Holidays & Trips

27Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Aosta Valley: summer adventures in Italy’s smallest region

At the heart of the Alps and bordered by France and Switzerland, the Aosta Valley in northwest Italy is surrounded by some of Europe's highest peaks: Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc.  Offering mountaineering, walks and hikes featuring alpine nature and spectacular vistas, Italy's smallest region is also a top destination for cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts, with dedicated tracks and numerous stations with bike parks and downhill circuits. Other highlights include summer skiing, golf and water sports such as canyoning, rafting or canoeing.  Here’s a look at some of the adventures and activities on offer in Aosta Valley this summer…  Hiking at Cammino Balteo This is a circular itinerary of under 220 miles with an altitude between 500m and 1,90...

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21Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Action Outdoors launches adventure-activity holidays for summer 2023

Action Outdoors – the official UK partner of UCPA, a French not-for-profit adventure travel and sport organisation – has launched its 2023 summer programme which includes a variety of adventure and activity holidays. The breaks are all-inclusive, with accommodation, three meals a day, instruction, equipment and necessary passes included. Most of the Action Outdoors holidays are based in the UCPA-run centres across the French Alps and the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal areas of France, but UCPA Planete offers holidays further afield in partner hotels and resorts. There are hundreds of holidays on the programme – here’s what’s on offer for summer 2023... E-mountain biking Spend a week riding through the Chamonix Valley on an electric mountain bike. Suitable for cyclists with so...

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20Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Somabay: sport and adventure on the Red Sea in Egypt

Located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, the Somabay destination resort has a range of activities and sports to choose from, including golf, diving, kitesurfing, padel tennis, and horseback riding. Once the sun sets, adrenaline junkies can head to Soma Raceway, the resort's own go-karting track. Somabay is just a four-hour flight from Central Europe, and boasts year-round sunshine and mild temperatures. The resort location is home to some of the sandiest beaches of the Red Sea and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of desert mountains and blue skies. Breakers Surfing & Diving Lodge reopens The Breakers Surfing & Diving Lodge at Somabay has reopened its doors to guests following a full-scale renovation. Promising an elevated experience while still retaining a relaxed feel, The Br...

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18Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Grenada wellness holidays: hiking, diving, water sports and hotels

The picturesque Caribbean island nation of Grenada is making waves as a popular destination for wellbeing holidays. With its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant culture, Grenada provides a serene backdrop that is perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with oneself. The island offers a range of wellness activities, from yoga and meditation retreats to hiking adventures and spa treatments.  Hiking in Grand Etang National Park Grand Etang National Park is the ultimate destination for those seeking to disconnect from the stress and distractions of modern life and reconnect with nature. The reserve’s rainforest offers a range of hiking options, from easy walks to more challenging treks, which allow visitors to experience the beauty of Grenada’s natural e...

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18Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Cycling in Catalonia: from the Mediterranean coast to the Pyrenees

From the high Pyrenees mountains to the wetlands of Terres de l’Ebre along the Mediterranean coast, Catalonia offers cycling fans everything they need for a memorable journey on two wheels. In addition to the pleasant temperatures all year round, quiet roads and specialised accommodation offer all guarantees and services for this sport. Catalonia’s rich terrain has also led to the creation of 18 mountain biking centres and trails, comprising more than 6,400km of marked itineraries taking you to every corner of the destination. Mile upon mile of well-maintained road routes, as well as bespoke services and accommodation, Catalonia is a land where everything is within reach. Catalonia accounts with more than 60 accommodation facilities with the Cycling in Catalonia label, recognised as bi...

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14Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Star Clippers: go on a yoga-themed or French Open cruise in summer 2023

Tall-ship cruise line Star Clippers will continue its popular yoga sailings programme with the addition of qualified instructors on board selected sailings in summer 2023. Guests can take part in complimentary, daily classes throughout eight sailings on board Star Clipper from April to October, visiting ports of call in the Western Mediterranean. Confirmed yoga-themed departures are 28 April, 6 May, 13 May, 27 May, 8 July, 15 July, 29 July and 7 October 2023. Fay McCormack, general manager of the UK GSA, said: “We are delighted to welcome back yoga instructors for our summer 2023 departures. Whilst we have been offering this on board our ships for many years, today’s ever-increasing awareness of the positive effects of yoga on mental wellbeing reaffirms why we choose to offer this s...

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18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Greek Running Tours by Dean Karnazes: the ‘ultimate runcation’ in Greece 

Greek-American ultramarathoner Constantine “Dean” Karnazes has partnered with sports tourism and wellness agency ActiveMedia Group to launch Greek Running Tours. Greece, the birthplace of the marathon, is a land where history has been created, legends made and where magic and mythology come together. As tribute to his Greek heritage and his desire to promote Greek tourism to a global audience, Karnazes gives runners the opportunity to explore Greece on foot, immersing in the history and beauty, eating the food and experiencing this legendary land in a way that few tourists ever will.  Dean Karnazes (Image: Angelos Zymaras) Along with the running (and a walking option for non-runners) each day will include cultural experiences – from bread making in the mountains of Crete, to oliv...

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18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Sports holidays: adventure cycling in South Korea with Saddle Skedaddle

Cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has launched a new guided adventure in South Korea that takes riders from Seoul to Busan. The 14-day cycling trip explores the history, culture and cuisine of this often overlooked part of Asia.  Beginning in the capital Seoul, the route follows the newly-developed Cheonggyecheon Stream Bike Path, cutting through the heart of the city all the way to the Han River Bikeway.  Joining the South Han River Bike Path in Yangpyeong, it’s a fairly flat ride to the county of Angsung where the area’s famous hot springs are ready to treat weary legs after a long day in the saddle. More hot springs await in the town of Suanbo, North Chungcheong, where the healing waters have been part of Korean culture for centuries.  The changing scenery leaving ...

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3Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Emilia Romagna, Italy, sports guide: events and activities in 2023

Emilia Romagna’s “Motor Valley” comes alive when it hosts three major motorsport events: Motor Valley Fest and Formula 1 in May and MotoGP in September. The northern Italian region has been long regarded as the Motor Valley due to its significant contribution to Italy's motor industry. In addition to being home of celebrated brands – including Ferrari, Maserati, Ducati, Pagani, Dallara, Energica and Lamborghini – Emilia Romagna has a wealth of events and attractions making it a must-visit destination for motoring fans, from international motor tracks and circuits, to a number of private collections of vintage cars and motorcycles. Emilia Romagna has an action-packed sports events calendar in 2023. As well as motorsport, the Italian region will also host Giro d’Italia cycling and IRONMA...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Ski Club of Great Britain announces 2022-2023 Freshtracks holiday schedule

The Ski Club of Great Britain’s Freshtracks holiday programme has fully re-launched for the 2022-2023 season with more than 150 different weeks throughout the winter, starting on 25 November 2022 and running until 1 May 2023. All Freshtracks holidays are designed to bring like-minded skiers together of similar ability levels and many trips are led by qualified mountain guides and ski instructors. Holidays are popular with solo travellers with many trips sold on a single occupancy basis. There’s a programme dedicated to those skiers over the age of 60 – Peak Experience – that attracts enthusiasts well into their 70s and sometimes beyond, plus one of the largest choices of off-piste and ski touring holidays on the UK market. But there’s also opportunities for skiers to improve their tech...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Skiing in Austria: 11 reasons to hit the slopes this winter 

From snow-sure slopes to the world-famous Kaiserschmarren, Austria is one of the best places to ski. Here the team from the Austrian National Tourist Office pick out 11 reasons why you should visit Austria for skiing this winter. 1. Plenty of snow-sure pistes  Snow-guarantee is a crucial factor when choosing a winter destination. And, luckily, the Austrian Alps are blessed with it. Widely recognized as one of the world's most reliable skiing destinations, Austria's top resorts ensure perfectly groomed pistes throughout the classic winter season – and way beyond. Tirol alone has five glaciers, including Zillertal's Hintertux, where you can ski 365 days a year. In Zell am See-Kaprun skiing is on from October to June thanks to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. And if everything goes wrong, Au...

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28Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Scotland, Sports Travel

‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes: a sports adventurer’s guide to Scotland’s wild waters

In her new book – Blue Scotland: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Scotland’s Wild Waters – sports adventurer Mollie Hughes picks out her favourite places across Scotland to paddleboard, kayak, swim and surf.  Mixing world-class surfing breaks with kayaking adventures on the west coast, and urban paddleboarding along the Clyde with invigorating swims in the lochs of the Cairngorms National Park, the book shows how to access and enjoy these varied blue spaces.  Hughes includes her own personal experiences and tips, enabling wild water sports fans of all levels to make the most of the amazing opportunities Scotland has to offer. Here’s her pick of the off-the-beaten track places to visit in Scotland.   North Uist, Outer Hebrides  “The Island of North Uist in the Outer He...

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27Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Bucket list travel: Everest Base Camp 70th anniversary trek with Mountain Kingdoms

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay famously stepped foot on the summit of Everest on 29 May 1953 receiving worldwide acclaim and a lifetime of mountaineering superstardom. To mark their historic achievement, British tour operator Mountain Kingdoms has arranged a special Everest Base Camp Trek to arrive at Base Camp exactly 70 years later. This platinum anniversary trek will be led by Pertemba Sherpa – a celebrated three-time Everest summiteer who made his first ascent alongside mountaineering legend Chris Bonington. Pertemba's exceptional experience, Himalayan knowledge and years spent accumulating a treasure trove of mountaineering tales will add an extra dimension to the trek and give a unique insight into life on Everest. During the day at base camp there will be the chance to...

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27Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Golf in Italy: eight of the best golf courses in Emilia Romagna

With more than 20 courses, the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna is an ideal destination for both beginner and professional golfers alike. It also provides a rich cultural background to enjoy in-between rounds, meaning golfers can combine spa holidays, food and wine, and art on their trip. Here we take a look at eight of the best golf courses in Emilia Romagna, Italy.  Adriatic Golf Club Cervia, Ravenna This charming 27-hole golf club (top picture) is located amongst pine forests and salt lakes, a setting of natural beauty just a short distance from the sea. Enjoy water obstacles and innovative design that guarantees enjoyment for golfer across all levels. Previously, the Italian PGA Championships have been held here on several occasions, the latest being held in 2019. The c...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

Expat Sport launches Dubai hotel experience for football fans during World Cup

Sports tourism agency Expat Sport has announced details of Dubai’s first hotel experience exclusively for football supporters. Taking place from 21 November to 18 December, to coincide with the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, the “Football Fans Dubai Experience” is for supporters wanting to base themselves in the United Arab Emirates during the tournament. The package includes daily flights to Qatar for guests attending the games, free shuttle buses to Dubai fan zones and a convenient, on-site sports bar to watch the matches. The Football Fans Dubai Experience will be hosted at NH Dubai The Palm, a premium hotel on the West Bay side of the Palm Jumeirah with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, Dubai Marina skyline and the Dubai Eye. The property has a rooftop infinity pool, spacious r...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Horse riding holidays and new destinations to book in 2022 with Saddletravel.com

Saddle up and explore the great outdoors with a horse riding holiday. Saddletravel.com has a range of trips for 2022, including the world’s best beach riding in Mozambique (pictured, above), a stay on a ranch in Montana, USA, and riding the Volcanoes Trail in Ecuador. Here we take a look at the best destinations for a horse riding trip.  Solo travellers: Estancia Beach Trail, Uruguay What better way to switch off from the rest of the world than with a solo trip on the Estancia Beach Trail in Uruguay? Ride on deserted beaches, gallop alongside dolphins, whales and seals, or practise your cattle driving skills before an excellent evening of food and wine. This is a true undiscovered gem in the heart of Latin America. From £2,820; saddletravel.com/estancia-beach-trail New riders: A...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Event in focus: The Islands of Guernsey Autumn Walking Festival

Autumn in Guernsey provides the perfect backdrop for a walking retreat. With the deep red of its falling leaves and bronzed late light, is there a better time to go rambling? Here we take a look at The Islands of Guernsey Autumn Walking Festival 2022. About the event  Taking place from 17 September to 2 October, the Autumn Walking Festival will offer visitors a choice of more than 40 morning, afternoon, and evening guided walks to explore the stunning islands of Guernsey, Herm and Sark. Walkers can also learn from local experts about the islands’ history and attractions. Organised by the Bailiwick of Guernsey Guild of Accredited Guides, the walks range from rambles through the island’s interior scenic landscape to exploring the rugged coastal paths. The walks vary in difficulty a...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Sustainable sports travel: cycling trends and tours from Cycling for Softies

If you want your next sports-themed holiday to be sustainable, then a cycling tour could be a great option. Often overlooked, this type of holiday offers the opportunity to explore a destination while leaving no carbon footprint. In this expert guide, Harvey Downard, head of cycling at bike tour operator Cycling for Softies, shares some insight into this type of travel and suggests some breathtaking routes for anyone looking for an eco-friendly getaway. No-fly and no-drive: keep your carbon footprint to a minimum Using a bike instead of a car for short journeys reduces travel emissions by up to 75%, according to ourworldindata.org. So, as you explore by bike on your holiday, you’ll be able to cover much larger distances than by car to best immerse yourself in a destination and mi...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino: tennis holidays in Greece

Improve your serve and hone your on-court skills with a tennis-themed holiday in Costa Navarino. Located in the Greek region of Messinia, southwest Peloponnese, Costa Navarino is home to world-class sports facilities and luxury hotels.   Where to play tennis in Costa Navarino The region is the first European location for a Mouratoglou Tennis Center. Here you can play on state-of-the-art clay, hard and grass courts – offering the equivalent of grand slam court conditions.  The centre has 16 brand new tennis courts and benefits from year-round sunshine. Guests can enjoy a tennis-inspired holiday full of breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea, while receiving personalised coaching from the best in the world - with lessons and packages for children and adults.  Prices for tennis coa...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

England, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Cycling breaks and routes in Lincoln and Lincolnshire

The city of Lincoln and county of Lincolnshire in England has recreated a diverse group of cycling packages for 2022. Here we take a look at the best trips and routes for a two-wheel adventure…  Historic Lincoln & Surrounding Area (155 miles) The Historic Lincoln & Surrounding Area cycle route provides a five-day suggested itinerary covering 248km to see the many different aspects of the beautiful city, treating you to some of the best sights and experiences. Based predominantly in Lincoln, you’ll be able to explore this ancient city in all its glory whilst also venturing further afield to take in the contrasting and captivating surrounding countryside. One of the days’ routes gets you out of the city – you’ll follow the River Witham to Doddington and continue on a picturesq...

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