Category Archives: festivals & events

festivals & events, special interest travel, sports travel

Sports Tours International Makes it Easy for American Fans to Watch, Join Major Cycling Events

A Manchester, UK company is issuing invites across the pond to sports fans in the US and Canada to view or engage in some of the world’s most iconic yet demanding athletic events.

Sports Tours International takes care of all the vacation arrangements in a variety of inclusive packages while tracking the drama of international cycling and running events.

Guests may become event players themselves, as in a late June inaugural Haute Route for cyclists in the American Rockies. All may witness the agonies and joys at starting and ending stages of fierce competitions. They can ride the same courses the warriors master; they can be tourists in places new to them. And always they are viewing the world through the eyes of a passionate athlete.

Sports Tours International does the vacation packaging legwork for the following 2017 cycling events:

May 5-28, 2017 – 100th Giro d’Italia – As an official Tour Operator of this grand tour of cycling, Sports Tours International has exclusive VIP options on 6 sprint stages, 8 medium mountain stages, 5 high mountain stages and 2 Individual Time Trials. Sports Tours International offers five spectator tour packages to witness the 100th edition of this Grand Tour that begins in Sardinia, climbs up Mount Etna, weaves through the rest of Italy and Dolomites as riders conquer Stelvio and Mortirolo, and arrives in Milan for a spectacular time trial from the Monza Grand Prix motor racing circuit. See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/event-categories/giro-ditalia/

Suggested Package: The Final 9 Days, May 20-29, 2017 is priced from US$2,760 per person based on sharing a double/twin room (both cyclists and spectators are welcome). This is a 10-day program that includes, among others, gifts and informational packets, a copy of the official 100th Giro d’Italia roadbook, accommodation for nine nights, multiple meals, all transfers and transportation, the grand finale in Milan, bike handling and storage. Rental bikes are available. Guests lodge on arrival in Milan, then transfer for three nights each in Bormio and Cortina d’Ampezzo to watch the final legs of the Giro before returning to Milan for two additional nights to attend the finish as a VIP at Piazza Duomo. Every day there will be cycling opportunities as well as options to watch the Giro d’Italia. On a Giro rest day in Bormio, guests may cycle, visit a local spa, hop on a train or cable car or do some leisurely shopping. See more at: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/giro-ditalia-finale

June 24-30, 2017 – Mavic Haute Route Rockies. Sports Tours International’s experience on European Haute Routes (the toughest cyclosportives in the world) benefits cyclists participating in this inaugural event, the first Haute Route on North American soil. Organized by OC Sports of Switzerland, this combines the established format of the European Haute Route events with the thrill of riding through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the heartland of American road cycling. The event starts in Boulder before heading through the Colorado Rockies, stopping in Winter Park, Avon, Snowmass Village, Crested Butte and finishing in Colorado Springs. Interest is this exciting new event is high and entries are expected to sell quickly. Entry fees for riders in the competition: US$1,800 subject to availability. This is available with or without the rider support package.

Suggested Rider Support Package: June 24-30, 2017. This package priced at US$2,180 per person, based on sharing a double/twin room includes accommodation for nine nights, daily breakfasts, dinners, airport and daily transfers including transport of non-riding companions between stages and to viewing points, bike handling, gifts and informational packets, and midweek laundry. See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/haute-route-rockies/

July 1-23, 2017 – Tour de France. Sports Tours International is an official tour operator for the world’s biggest annual sporting event. Guests have special VIP access to stage start villages, VIP hospitality at finish lines and the opportunity to ride some of the routes taken by the pro riders. In particular, Sports Tours International offers official grandstand seating and VIP hospitality available for the final stage in Paris where the new yellow jersey winner is crowned. For only the fourth time in this tour’s history, the event will begin in a German city, this year in Dusseldorf. See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/event-categories/tour-de-france/

Suggested Package: Mountain Stages, July 11-24, 2017. On this official Tour de France 14-day tour itinerary guests start and finish in Paris and witness all the mountain stages in the Pyrenees, followed by the Alpine finale and the deciding Time Trial in Marseille. Guests have VIP access to some stage starts and also enjoy VIP Hospitality at one of the finish lines. Included are airport transfers in Paris, nightly accommodation and breakfasts, some dinners, bike transfers and storage, and train transfer from Marseille to Paris for the grand finale. The per person rate based on sharing a double/twin room is from US$3,450. See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/2017-tour-de-france-pyrenees-alps-marseille-paris/

July 30, 2017 – Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100. This London Marathon for cyclists is an opportunity to ride 100 miles on the closed roads of London and out into the English countryside of Surrey before finishing on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. This is the route based on one made famous by the 2012 Olympics Road Race. Sports Tours International has guaranteed entry and hotel accommodation available for two, four and five nights for people wanting to join this race. Per person rates based on sharing a double/twin room include accommodation, guaranteed entry to the race, service and support of Sports Tours International staff and bike storage at the hotel.  Note: entries to participate in this event close on 26th May, interested parties need to act quickly! See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/ridelondon/

Sept. 1-11, 2017 – La Vuelta a España. This is the final Grand Tour of the season. The 2016 Vuelta a España was a nail-biting duel almost to the very end between Nairo Quintana and Chris Froome. Despite pulling back an enormous amount of time in the time trial, Quintana was able to hold off Froome in the final stage, becoming the first Colombian to win the race since 1987. Sports Tours International welcomes riders as well as spectators. Experience the battle for the red jersey up close and personal. Guides know the ideal locations and viewing points to experience the best of La Vuelta. See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/event-categories/vuelta-espana/

Suggested Package: The Final Week, Sept. 4-11, 2017. This 8-day tour from US$1,610 per person, based on sharing a double/twin room, experiences the stages of the second week of 2017 Vuelta including the final stages. This all takes place in northern Spain including the finale on the infamous Angliru. The rate includes hotels in the best places, many meals, transport to watch the stages, ride support and bike guides. Bike rental options available. See:
https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/2017-vuelta-a-espana-final-week/

For more information, available packages, space availability and reservations please visit online: www.sportstoursinternational.com, email: [email protected], or call: (+44) 161 703 8161.

Sports Tours International is a leading European specialist in sports travel. Since inception in 1973 they have hosted thousands of participants and spectators at major sporting events worldwide. With the tagline, Fanatical about Sport, the company’s initial roots came from a devotion to running when founder Vince Regan began taking runners to the NYC Marathon. Since the early 2000s, the company now embraces international cycling events and triathlon competitions, sports training camps and corporate hospitality. Clients often can participate in events with the pros and are encouraged to “unleash your inner hero” or when it’s not possible to compete, there’s the ability to be active spectators along the routes and “watch your heroes.” 

Follow Sports Tours International on Social Media
Twitter:          @sportstoursint
Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/sportstoursinternational/
You Tube:      https://www.youtube.com/user/sportstoursint
Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/SPORTS_TOURS_INTERNATIONAL/
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Conservation, ecotourism, Environmental Activism, festivals & events

CA Highway 1 Discovery Route Hosts 4th Annual Coastal Discovery Celebration Jan 13-Feb 28

Enjoy unique wine and food tastings and festivals at the Fourth Annual Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration along the CA Highway 1 Discovery Route (PRNewsFoto/CA's Highway 1 Discovery Route)
Enjoy unique wine and food tastings and festivals at the Fourth Annual Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration along the CA Highway 1 Discovery Route (PRNewsFoto/CA’s Highway 1 Discovery Route)

Featuring a Free Film Festival at Hearst Castle Theater, Announcing New Locations on The Whale Trail, Attend the Third Annual BlendFest on the Coast, Wine Tasting Events along the Pacific Coast Wine Trail, Wildlife Viewing & Stewardship Travel, and Special Lodging Packages in Coastal San Luis Obispo County

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.– The 10 destinations along California’s Highway 1 Discovery Route (H1DR) in San Luis Obispo County from Ragged Point and Cambria to Avila Beach and Oceano are serious when it comes to the annual Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration. Coastal San Luis Obispo County along with California State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary welcome visitors to immerse themselves in the local marine culture, coastal heritage and natural attractions along the iconic CA Highway 1 Discovery Route through a series of events and activities January 13-February 28, 2017.

Enjoy special marine focused events, unique wine and food tastings and festivals and stewardship travel activities where you learn more about dedicated Marine Protected Areas and how to make a difference on vacation.

“Throughout the annual Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration guests are invited to explore marine life from abalone to elephant seals, learn about nature preserves, participate in fun citizen science activities, and enjoy the many seaside hikes found on the Central Coast,” says Katie Sturtevant, Stewardship Travel Director. “There are more than 40 must-do activities the whole family will enjoy.”

These special events and activities are designed to connect visitors with the land, wildlife, history, people and culture along the H1DR. Must-see attractions and must-do events include a Free Film Festival at Hearst Castle Theater, the 3rd annual wine tasting event BlendFest on the Coast, the fun Bird Sanctuary & Wildlife Day, elephant seal docent-led educational walks, hands-on citizen science programs at San Simeon Cove and many others. Take a whale watching adventure, a planned pier and beach walk, or learn about H1DR marine birdlife with the free SeaPhoto App from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Visitors will appreciate the Wildlife Viewing and Stewardship Tips when they visit the new Whale Trail (www.TheWhaleTrail.org) locations and will delight in special wine tasting room pairings from 11 wineries located along the Pacific Coast Wine Trail, and numerous Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley  and Avila Beach wineries as well.

Lodging Specials

Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the H1DR is made up of ten diverse artisan towns and seaside villages starting just south of Big Sur from Ragged Point & San Simeon, Cambria,Cayucos, and Los Osos/Baywood Park, to Avila Beach & Valley, Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley,Oceano and Nipomo, just south of San Luis Obispo. Many lodging properties along the H1DR are offering specials and packages during the Coastal Discovery & Stewardship seven week celebration.

 

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festivals & events, Holiday travel, international travel

Wishes Can Come True: 5 Holiday Adventures Abroad

A dream come true: celebrating Christmas on the Rhine.
A dream come true: celebrating Christmas on the Rhine.

The holidays are about making wishes come true. How about that wish for a magical holiday in some exotic place? Here are five holiday adventures abroad:

Christmas in Poland – Visit of one Poland’s famous hand-blown Christmas ornament factories. Learn how to make traditional Polish-style pierogi with your own private chef. Dine with a Polish family for a traditional Wigilia, the Christmas Eve vigil and dinner. Prices start at $3,595. http://www.mircorp.com/trip/christmas-traditions-of-poland/

Christmas on the Rhine – Begin your winter adventure in Amsterdam, amidst the city’s legendary canals and colorful holiday surroundings. Next, visit Heidelberg and Cologne, famous for its majestic Cathedral and bustling Christmas markets. Weave through the fabled Black Forest region and the Alsace region as you make your way toward Basel, then disembark your ship, MS Amaprima, for a visit to two of Switzerland’s loveliest cities, Lucerne and Zürich, where you can enjoy a lake excursion, magical Christmas markets, and pristine Alpine vistas.  Prices start at $4,059. http://www.adventure-life.com/europe/rhine-river/cruises/7272/christmas-markets-on-the-rhine

New Year’s in Russia – New Year’s Eve is the most festive holiday of the year in Russia, with parties, presents, and vodka toasts. MIR Corporation has specialized in Russia travel for 30 years and offers a one-of-a-kind celebratory tour built around New Year’s Day in glorious St. Petersburg, with Moscow merrymaking and a visit to 12th century Suzdal also included Prices start at $4,995 per person. http://www.mircorp.com/trip/russian-winter-wonder-land/

Antarctica New Year’s Celebration – Ring in the new year with penguins, elephant seals, and first-landing buzz. With summer in full swing, penguin highways are busy with traffic between rookeries and beach as parents hurry to fatten up chicks. Glaciers shed ice with an echoing roar and waterways are alive with feeding and breaching whales. Zodiacs whisk you on whale watching cruises and amongst glorious icebergs. The near-midnight sun powers an explosion of life. What an unforgettable way to start the year! Prices start at $8,725. http://www.adventure-life.com/antarctica/cruises/4000/new-year-in-antarctica

New Year’s Cycling Canary Islands – For those who truly long to go off the beaten path, discover the most sought-after places in Europe by cyclists who love to ride all year round. Gran Canaria is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a perfect place for cyclists due to its excellent road network, temperate climate and environment that make for perfect riding conditions. Since the cycling season runs nearly all year long, Gran Canaria is a superb winter getaway which offers a diverse landscape with soaring views of the sea, lush forests, deserts, canyons and volcanic mountains. Prices start at $4,595. http://ciclismoclassico.com/trips/bike-tour-gran-canaria/

 

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Culinary Travel, festivals & events, food-and-wine travel

Guernsey International Food Festival Set for Sept 23-Oct 2 Celebrates Island’s Gastronomic Heritage

Guernsey_food_festival

Following the success of 2015’s inaugural Guernsey International Food Festival, the foodie’s paradise is back this September with more exciting culinary indulgences. This festival, taking place from Sept. 23 – Oct. 2, 2016, is a celebration of the island’s rich local produce and gastronomic heritage while paying homage to influences from the international stage.

Jean-Christophe Novelli is the celebrity ambassador, leading events across the island from farmers’ markets to cook-offs, culinary master classes, chef residencies and wine tastings. Two of Guernsey’s finest hotels, The Duke of Richmond Hotel and The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, Guernsey’s only five-star property, will be participating by showcasing the island’s bounty of gourmet food and varied hospitality.

Here are a few highlights of what visitors and guests can expect:

Curry Leaf Café Masterclass Lunch 

Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Venue: The Old Government House Hotel & Spa

Tickets: $53 including welcome drink and glass of wine with lunch

Head Chef Kanthi Kiran Thamma of Brighton’s Curry Leaf Café hosts a master class lunch in The Old Government House’s Curry Room featuring classic dishes from Kerala and Southern India. While preparing the dishes, Chef Kanthi will answer general questions about Indian cuisine and describe how to re-create similar entrées at home. A three-course lunch serves as the finale, complete with a carefully selected wine pairing.

British Game Gala Dinner featuring Ridgeview Wine Estate and Blackdown Artisan Spirits

Saturday, September  24 at 7:00 p.m.

Venue: The Old Government House Hotel & Spa

Tickets: $92 including dinner and matched wines

Channel Islands Chef of the Year 2016, Simon McKenzie of The Old Government House Hotel & Spa, prepares a gala dinner featuring the best of seasonal game meats. Each dish is perfectly paired with an award-winning sparkling English wine from the Ridgeview Estate, craft spirits from Blackdown Artisan Spirits (both hailing from Sussex), and fine wine from local wine merchant Bucktrouts.

Food Lab Dinner

Tuesday, September 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Venue: The Duke of Richmond Hotel

Tickets: $53 for five courses ($79 including matched wines)

Five producers, five chefs, five dishes. The festival’s most creative dining experience, randomly matching kitchen and production talent for a never-to-be-repeated gourmet meal at The Duke of Richmond.

International Chef Exchange: St. Lucia comes to Guernsey

Thursday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m.

Venue: The Old Government House Hotel & Spa

Tickets: $73 for three courses including matched wines in advance from The Old Government House Hotel

The Cliff at Cap Restaurant is one of the most highly sought-after restaurants in St. Lucia, recently hailed by the New York Times as one of the best restaurants on the island. In one of the Caribbean’s most dramatic settings overlooking the surging Caribbean Sea, the restaurant is under the direction of Executive Chef Craig Jones. His nouveau French West Indian menu elegantly presents the bounty of St. Lucia’s fresh local produce and seafood readily sourced on this tropical island. Chef Craig takes over the kitchens of Chef Simon at The Old Government House Hotel for one night only, treating guests to a mouth-watering three-course dinner with accompanying wine, including some of his Caribbean favorites such as poached lobster ravioli, pan-fried kobe with caramelized plantain and an island-spiced doughnut.

This Chef Exchange is part of a reciprocal agreement where UK chefs swapping kitchens with international chefs across the globe. Old Government House’s Chef Simon will be flying over to St. Lucia for a Taste of Guernsey weekend, taking place on the Caribbean Island in February 2017.

The Guernsey International Food Festival is preceded by Guernsey Cocktail Week from September 16 – 24, 2016. Various venues across the island, including The Old Government House Hotel and The Duke of Richmond, will produce special signature cocktails based entirely on local produce.

The Old Government House Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of St. Peter Port and offers the finest in five-star luxury. Five minutes’ walk from the picturesque quayside, this hotel is perfectly placed to explore the island and provides guests with a ‘home away from home’ boasting fine dining facilities, the stylish Crown Club , an outdoor heated swimming pool and luxurious Spa and fitness center.

Just up the road is The Duke of Richmond Hotel which offers unparalleled service in peaceful surroundings. Overlooking a quiet park, this elegant property is home to the relaxing Leopard Bar and Restaurant where guests can sit back and enjoy a range of cocktails and expertly prepared dishes, a chic monochrome Residents’ Lounge and an outdoor heated swimming pool complete with sun loungers perfect for glorious Guernsey summer days.

Room rates at The Old Government House Hotel & Spa during the festival start at $260 per room, per night, including full English breakfast, based on two people sharing. Room rates at The Duke of Richmond Hotel during the festival start at $199 per room, per night, including full English breakfast, based on two people sharing.

For details and reservations, contact:

The Old Government House Hotel & Spa at +44 1481 724921 or email [email protected].  Visit online at www.theoghhotel.com.

The Duke of Richmond Hotel at +44 1481 726221 or email [email protected].  Visit online at dukeofrichmond.com.

 

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