Holidays & Trips

14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

2025 cycling holidays: an epic European cycling trip from Prague to Venice

Cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has a number of new itineraries for 2025, including an epic road cycling trip across four European countries – from Prague to Venice.  One for the 2025 sports travel bucket list, the 21-day road cycling holiday covers almost 900 miles and takes riders from the Czech Republic, across the whole of Austria, east to west through Slovenia, before a grand arrival in Venice, Italy.  The journey from Central Europe to the Mediterranean begins in the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, before venturing out into the Czech countryside along a mix of country roads and cycle paths. After exploring some of the towns and cities along the way, including the UNESCO World Heritage site, Český Krumlov, it’s time to cross the border into Austria. After crissc...

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14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Inntravel unveils 2025 walking holidays in the Pyrenees and Madeira

Tour operator Inntravel has added a selection of new adventures within its 2025 programme of 285 self-guided holidays. Among the new walking holidays for the year ahead are those in the Pyrenees, in Spain’s Aracena Sierra, and on the island of Madeira. Inntravel has also added a new hotel-to-hotel cycling holiday in Tuscany, Italy. A stroll in the Pyrenees – single centre-based walking  The Pyrenees are the ultimate walking destination, with thrilling routes that reveal high peaks, traditional stone villages, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Yet this new single-centre holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees offers a different take on this unspoiled region – foregoing taxing hikes in favour of gentle but wonderfully rewarding strolls on mountain paths, drovers’ roads and meadows. It is...

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2Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards to host SkiWeekends break in Les Gets

SkiWeekends has launched a new holiday this winter in the French ski resort of Les Gets, hosted by Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, Britain’s most famous ski jumper. Getting the unique opportunity to ski, stay, and dine with one of Britain’s iconic Olympians, guests will stay at Chalet Marjorie in the heart of Les Gets over a week during January with options for both short and longer stays.  Edwards is renowned for his daring exploits, from stunt jumping over six buses to holding the British ski jumping record. As the first competitor to represent Great Britain in ski jumping for 60 years, he achieved 73.5m at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Games. Beyond his athletic achievements, Edwards is also an accomplished skier, a qualified instructor and former Alpine ski racer. In 2016, he was...

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2Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

2025 sports travel trends and tourism industry predictions

Sports tourism was one of the “hottest trends” of 2024, according to eDreams ODIGEO's Year in Travel Report. It was responsible for 10% of global tourism and one of the travel industry's fastest growing sectors. In 2025, searches for destinations with major sports events are “already spiking”. The Women's Rugby World Cup in the UK has encouraged global searches for travel to tournament cities to rise by +74.3% year-on-year, while searches for travel to Harbin, China, during the Asian Winter Games have risen by +245.5% year-on-year. In this round-up we take a look some at the biggest trends that are set to drive the sports travel industry in 2025. From family surf trips and racketeering to long ski weekends and athletic adventures, here’s what the industry experts are predicting for spo...

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24Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Tennis holidays: LUX Tennis Star Event at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives

Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives will welcome former tennis professionals Julia Görges and Wesley Koolhof to the luxury island resort for a LUX Tennis Star Event from 7-14 January 2025.  Featuring a week of group and private lessons with Görges and Koolhof, the programme will begin with a complimentary meet and greet with the players for all guests. Throughout the week, Görges and Koolhof will alternate between one-hour group sessions and 30-minute private lessons. Group clinics will cost guests $90 (£70) a session, with private lessons costing $150 (£115) a session.  Playing on a state-of-the-art court surrounded by Baa Atoll’s tropical foliage, guests at Finolhu have the opportunity to develop their game and enjoy a unique tennis experience.  Currently present in 43 ...

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14Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Hiking in Mallorca and Ibiza: new routes to open 

The long-awaited East Mallorca GR-226 hiking route, which stands for Gran Recorrido (Great Tour), is set to open in 2025 on the island of Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic archipelago.  The route, also known as the Gran Recorrido del Llevant, will cover a distance of over 104 kilometres, with a main route spanning 93.81 kilometres, plus two additional access points from Son Macià and the Costa dels Pins.  The GR-226's main itinerary will be divided into four different stages:  Cales de Mallorca-Manacor (24,99km) Manacor – Son Carrio (22.99km) Son Carrio – Arta (23.19km) Arta – Cala Mesquida (22.63km).  Hikers will be able to enjoy the East of the island like never before through various points of interest and areas of natural beauty along the way. See m...

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13Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Explora Journeys opens F1 Paddock Club bookings for 2025 Monaco GP

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced that access to the exclusive Formula 1 Paddock Club is now available to book for guests staying in Ocean Residences and Penthouses on board EXPLORA II during the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2025, taking place from 22-25 May 2025. This exclusive access will enable guests to experience one of the most prestigious events in motorsports from a truly unique vantage point. EXPLORA II, the latest luxury ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, will be docked in the heart of Monaco’s iconic Port Hercule, placing guests just steps from the electrifying action of the Formula 1 racetrack. Explora Journeys will be the only luxury ocean travel brand with a ship docked in Monaco during race days. From this prime ...

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2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

England, Holidays & Trips, London

Padel breaks in London: intensive padel weeks at Rocks Lane

Each month padel players from around the world come together at Rocks Lane Padel Academy in Chiswick, west London, for a week of padel training and cultural exploration.  Whether you’re just starting your padel journey or looking to improve your competitive edge, the week-long intensive training programme at Rocks Lane is designed for players of all levels. At its venue in Chiswick, you will find the biggest padel tennis facility in London – with 12 padel courts, including four covered courts, a clubhouse with cafe, changing rooms, soft play and social areas. Under the expert guidance of Álex Grilo, a former World Padel Tour (WPT) player and one of the UK’s most respected coaches, you’ll receive personalised coaching to help elevate your game. The sessions focus on technique, strate...

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2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sport hotels: F1 race weekend at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

Formula 1 fans can watch the 2024 season finale in style at W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, the five-star hotel located within the Yas Marina Circuit. Taking place from 5-8 December 2024, the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could see the world championship go down to the wire and the hotel has several packages available to witness the events on the track.  W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island promises a weekend filled with unparalleled excitement. With seven high-octane venues pulsing with energy, guests can look forward to a mega line-up of entertainment, featuring world-class artists and Yas Island's most thrilling parties and brunches.  Those staying at the hotel during race weekend or attending the brunch will enjoy complimentary access to Yasalam's after-race concert of the day showc...

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20Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Wildfitness Retreat 2025 at Forte San Giorgio in Italy

Forte San Giorgio, a private fort situated on the Italian island of Capraia, will host a Wildfitness Retreat in 2025. This secluded island escape, set in the Tuscan archipelago, sleeps 20 people, with Mediterranean views and an authentic local cultural scene, and can be booked as part of a retreat or for private group hire.  Wildfitness is a UK-based retreat experience that runs courses in Somerset, Menorca and Capraia, based on three core principles: respecting the body's natural rhythms, healthy eating and a holistic approach to movement, using the local environment as a natural gym. The team runs several retreats over the year, staying at the fort and taking full advantage of the island's unique natural character.  How to book  In 2025, two seven-day courses will take pla...

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13Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Legends El Clásico: Qatar Airways offers unique holiday packages for Doha fixture

Qatar Airways, in partnership with Qatar Tourism, has announced unique travel packages for football fans to witness a special Legends El Clásico match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid on 28 November 2024 at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. The packages are inclusive of return flights, accommodation and match tickets, seamlessly allowing global fans to travel to Doha and watch the legends from various eras of Spain’s biggest sports rivalry. To book flight plus hotel packages to Doha with match tickets for the Legends El Clásico see qatarairways.com/elclasico The legends match will take place during an action-packed week of sport for Qatar, which also stages the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix from 29 November to 1 December 2024. Steven Reynolds, Qatar Airways ...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

G Golf Ireland’s guide to Dublin’s best golf courses 

Dublin is the main gateway to Ireland with more than 30 million passengers passing through its international airport every year. Founded by the Vikings more than 1,000 years ago, Ireland’s capital is now a bustling, vibrant city that has grown up among its ancient heritage.  There are more than 100 golf courses within the greater Dublin area so there is plenty of choice. Golf travel company G Golf Ireland has picked out its favourite golf courses in Dublin to consider as part of your next golfing trip to Ireland. Portmarnock Old: Multiple host of the Irish Open, the Walker Cup, the Amateur Championship and this year's Women's Amateur Championship, Portmarnock is considered to be the most famous Dublin venue. A very fair test of pure links golf, Portmarnock ranks at No.37 in the...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Self-guided cycling holidays through Italy’s Prosecco hills

Famous as the destination that produces one of the world’s most popular drinks, Italy’s Prosecco hills are also a Unesco World Heritage Site (awarded in 2019).  Saddle Skedaddle’s gentle, seven-day, self-guided cycling holiday through the vineyards of Prosecco begins with a ride favoured by the locals in the foothills of the Montello, before climbing to the town of Asolo; designated one of Italy’s most beautiful.  Crossing the Piave River into the heart of the Prosecco region, the route passes vineyard after vineyard, including Conegliano Valdobbiadene which produces Prosecco Superiore DOCG, and the exclusive DOCG Cartizze sparkling wine. After exploring the lakes around Revine, Lago di St Maria, and Lago di Lago, the final few days in the saddle takes riders past some of ...

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14Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Sail Croatia adds new 2025 ‘hike cruise’ luxury and national park options

Sail Croatia has boosted its ‘hike cruise’ programme for 2025 with the introduction of a new 'national park' themed cruise plus a choice of luxury hike cruise options. Guests can hike their way through Croatia's National Parks on a themed itinerary that is perfect for nature lovers looking for a relatively laid-back holiday. Guests will enjoy easy hikes averaging around 1.5 hours per day on relatively flat terrain with highlights including visits to the turquoise-tinted Plitvice Lakes, exploring the many waterfalls, inlets and river systems of Krka National Park, plus taking in the dramatic views along the karst cliffs of Telascica Nature Park. Cruising on one of Sail Croatia's Premier ships ensures they will have all the creature comforts they need to relax in style with en-suite c...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Italy golf holidays: the ‘ultimate golf getaway’ to Rome 

The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has launched the “Ultimate Golf Getaway” in partnership with Parco di Roma Golf Club. The new three-night experience blends exploration of the Eternal City and its timeless beauty, with exquisite accommodation and time on Parco di Roma’s pristine greens and fairways, complete with views of St Peter’s Dome.  Comprising The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions; The First Dolce, Rome by The Pavilions; and the recently refurbished The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions, The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts offers a unique deconstructed urban resort experience that highlights the sights, tastes and sounds of Rome as part of each guest’s journey. Each of the three hotels is an elegant retreat in the heart of the city, co...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Road cycling holidays: Morocco’s Atlas Mountains 

With an ever-expanding network of quiet tarmac roads, there’s never been a better time to explore Morocco’s Atlas Mountains by bike. Saddle Skedaddle’s 10-day road cycling holiday takes a challenging route over the mountainous landscape to let riders experience some tough climbs and exciting descents.  Beginning in Marrakech, the trip starts with a steady climb into the Toubkal National Park before joining the old Marrakech to Agadir road to one of the prettiest towns in the High Atlas, Ouirgane. Tackle one of Africa’s highest paved roads, the infamous Test Pass (Tizi-n-Test), before exploring the vast expanse of the Souss Valley. The Anti-Atlas Mountains provide more exhilarating riding as the landscape changes from argan forests to wild moorland.  After a well-earned res...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Action Outdoors launches 2024-2025 UCPA skiing holidays for 18-30s

Action Outdoors, the UK arm of not-for-profit French organisation UCPA, has launched an expanded programme of ski and snowboard holidays for young people for the 2024-2025 winter sport season. Like all of its holidays, the emphasis is on all-inclusive value for money in UCPA centres in some of the top French ski resorts including Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Les Arcs. There’s now more than 300 holidays across the winter that are specifically for the 18-30 age group, with 18-25s benefiting from even further discounting on price. All 18-30 Club Exclusive holidays mean the centres are blocked off exclusively for that age group. Prices start at £541pp (18-25s) and £551pp (18-30 Club Exclusive weeks), including seven nights’ full-board accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner, full...

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13Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Epic Road Rides: five of the best UK cycling destinations

Dig your bike out of the shed and head for the open road on a British cycling adventure. From demanding climbs to sedate converted railway line routes, the team from Epic Road Rides pick out five of the best destinations for cycling in the United Kingdom. Outer Hebrides, Scotland  The magical Western Isles of Scotland are home to the 185-mile Hebridean Cycle Route, an iconic cycling journey taking in 10 islands, including Barra, North Uist, Harris and Lewis. The manageable gradients and fact you can break the route up into whatever chunks you like, makes it ideally suited for a range of cyclists. Abundant wildlife, fun ferry crossings, ancient stone circles, countless white beaches and turquoise waters await those willing to brave the (sometimes ferocious) Scottish wind. This is UK ...

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11Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports hotel in focus: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives

Tucked away in the northern reaches of the Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers an exclusive and luxurious retreat that embodies the essence of paradise. Located on the crescent-shaped Dhonakulhi Island in the Haa Alifu Atoll, 290km away from the capital Malé, this resort is a haven for those seeking both tranquillity and adventure. Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is more than just a luxury resort – it is a destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wellbeing and sport. The design of the resort seamlessly integrates with the natural environment, creating an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwVx5FUWmeQ Accommodation and dining  With 110 villas spread across the island, each offering direct access to the bea...

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11Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Cycling in Argyll, Scotland, with Markus Stitz and The Pierhouse Hotel

The Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin in Argyll, Scotland, has teamed up with leading adventure cyclist Markus Stitz to host a new cycling retreat from 18-20 October 2024. Cycling enthusiasts will be offered the opportunity to join Stitz as he explores some of his favourite Argyll cycle trails on gravel tracks, quiet roads and cycle paths. He will also host a dinner and an entertaining talk for guests. The retreat is part of a wider campaign to attract more cyclists to the hotel and the wider Argyll region over the quieter autumn and winter months. In partnership with Stitz and Bikepacking Scotland, The Pierhouse has created a variety of cycling routes to suit guests with different abilities. Special packed lunches to help fuel hungry cyclists, as well as bike storage and cleaning faciliti...

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