produce.
4. KERRY VALE VINEYARD
Churchstoke, Powys SY15 6HU
Kerry Vale Vineyard was planted in 2010 by husband and wife team Geoff and June Ferguson. From July 2013 the vineyard will open its vineyard shop for tastings and tours.
5. LLAETHLIW VINEYARD
Neuadd Lwyd, Aberaeron, Ceredigion SA48 7RF
This new family run vineyard in sunny Aberaeron has great plans for the future, but meanwhile the vines need tending! Visit our facebook page for updates.
6. JABAJAK VINEYARD RESTAURANT & ROOMS
Banc Y Llain, Llanboidy, Whitland, Carmarthenshire SA34 0ED
West Wales vineyard with 5 star, Welsh Rarebit restaurant and rooms. Locally sourced food philosophy, great wines and civil ceremony licence for romantic weddings.
7. CWM DERI VINEYARD & ESTATE
Martletwy, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 8AP
Working small-holding surrounded by Pembrokeshire National Park
8. MEADOWVIEW VINEYARD
Crossways, Llanblethian, Cowbridge CF71 7LJ
Rich clay loam soils and cosseted grapes allow this family run vineyard to produce unique sparkling wines by traditional methods.
9. GLYNDWR VINEYARD
Llanblethian, Cowbridge CF71 7JF
Hidden in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, this picturesque vineyard, the oldest established in Wales, produces an exciting range of quality wines…
10. LLANERCH VINEYARD
Hensol CF72 8GG
A laid-back, luxurious location just 20 minutes from Cardiff city centre, popular with locals, day-trippers and holiday makers alike.
11. BRYN CEILIOG VINEYARD
Beggan Farm, Leckwith CF11 8AS
A vineyard and cider apple orchard that forms part of three farms and woodland covering some 300 acres in the Vale of Glamorgan.
12. PARVA FARM VINEYARD
Monmouth Road, Tintern, Chepstow NP16 6SQ
Leave the crowds behind. Stroll among the vines with amazing views of the Wye Valley before trying our wonderful, award winning, Welsh wines.
13. WERNDDU ORGANICS
Wernddu Farm, Pen y Clawdd, Monmouth NP25 4BW
Escape to the country amongst the rolling hills set around an Organic Welsh Vineyard, relax and have a glass or three.
14. ANCRE HILL ESTATES
Rockfield Road, Monmouth NP25 5HS
Home of the Bollicine del Mondo world winner – visit our family run, biodynamic vineyard & taste our award winning, world class wines.
15. WHITE CASTLE VINEYARD
Llanvetherine, Abergavenny NP7 8RA
A dream has become reality with genuine red, white and rose-tinted glasses... come visit the passionate couple behind the reality of this tranquil vineyard!
16. SUGARLOAF VINEYARDS
Dummar Farm, Abergavenny NP7 7LA
Our picturesque vineyard nestles in amongst the rolling Welsh hills – taste and tour in glorious surroundings whilst listening to the hum of the babbling brook.
Fancy Welsh Wine? Start planning your vacation to Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations
Friday, January 24, 2014
Hotel Spotlight: Bodysgallen Hall and Spa in Wales
Bodysgallen Hall & Spa
Llandudno LL30 1RS, WalesBodysgallen Hall & Spa lies at the end of a winding drive in 200 acres of wooded parkland and beautiful formal walled gardens. Magnificent views encompass the sweep of the Snowdonia range of mountains and the hotel looks down on the imposing medieval castle at Conwy. A true historic house with historic gardens too. Bodysgallen Hall is now a National Trust property. Immaculate in all ways - luxurious, stylish and supremely comfortable, with accomplished cuisine. Superb facilities with a magnificent spa and pool. Learn more about this Wales hotel.
Travel to Wales with Celtic Tours World Vacations
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