Tag: Travel

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announces major expansion at Edinburgh Airport

Significant expansion sees FOUR new routes go on sale in response to strong demand – Rome, Malta, Chambery, and Prague

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays has today responded to continued strong demand from holidaymakers in Scotland, by announcing significant expansion at Edinburgh Airport. This growth includes four new routes, extra summer and winter capacity, as well as an additional aircraft coming into operation for Summer 24.

The UK’s largest tour operator and third largest airline has added a 7th based aircraft at Edinburgh Airport for Summer 24, enabling them to introduce two new routes for next summer. This gives customers and independent travel agents even more choice and flexibility when it comes to choosing some summer sunshine next year.

The two new routes added for Summer 24 are as follows:

  • Rome – new Monday and Friday services beginning from 8th March.
  • Malta – new Wednesday services starting from 1st May.

As well as summer demand, Jet2.com has also experienced strong demand for ski flights from local snow sports fans and has added new flights to Chambery from Edinburgh Airport for Winter 23/24 and Winter 24/25 in response. Chambery offers quick and easy access to world-famous ski resorts in France, including the Three Valleys. The popular ski areas of the Alpe d’Huez, Chamonix, La Plagne and Val d’Isère are also easily accessible from Chambery, providing memorable skiing whether you are a beginner or an expert.

This coming winter, weekly Saturday services will operate to Chambery between 10th February and 6th April 2024. In Winter 24/25, Saturday services will operate from 21st December 2024.

The good news does not stop there, as scheduled winter services and city breaks have also gone on sale to Prague from Edinburgh Airport for Winter 24/25 too.

Services will operate to Prague from the airport from 3rd October 2024 to 27th March 2025, with up to two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) operating during this time. With long-weekend and mid-week breaks available from Edinburgh Airport, the addition of this city break favourite offers fantastic choice and flexibility when it comes to visiting the Czech capital in winter.

In addition to this, the strong demand the companies are seeing for flights and great value ATOL protected package holidays means the companies have also added thousands of extra seats for Summer 24 to over ten of their most popular destinations across the Canary Islands, Mainland Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Croatia and Italy.

The destinations where additional flights and holidays have been added (peak weekly departures from Edinburgh Airport in brackets following the increases) are: Lanzarote (5), Malaga (5), Antalya (6), Bodrum (2), Larnaca (2), Gran Canaria (3), Naples (2), Split (2), Tenerife (8), Verona (2) and Zante (3).

This expansion means that Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will now operate up to 96 weekly flights during peak periods to 32 destinations from Edinburgh Airport in Summer 24, meaning unrivalled choice for holidaymakers departing from the airport. With nearly one million seats now on sale from Edinburgh Airport in Summer 24, this represents a capacity increase of more than 20% compared to Summer 23.

With Winter Sun also proving popular from Edinburgh Airport, today’s expansion sees Jet2.com and Jet2holidays add capacity to Lanzarote, Alicante, Antalya, Fuerteventura and Tenerife for Winter 23/24 and to Alicante, Madeira, Fuerteventura and Tenerife and for Winter 24/25. In addition, the companies will operate services to Malta in Winter 24/25, which is a continuation of their summer services.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Today’s announcement represents a significant investment at Edinburgh Airport and means we are massively expanding our Summer and Winter programmes.

“We are looking forward to our biggest ever Summer 24 from Edinburgh Airport, and this huge expansion to our programme is a demonstration of our continued commitment to investing in our operations at the base ahead of it.

“The demand we are seeing from customers and independent travel agents remains strong, so we have responded by expanding our operations at Edinburgh Airport with new routes, extra capacity and an additional 7th based aircraft for Summer 24.

“As a result, we are giving holidaymakers in the region even more choice to get away on our award-winning package holidays and flights whether that is in the summer or the winter.”

Kate Sherry, Chief Commercial Officer (Aero) at Edinburgh Airport said: “It’s always good news when we expand choice for our passengers, so having more destinations to jet to with Jet2.com next summer will allow people to already start thinking about that special holiday.

“We know there’s a strong market in Edinburgh and the addition of an extra based aircraft for summer 2024 is a real show of commitment from Jet2.com in Scotland’s capital and to delivering seamless travel and more opportunities to explore.”

Key Summer Sun facts for 2024 from Edinburgh Airport include:

  • 32 sun and city destinations on sale (peak number of flights per week in brackets).
  • Includes TWO NEW ROUTES – Rome (2) and Malta (1).
  • Other destinations on sale are: Antalya (6), Bodrum (2), Dalaman (5), Izmir (1), Tenerife (8), Lanzarote (5), Fuerteventura (2), Gran Canaria (3), Reus (2), Alicante (5), Malaga (5), Palma (Majorca) (9), Ibiza (4), Menorca (2), Faro (Algarve) (7), Madeira (1), Crete (Heraklion) (2), Corfu (2), Santorini (1), Kos (2), Preveza (1), Rhodes (2), Halkidiki (1), Zante (3), Larnaca (2), Paphos (2), Naples (2), Verona (2), Dubrovnik (2), Split (2)
  • Up to 96 departing weekly flights during peak periods.
  • A 7th based aircraft coming into operation for Summer 24.

For further information and to book visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com   

Independent travel agents can visit: trade.jet2holidays.com

Summer seaside escapes with Rabbies

This summer, avoid the mercury-busting heatwave overseas and explore coasts that rival the world’s best right here in the UK and Ireland with a Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com) small group tour.

Stunning South West Seaside

Escape to the beautiful counties of Dorset, Devon and Cornwall to enjoy tales of Arthurian legend and iconic natural wonders. There are few coastal locations more famous than Durdle Door in Lulworth, Dorset. The limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast is one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks and the coastline it calls home was designated England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Venture further west and discover Cornwall’s coast, from the clifftop castle of Tintagel where King Arthur is believed to have been born to the cobbled streets, cottages and sandy beaches of the idyllic fishing town of St Ives.  Its neighbour, Devon, doesn’t disappoint either, and this tour isn’t complete without a visit to the picturesque coastal resort of Lynton for its incredible natural beauty and rich history. Join Rabbie’s four-day Cornwall, Devon & Stonehenge tour, departing from Bristol, from just £295 per person.

West Coast Exploring

Discover the soaring mountains, spectacular wildlife, and mystical history of Ireland’s West Coast. Take in the rugged beauty of one of the longest-defined coastal routes in the world, The Wild Atlantic Way. The 2,500km-long coastal road boasts historical spots, natural wonders and many of Ireland’s top attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher. Walk cliff-top trails boasting gorgeous views over the rugged Atlantic waves and watch rare seabirds swooping through the air.

At the picturesque, coastal market town of Clifden in County Galway, nestled between the Twelve Bens mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, take in the National Park, you’ll also enjoy the majesty of the Sky Road. Join Rabbie’s three-day West Coast Explorer tour, departing from Dublin, from just €389 per person.

Rabbie’s UK and Ireland tours depart from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, London, Manchester, Bristol, Belfast and Dublin. For more information about Rabbie’s and to book a private or a scheduled tour, visit www.rabbies.com.   

2.6 BILLION miles of ‘Are We There Yet?’  

Welcome Break and Twinkl Team Up to Beat Travel Boredom for UK Families 

  • UK kids set to travel 2.6 billion miles in the car this summer[1] 
  • Half of Scottish parents are averse to playing nursery rhymes for kids in the car 
  • With it taking 28 minutes for the first kid in Scotland to ask, ‘are we there yet?’ 

Travelling with kids in tow can be stressful for parents. With the summer holidays almost here, Welcome Break has revealed the average child is set to travel 206 miles around the UK this summer.

Luckily for these children, Welcome Break has launched a partnership with Twinkl Educational Publishing to give out free activity packs to help with these long car journeys. 

Welcome Break, one of the UK’s leading Motorway Service Area Operators, has recently conducted a survey revealing the top essential items for parents travelling with kids in the car.

According to Scottish respondents, snacks are a must-have, with eight out of ten parents (82 percent) agreeing. The optimal number of snacks for Scottish kids on a car journey is 3 nibbles. Other items rated highly include an iPad or tablet (70 percent) and activity or colouring books (31 percent). 

 When it comes to music preferences during road trips, Scottish parents stand their ground against nursery rhymes, with half of them (48 percent) saying ‘no’ to playing them in the car. Only a mere 11 percent allow nursery rhymes to keep their back passengers happy!

Additionally, almost a third of Scottish families (29 percent) admit to experiencing disagreements in the car over the playlist. However, according to Welcome Break, musical entertainment doesn’t always prevent moments of boredom for children. It takes just 28 minutes for the first kid to ask, ‘are we there yet?’ and only 45 minutes before a child in Scotland asks, ‘can we stop to use the bathroom?’ 

Fortunately, traditional car games are still enjoyed by parents and children. More than half of Scottish families (55 percent) play the classic ‘I spy’ on long car journeys, while one in ten (11 percent) engage in the ‘number plate game.’ Additionally, some shrewd parents (21 percent) use the ‘quiet game’ to ensure some moments of peace and silence. 

 As families plan their summer trips around the UK, Welcome Break’s survey reveals that half of Scottish parents (56 percent) consider a bag of toys and books as the top packing essential for UK holidays. For those who stop at Welcome Break pit stops, Twinkl has created activity mats that are sure to keep children entertained and engaged.

Gary Steele, Operations Director at Welcome Break, commented on the findings: “Welcome Break has everything you need if you’re travelling with children this summer.

“Whether it’s a toilet break, a snack stop or to pick up one of our Twinkl activity packs, we’re there to keep kids entertained on any journey! With 66 percent of Scots holidaying in Scotland this year, we’re there to act as that perfect pitstop whatever your plans are this summer!”  

Twinkl’s activity mats, available at all Welcome Break sites, feature a variety of fun puzzles, activities, and games, carefully designed to be both entertaining and educational.

The tasks aim to engage children with their surroundings while on their travels. Twinkl also directs travelling families to a range of their free Twinkl Go! interactive games and Twinkl Originals AudioBook Playlists, ensuring they are well-equipped for their journeys over the summer. 

Leon Smith, Chief Customer Officer at Twinkl, commented: “Twinkl is passionate about providing support to all types of educators, including parents. Our collaboration with Welcome Break is a testament to that mission.

“As a parent myself, I understand the challenges of keeping children engaged during long car journeys. That’s why we’ve thoughtfully designed activity mats packed with fun puzzles, activities, and games, all with an educational twist.

“We hope these will make travel more enjoyable for families by sparking curiosity and learning on the road.” 

For more information on Welcome Break on your journey this summer visit,  https://www.welcomebreak.co.uk/. 

Twinkl’s activity mats will be freely available at all Welcome Break sites.

For more free activities, scan the QR code on the sheets to discover free audio books and games that can be played on iPads, tablets, iPhones and Androids. All the activities have been created by Twinkl’s team of experienced teachers and parents, to ensure they are inviting for children with an educational twist. 

Taking your dog abroad this summer? Time to get your pooch travel ready

Vets are advising anyone planning to travel abroad this summer with their pets or assistance dogs to book an appointment with their vet practice well in advance to allow plenty of time to complete all the required health checks and paperwork.

With school summer holidays here, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling on owners to first carefully consider if it would be in their pets’ best interests to travel overseas with them.

For anyone choosing to holiday abroad with their pet, BVA has issued a handy checklist to remind owners about the checks their animal will need before travel. This includes trips from Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the European Union, as post-Brexit rules mean owners now have to get the more complex and time-consuming Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a vet trained to issue them no more than ten days before travel.

British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Justine Shotton said: “The countdown to summer break has begun. While we should all consider whether a holiday abroad is appropriate for our pets’ welfare or their carbon pawprint, if you are making plans that include travelling with your pet or assistance dog, now is the time to contact your local vet for information on pet travel requirements.

“Book an appointment as soon as possible to make sure your pet has all the necessary paperwork and is fully protected against diseases they may encounter in their travels.

“We’d like to remind owners that the post-Brexit requirements for travel to the EU are a significant change from the previous and much simpler ‘pet passport’ system, so they will take longer to complete and cost more. A pet travel consult at the vets can now take around an hour and even longer where there are multiple animals.

“Vet practices are already under a huge workload pressure. To help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for yourself, your pet and your vet, we would urge you to contact your vet as early as you can ahead of travel to make sure there’s a vet available for this certification work and enough time to complete the required health checks and paperwork.”

Prior to Brexit, as many as 250,000 cats and dogs from the UK were taken to the EU on holiday every year.

BVA has prepared a seven-point checklist for to help pet owners:

  • Timings: Contact your vet well in advance to ensure that you can get an appointment at least three weeks before your planned travel. Dogs, cats and ferrets need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland. Unlike pet passports, AHCs are 9-12 pages long, which means a much more complex, time consuming and costly paperwork process. Some vaccinations, like rabies, are time-sensitive, so even a one-day delay could result in your papers being rejected at the border. As Northern Ireland remains part of the EU pet travel scheme, travellers from the country can use an EU pet passport as an alternative to an AHC. Contact your vet to update the pet passport.
  • Destination: Be clear about the countries you intend to travel to so that your vet can identify specific health risks your pet may be exposed to, such as ticks, sandflies, heartworm or tapeworm.
  • Rabies: Check that your pet’s rabies vaccination is up to date.
  • Microchip: Ensure your pet’s microchip is working and contact details are up to date.
  • Heat: Talk to your vet if going somewhere hot to discuss prevention of heatstroke and how to recognise symptoms in your dog.
  • Emergencies: Identify a local vet in the area where you will be holidaying in case of an emergency and to administer compulsory tapeworm treatment to dogs one to five days before arrival back into the UK. 
  • Return: If your pet becomes ill after returning to the UK, it is very important to tell your vet that you have been abroad with your pet, even if it was some time ago.

More information for travellers from Great Britain is available on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eu-country-or-northern-ireland

Live Forever? Ultimate Rock and Pop Pilgrimage launched

It’s a UK road trip with a difference – music fans have been invited to make the ultimate rock and pop pilgrimage by visiting the locations where some of our biggest stars passed away.

Car rental experts from StressFreeCarRental.com have revealed the postcodes and locations where some of the biggest names in music, including Amy Winehouse, Freddie Mercury and George Michael, sadly died.

They have suggested a 1200-mile round Britain itinerary to visit the sites which can be reached by inputting the provided postcodes into any sat nav device.

They’ve also made available a free to download checklist which music fans can print out and then tick off each location as they visit.

But they are urging fans to undertake the road trip purely to pay their respects to the late artists and to remain mindful that many of the sites remain private property.

The 1200-mile road trip takes in several locations which attract thousands of visitors each year – such as the ditch where Marc Bolan crashed his Mini in 1977.

Starting in London the unique tour takes in the spots where icons Amy Winehouse, Freddie Mercury, Keith Moon and Jimi Hendrix passed away.

After leaving the capital music fans are encouraged to journey south to the crash site in Surrey where Glam Rock legend Marc Bolan died before heading on to Hartfield, East Sussex to visit the house where Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones was found dead in a swimming pool in 1969.

They then travel west to Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, where sixties icon Dusty Springfield sadly passed away before heading to nearby Goring-on-Thames where 80s pop legend George Michael died on Christmas Day 2016.

From Goring it’s a short trip to Salisbury where Thin Lizzy star Phil Lynott sadly died. Fans are then told to head to a lay-by close to the Severn Bridge near Bristol where Manic Street Preacher guitarist Richey Edwards is believed to have disappeared. He was later declared legally dead.

From there the road trip turns north stopping at Tanworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire where legendary singer-songwriter Nick Drake passed away, before heading on to a terraced house in Macclesfield where Joy Division singer Ian Curtis hung himself in 1980.

The trip then veers north to Scotland to Auchterhouse, near Dundee, the location of the suicide of Billy Mackenzie, lead singer of 80s band The Associates. He was found in a garden shed after an overdose.

The trip then heads back down south stopping at Arkesden, Essex at the location of the death of legendary Small Faces frontman Steve Marriott who sadly perished in a house fire in 1991.

A spokesman for StressFreeCarRental.com, who came up with the tour, said it was a chance for music fans to pay their respects to some of the biggest icons of all time.

He said: “Britain has produced some of the greatest stars in the history of popular music and many of them will never be forgotten. They are the legends who changed the lives of millions and many of us still listen to their music every day.

“So we thought it would be a good idea to gather together the greatest names who sadly passed away on UK soil and offer music fans an itinerary to visit the places where they passed on.

“Many of the locations remain private homes so we urge everyone who follows our guide to remain courteous and respectful at all times.

“By gathering all of the locations together into one suggested road trip we want to celebrate the legacies of some of the greatest talents Britain has ever produced.

“Fans can print off our handy checklist and tick off each location as they make the trip. By the time they’ve completed their journey they will have visited the locations where some of our greatest stars have passed away. Although in a way these legends will never die. They live on forever through their music.”

To download the free checklist and to find out more about the UK road trip to rock and pop star death sites please visit https://www.stressfreecarrental.com/en/uk/rock-pop-pilgrimage

Savings of 20% on guided tours of the UK & Ireland from Rabbie’s

Explore the best of the UK and Ireland on tours departing in February and March

Enjoy 20% off guided tours across the UK and Ireland in February and March from award-winning, small-group tour specialist Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com).

Many miss the spectacular sights and sounds that the winter months have to offer. Plan a new adventure in February and March and discover the underappreciated wonders of the UK and Ireland, such as the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock on the Isle of Skye and the wild Causeway Route on the coast of Ireland.  

Save 20% on tours departing in February and March across UK and Ireland departure points, when using the promo code SAVE20. Highlights include:

Three-day The Isle of Skye

Journey through unforgettable landscapes, charming villages and mighty castles on a roundtrip from Edinburgh. Visit historic Scottish landmarks such as Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and Doune Castle before reaching the mountain pass of Glencoe, famed for its wild beauty.

Be amazed by the incredible Eilean Donan Castle before enjoying a day on the Isle of Skye. On this majestic isle, travel north to the Trotternish Ridge, home to the geological wonders of the Old Man or Stoor and Kilt Rock, or learn of the isle’s legends and clan culture at Dunvegan Castle, the 13th-century home of Clan MacLeod.

Take in views of Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail after travelling through Cullin Hills and attempt to spot Britain’s best monster, Nessie, at Loch Ness.

Join Rabbie’s Three-day The Isle of Skye from Edinburgh from £160 per person (was £199 per person), based on a 22 February 2023 departure.

Three-day Discover Northern Ireland

Towering mountains, unforgettable legends and a fascinating history are all waiting to be uncovered in Northern Ireland during this tour which departs from Dublin.

Take in a city tour of Belfast before exploring the majesty of the 19th-century estate of Mount Stewart and its world-famous gardens. Chart the winding and wild Causeway Coastal Route before stepping foot in the land of titans at Giant’s Causeway – a location where myths and legends and geological fact collide.

Ride on a ferry across the ‘Narrows’ of Strangford Loch and pass into a land of fiction at Castle Ward, also known as Winterfell from Game of Thrones. Follow the holy course of St Patrick to the Down Cathedral before concluding with an incredible drive into the Mourne Mountains.

Join Rabbie’s Three-day 3-day Discover Northern Ireland from Dublin from €272 per person (was €339 per person), based on a 23 February 2023 departure.

For more information about Rabbie’s and its tour offerings, visit www.rabbies.com.

Save on unforgettable cruises with direct flights throughout Europe this year with Scenic

Direct flights available from Scotland airports

Cruise operator Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours is bringing the joys of the world even closer to home for travellers from Scotland in 2023, with direct flights from Edinburgh and Glasgow offered across its range of European sailings (www.scenic.co.uk).

This remarkable deal – which guarantees departures on full-service airlines rather than budget carriers – meaning local holidaymakers are never far from the blooming tulips of the Netherlands. The best of Europe is only a short stop away with Scenic.

Book by 28 February to save up to £2,300 per couple and enjoy a taste of the line’s famous five-star luxury from the off, with FREE business class flights and private door to door transfers.

Highlights for 2023 include:

8 Day Windmills, Tulips and Belgian Delights

Irresistibly joyful, the Netherlands in bloom is a sight to savour. Sailing on a roundtrip from Amsterdam, the first port of call is the dynamic, international city of Rotterdam, the architectural capital of the Netherlands.

If preferrable, guests can decide to instead visit the picturesque town of Kinderdijk, famed for its iconic Dutch windmills. Walk the charming streets of Veere and visit the diamond capital of the world in the beautiful city of Antwerp.

Be transported back in time at the Netherlands Open Air Museum, home to historic houses, farms and windmills, or visit the Gardens of Appeltern, which is home to 200 colourful model gardens. In Amsterdam, conclude your unforgettable voyage with a memorable visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, which is home to over seven million flowering bulbs. This voyage calls in at Dordrecht, Veere, Antwerp, Arnhem and Hoorn. Prices start from £2,435 per person based on a 5 April 2023 departure date.

Scenic’s river cruises are truly all-inclusive, meaning guests can leave their wallet in a safe place and relax, knowing everything is taken care of. Flights, transfers, fine dining experiences, premium branded beverages and once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions are all included in the price.

For more information or to book, call 0808 301 8277, visit www.scenic.co.uk, or contact your local travel agent.

Enjoy 10% Savings on Guided Tours Across Italy, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland

For a limited time only, award-winning, small-group tour specialist, Rabbie’s (www.rabbies.com), are offering a 10% saving for tours in Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland. 

Rabbie’s mini-coach tours travel on mini-coaches and stay in hand-picked accommodation. Thanks to Rabbie’s expert drivers and guides, guests travel beyond the guidebooks, off the beaten map and on the trodden track, with every new trial uncovering the hidden gems of Europe’s finest destinations.

Guests can get 10% off of tours departing in April in Italy, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland with the promo code EUAPRIL10 when booking before 14 February 2023.

Highlights include:

6-day The Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Explorer

This 6-day tour takes a roundtrip from Milan, visiting the beautiful Italian lakes and the impressive peaks of the Swiss Alps. Gain the best views of the shimmering Italian lakes with boat rides on the stunning Lake Como and the azure-blue Lake Maggoire. Ride into the heart of the Swiss Alps and face the imposing and iconic Matterhorn and journey to the mountain’s ‘base camp’.

Meet aspiring mountaineers and revel in an unforgettable view of a seemingly insurmountable mountain. Journey back in time with a visit to Chillon Castle, a mighty fortress that sits on the expansive shores of Lake Geneva before walking the trails of 72 waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen.

Conclude the adventure in the town of Bellinzona, a fortress town that once stood guide to the North of Italy, now a beautiful UNESCO World-Heritage site.

Join Rabbie’s Six-Day The Italian Lakes & Swiss Alps Explorer from Milan from €2,119 per person based on a 24 April 2023 departure.

6-day The Charms or Portugal & North West Spain

Journey to the edge of ancient Europe to discover the hidden gems of Portugal and the treasures of Spain on this 6-day tour. Soak up Portuguese history in the cities of Óbidos and Coimbra.

In Óbidos, walk quaint streets and navigate the imposing walls of the Moorish Castle before, in Coimbra, exploring the city’s 13th-century university, which is one of the oldest in the world. Next, select between indulging in the cuisine and cathedrals of Porto, or journeying through the heart of the Duoro valley before enjoying an evening rich with performances of Fado, Portugal’s live, emotionally-resonant music.

Summit Mount Espinho, by staircase or by elevator, to visit the famous neoclassical church atop the mountain before visiting Guimarãe, the ‘birthplace of Portugal’ and a famous UNESCO World-Heritage sight. Notorious for shipwrecks, ‘the Coast of Death’ is waiting to be driven along and admired before travelling to the ‘End of the World’ at Cape Finisterre, which offers incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Be transported back to Roman times in Lugo and Las Médula; complete with city wall defences. Marvel at the golden landmarks of Salamanca’s Old Town and visit the home of Spanish royalty, El Escorial.

Join Rabbie’s Six-day The Charms or Portugal & North West Spain from Lisbon from €1,959 per person based on a 17 April 2023 departure.

For more information about Rabbie’s and its tour offerings, visit www.rabbies.com.

Free drinks or door-to-door transfers on selected 2023 sailings from Rosyth with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests free door-to-door transfers or an all inclusive drinks package on a selection of 2023 itineraries from Rosyth, with sailings starting from £1,099 per person.

Running from 6th September to 31st October inclusive, guests booking a selected cruise of 16-nights of less can enjoy a free all inclusive drinks package, or, for selected cruises of 17-nights or more, guests will benefit from free door-to-door transfers for up to 200 UK mainland miles to the port.

A variety of hand-crafted itineraries are featured in the offer, with chances to experience some of the cultural traditions of Spain and Portugal, witness the midnight sun in rugged and remote Spitsbergen or discover Scandinavia’s Viking heritage.

Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are really proud of our hand-crafted itineraries, and our Journey Planners curate each cruise specially to make sure we are visiting at the best time of year and exploring beyond the typical tourist trails.

“Whether that’s venturing to see the midnight sun in rugged and remote Spitsbergen, cruising into the heart of the breath-taking Norwegian fjords or experiencing the world-famous Kiel Week Regatta in a scenic sailing to Germany, I am sure there will be a cruise to tempt you.

“We know these added value packages mean a great deal to our guests. With a drinks package, you can relax in one of our bars or lounges with your favourite tipple as you recharge after a day of exploring ashore.

“All of our cruises set sail from a regional UK port, meaning you can enjoy a stress-free check-in, avoiding long queues and delays and with the option of door-to-door transfers included on selected 2023 cruises, our guests can start to relax and enjoy their holiday from the moment they leave their front doors.”

Marquee Bar Gin

Highlights included within this offer are:

Balmoral’s 10-night L2315 ‘German Cities with Kiel Week Regatta’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 22nd June 2023. Prices start from £1,599 per person. Enjoy a free all inclusive drinks package when booked by 31st October 2022 inclusive.
Itinerary: Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland – Frederica, Denmark – Kiel, Germany (overnight port) – Warnemünde, Germany – Sassnitz, Germany – Kiel Canal Transit, Germany – Hamburg, Germany (overnight port) – Bremen, Germany – Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland
For more details: Visit www.fredolsencruises.com/cruise/maritime-germany-l2315

Balmoral’s17-night L2316 ‘Experience the Traditions of Spain & Portugal’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 2nd July 2023. Prices start from £2,599 per person. Enjoy free door-to-door transfers when booked by 31st October 2022 inclusive.
Itinerary: Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland – Leixões (for Oporto), Portugal – Málaga, Spain – Cartagena, Spain – Valencia, Spain – Mahon (Menorca), Spain – Cádiz, Spain – Cruise mouth of River Tagus, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal – Vigo, Spain – Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland

For more details: Visit www.fredolsencruises.com/cruise/spanish-and-portuguese-traditions-l2316

Balmoral’s15-night L2317 ‘Rugged & Remote Spitsbergen with the Midnight Sun’ cruise, departing from Rosyth (Edinburgh) on 19th July 2023. Prices start from 2,799 per person. Enjoy a free all inclusive drinks package when booked by 31st October 2022 inclusive.
Itinerary: Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland – Åndalsnes, Norway – Cruise Nærøysundet, Norway – Cruising Torghatten, Norway – Cruising Seven Sister Mountain Range, Norway – Cruising Trollfjord, Norway – Cruise Tjeldsundet Strait, Norway – Cruising by Djevelen Tanngard, Norway – Tromsø, Norway – Honningsvåg, Norway – Cruise North Cape, Norway – Cruise by Bear Island, Norway – Pyramiden, Norway – Cruise by Nordenskiöldbreen, Norway – Cruising Tempelfjorden, Norway – Longyearbyen, Norway – Sortland, Vesterålen, Norway – Cruising by Black Glacier, Norway – Cruising Nordfjorden, Meloy, Norway – Kristiansund, Norway – Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland
For more details: Visitwww.fredolsencruises.com/cruise/spitsbergen-with-the-midnight-sun-l2317

Balmoral’s nine-night L2320 ‘Discover Scandinavia’s Viking Heritage’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 16th August 2023. Prices start from £1,399 per person. Enjoy a free all inclusive drinks package when booked by 31st October 2022 inclusive.
Itinerary: Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland – Aalborg, Denmark – Cruising Limfjorden, Denmark – Hundsted, Denmark – Cruising by the Olsen Family Home, Norway – Cruising Oslofjord, Norway – Oslo, Norway – Cruising Hidrasund & Strandsfjorden, Norway – Stavanger, Norway – Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland – Cruising by Lindisfarne & Bamburgh Castle, United Kingdom – Rosyth, Edinburgh, Scotland
For more details: Visit www.fredolsencruises.com/cruise/scandinavias-viking-heritage-l2320

For further information, visit fredolsencruises.com. Book online, call our Reservations team on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent

Paying final respects to Her Majesty The Queen

Large crowds expected as cortege travels from Royal Mile to Edinburgh Airport

People are expected to gather in large numbers in Edinburgh today to pay their final respects to Her Majesty The Queen.

After the Lying at Rest, the coffin will be transported from St Giles’ Cathedral to Edinburgh Airport.

The cortège will follow this route: St Giles’ Cathedral – Lawnmarket – Johnston Terrace – Castle Terrace – Lothian Road – Queensferry Street – Dean Bridge – Queensferry Road – Maybury Road – Turnhouse Road – Edinburgh Airport. 

This will have a significant impact on public transport services across the city and on surrounding trunk roads including the M8 and the Edinburgh City Bypass.

People are being asked to work from home if they can, and those not wishing to pay their respects in person are being asked to avoid any non-essential travel.

There will be significant disruption to travel along the route of the Queen’s coffin with numerous road closures from 1pm. Some schools in Edinburgh will also be impacted and close earlier.

Latest traffic and school information can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council website. 

The schools and early years centres affected are:

Early years centres

  • Cammo Kindergarten
  • Fox Covert Early Years Centre
  • Fox Covert Kindergarten
  • Lauriston Kindergarten

Primary schools

  • Blackhall
  • Clermiston
  • Cramond
  • Davidson’s Mains
  • East Craigs
  • Ferryhill
  • Flora Stevenson
  • Fox Covert
  • Hillwood
  • Stockbridge
  • St Andrew’s Fox Covert

High schools

  • Broughton
  • Craigmount
  • St Augustine’s
  • St Thomas of Aquin’s
  • The Royal High School

Special schools

  • Rowanfield
  • Oaklands

The route the Queen’s cortege will travel means the following roads will close between 4pm and 6.30pm:

  • Johnstone Terrace
  • Lothian Road
  • Queensferry Street
  • Dean Bridge
  • Queensferry Road

In addition to roads on the route, extensive closures and diversions of adjoining roads will be in place, including all crossover junctions. This will have a significant knock-on impact on surrounding trunk roads including the M8 and the Edinburgh City Bypass.

The Scottish Government is working with City of Edinburgh Council, Transport Scotland, Police Scotland, ScotRail and other partners to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, however, lengthy delays are to be expected.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This will be an extremely busy time in Edinburgh as members of the public come to pay their final respects. In light of this, we respectfully ask people to avoid non-essential travel if possible.

“Those wishing to line the route should plan ahead taking into consideration local road closures, allowing for extra time and limited facilities. Prepare for long periods of standing and large crowds. Check the weather before you leave and bring water.

“Information on travel can be found at Traffic Scotland, Traveline Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Tram and ScotRail websites and social media channels. We are encouraging everyone to check for the latest information before finalising their travel plans.”

Traffic Scotland Operator Manager Stein Connolly said: “Monday and Tuesday will be extremely busy for Edinburgh, the City Bypass, and the surrounding network, due to a series of road closures and the sheer volume of people expected to line the streets.

“We want to strike a balance and ensure those who wish to pay their respects can do so safely. If you can work from home we would strongly encourage you to do so. Please consider your need to travel if you are not attending any of the advertised events.

“If you do plan to pay respects in person, please allow extra time for your journey and leave the car at home. Consider public transport options, or if you need to use a car, think about car sharing and using park and ride facilities where possible. On arrival, be prepared for long periods of standing. Bring water and dress for the weather. Most importantly – let’s look out for each other.

“Please continue to check Traffic Scotland and Traveline Scotland, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Tram websites – as well as @edintravel and @ScotRail social channels for updates before finalising your travel plans.”

Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “We share the respect and affection the public is demonstrating for Her Majesty and urge everyone to continue to be safe as they do so.

“Roads around Edinburgh are expected to be very busy on Tuesday with closures in place and people should plan ahead and follow travel advice.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Tuesday’s events will be of an unprecedented scale, even for our Capital City, so I’m really proud that Edinburgh’s playing such a significant role in these ceremonial events with the eyes of the world are on us.

“Thousands of people lined the Royal Mile to hear the proclamation of the new King and we’ll continue to work closely with Scottish Government, Police Scotland and transport providers to manage disruption and safely accommodate the large numbers of visitors who will wish to pay their respects on Tuesday.

“We’re reminding everyone to consider their travel needs and avoid any non-essential travel throughout the day. For those who choose to try and attend events, please be aware that you may need to sit or stand for a number of hours so dress for the weather and with limited facilities, we recommend that you prepare accordingly.”

Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway said: “We are doing everything we can to support people to pay their respects while Her Majesty The Queen lies at rest in Edinburgh.

“We expect trains to be busier than normal over the coming days, particularly to and from Edinburgh. Passengers are advised to download the ScotRail app or visit scotrail.co.uk for the latest information.”

The coffin procession will depart St. Giles’ Cathedral for Edinburgh Airport at 5pm.

Those wishing to attend are being urged to do so safely, plan ahead and allow extra time, taking account of local and city centre road closures, weather conditions, limited facilities, crowded roads and very busy public transport, and the likelihood of spending many hours at the roadside. 

Significant numbers of stewards are being drafted in, alongside police officers, to help keep the public safe. The stewards will provide advice on routes from car parks, identified crossing points and safe viewing areas. 

People are being urged to consider if their journey is absolutely necessary and to work from home if possible. If travel is essential, please allow for extra time, and if possible walk or cycle, use alternative routes or travel at a different time.

Travel information:

There will be rolling road closures along the route. Other roads in the area are expected to be significantly affected as large numbers of people from across Scotland and beyond come to pay their respects. 

Those coming to the area by car should reconsider and look at using one of seven park and rides to get a bus or train into the city. Allow plenty of time to travel and park within the designated areas. Please try to share lifts with friends, family and neighbours wherever possible.

For up-to-date information, including road and school closures across Edinburgh, visit: Road closures and public transport information – The City of Edinburgh Council

For up to date travel information and other updates, visit the dedicated Traffic Scotland website.

The @edintravel traffic information team will be carefully monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.

The following websites can also be used to keep informed about transport services: Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams and ScotRail.

Safety:

People intending to view the Queen’s cortege, should not leave their vehicle at the side of the road as this poses a risk to public safety. Parking is only allowed in designated areas and the directions of stewards and police officers must be followed.

People are urged not to stand in any unsafe areas and to keep off the carriageway at all times.

Drivers must only park where it is safe to do so, and to respect the needs of residents and businesses to access their premises. 

For safety reasons, do not throw flowers on the road or towards the cortege. 

Please note that before and after the movement of the vehicles the route remains open and fully operational and normal safety processes apply.