Sporty holidays or getting into shape while on holiday

There seems to be so much sport on the news over the last couple of weeks with the Olympics and all sorts of events to motivate us so I thought I'd explore some novel things to do for sporty types. With our lovely presenter Elaine Crowley on Midday doing Celebrity Operation Transformation everybody seems to be on the move and working that body.
In case you haven't realised she's no stranger to working out and is incredibly fit - No1 Bootcamp is just one of the places where she has stayed and you can stay there too

Basic details about the camps  & pictures 

No 1 Boot Camp runs Europe's most popular super-healthy weight loss retreats. Its main camp is on the beautiful North Norfolk coast in England, close to the Queen's Sandringham estate. Elaine Crowley has been to the Norfolk camp along with lots of celebrities including Arg from The Only Way Is Essex (pic included).

Gee Leary is the No 1 Boot Camp head trainer - very hunky. He looks like a movie star. Picture included. 

No 1 Camp has a second camp in Ibiza which runs from March till October. It is very popular with celebrities such as Ireland's Nadia Forde. Two pictures included of her at camp. Other pictures of celebs at the Ibiza camp include Ashley Roberts from the Pussycat Dollars, Vanessa White from the Saturdays, Binky Felstead from Made In Chelsea. No 1 Boot Campers hiking and doing yoga on the beach as well as the beautiful Ibizan coastline near the camp.

Ethos of the camp

No 1 Boot Camp aims to help clients lose weight fast. Average weight loss is around 1lb a day - so we aim for most campers to lose at least half a stone in their first week. We cater for all levels of fitness - from the seriously out of shape to super-fit gym bunnies who want to hone their fitness.

Almost all our trainers are ex-Military so their routines are based on the science which informs Army/Marine physical instruction. It is tough but the trainers are well aware they are dealing with paying clients so they go easy on the shouting.

The aim is to lose weight but also instigate long-term lifestyle change so that ex-boot campers go home with lots of good habits they can keep up at home.

Prices

Prices for the Norfolk camp start at  €1,000 for a shared room, going up to  €1,900 for the most luxurious single room. 

Prices for the Ibiza camp start at €1,500 for a shared room week, going up to €2,900 for the most luxurious single room. 

Full prices here (in £s)

http://www.no1bootcamp.com/index.php?page=dates_and_prices

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Check out the Irish Travel Agents Association website for a selection of late deals and specialised holidays
http://itaa.ie/

Cycling Holidays at Kanes Travel

Tel: 0433 334500

www.kanestravel.ie

·         We work with Velo Vercors (www.velovercors.com) who offer a one stop cycling holiday in the Vercors alps of France.

·         Prices as follows for Sportive challenges

·         We can tailor make a package at any time of year to suit groups or families or particular interests and abilities.

ALL RATES are Price Per Person based on 2 sharing a room in a gite or B&B. Include some evening meals, breakfasts, Transfers on arrival and departure, Transport to Sportive, accompanied rides. See cyclosportive page for full details.
7 nights         3 night weekend
Vercors Challenge (May)	Euro699	Euro459
L'Ardechoise (June)	Euro749	Euro489
La Dromoise (Sept)	Euro699	Euro459

The Vercors offers superb Alpine training for the Etape or the Marmotte. The 3 local sportives we support are well organised events that attract a wide range of cyclists' and have a buzz and atmosphere similar to Top Amateur and Professional races. They are on closed or marshalled roads giving much greater safety than UK sportives. Local villages embrace the events offering support and a warm welcome for all the riders with local town bands, animations and a festival atmosphere. There are regular feed and drink stops and a buffet at the finish. Timing chips will also be given to record an accurate time and place. We will be supporting riders on the following local events and offer weekend and weekly packages priced on a per person rate on a shared basis in our gites or B&B.  

At Cullentragh Lodge, Velo Leitrim offer you the opportunity to enjoy the comforts of their Irish home which they have lovingly restored. Experience staying in an original classic Irish stone cottage complemented by eco credentials, luxurious interiors and stunning views. An ideal base to discover everything the hauntingly, beautiful County of Leitrim has to offer. 

Whether you come to cycle, walk or simply chill out, Cullentragh Lodge, with its spectacular views across the valley and the peaceful surroundings will leave you with wonderful memories.

Their hand chosen bike routes will lead you along quiet, low traffic roads, along rolling hills, Loughs, Waterfalls and the Wild Atlantic Way. And if you don't want the hassle of bringing your own bikes they can arrange bikes to be ready and waiting for your arrival.

The  location offers a great choice of being in Leitrim but just a stone’s throw from the Counties of Cavan, Donegal, Sligo and Mayo in the Republic and Enniskillen across the border. It offers the best of country living with its abundance of lakes, rich landscape and incredible fauna and flora as well as being situated only 35kms from The Wild Atlantic Way with its many sandy beaches and Top Surfing locations

weekly rental of lodge is €925 for six people

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Enjoy a deluxe hiking holiday in Madonna di Campiglio, a beautiful resort in the Dolomite Mountains.- last minute deal with Topflight is good value

Madonna di Campiglio is one of the most beautiful destinations for walkers, hikers and groups alike. Explore scenic mountain trails, spectacular landscapes and some of the most beautiful paths in the Dolomites. You will be based in the luxurious 4-Star Superior Hotel Cristal Palace, a beautiful Alpine-style hotel.

the dolomites

ABOUT THE 4-STAR SUPERIOR HOTEL CRISTAL PALACE

Stay at the elegant Hotel Cristal Palace in Madonna di Campiglio during your deluxe hiking holiday. Hotel Cristal Palace boasts stunning Alpine-inspired architecture, along with a beautiful wooden interior. The rooms in the Cristal Palace are luxurious, comfortable and spacious while the facilities are of the highest quality.

After an activity-packed day of hiking, guests can unwind in the beautiful panoramic restaurant and bar. Enjoy spectacular views of Madonna di Campiglio and the Brenta Dolomites.

You will be spoiled for choice by the range of treatments at the Cristal Energy SPA, with a vast range on offer. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the heated indoor pool, or perhaps indulge in a massage treatment, and recharge your batteries.

www.topflight.ie for more details - September 10th departure €849
01-2401784

YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES

 Return Flights from Dublin
 Return Transfers by Luxury Coach
 7 Nights Half Board Accommodation at the 4-Star Superior Hotel Cristal Palace
 A FREE 6-Day Dolomeet Card / Lift Pass (worth up to €85)
 5 local guided hikes, with two private guides for groups of up to 40 people
 20kg baggage allowance  All taxes

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The Novel Traveller is notoriously not sporty even though I love adventure and chance to do something daring but even I could be tempted to go healthy while on a cruise and two of my favourite cruislines are offering healthy options. Going on a cruise doesn't automatically mean that you are going to put on a few kilos and I love the idea of losing weight, toning up and getting all sporty in a different country everyday?

Celebrity Cruises

1)     Yoga on The Lawn Club at Sea

·        Pull off your best downward facing dog or sun salutation while taking in the serenity of the turquoise seas. Celebrity Cruises guests can take to the real grass lawn on the top deck and enjoy a yoga class while sailing into idyllic destinations such as the Greek Isles, Turkey and Italy

·        The mind-body yoga workout features T-Spheres to help stretch and flex out of the workstation slump or texting crouch. The pressure-point experience facilitates unwinding with quiet, precise movements that corrects poor body alignment, increases flexibility, relieves mental stress and promotes restorative sleep

·        Costs from

2)     AquaClass information

·        For the ultimate health and fitness enthusiast, Celebrity Cruises serene AquaClass® Staterooms are the holiday of choice. Located comfortably close to the AquaSpa Relaxation Room, the Solarium and the Persian Garden, each room offers a beautiful balcony and some in-room extras to help guests relax. AquaClass® Stateroom extras include a plush bathrobe and slippers, an aromatherapy diffuser, pillow menu and additional toiletries including shower gel, facial spray and lip balm. Daily deliveries of bottled water and teas are made, with an enhanced room service menu on offer designed with health-conscious guests in mind

·        Guests will have access to a Personal Spa Concierge, who will arrange AquaSpa® treatments for them, and guests can also take part in Celebrity Cruises special programme of wellness classes like meditation and yoga

·        Celebrity Cruises offers an exclusive AquaClass® guests restaurant for breakfast and dinner, Blu offering “clean cuisine”  

3)     Kayak, Snorkel, and Beach Experience (George Town, Grand Cayman

·        Enjoy three fun adventures on one tour with kayaking, snorkeling and relaxing at Seven Mile Beach. You'll receive snorkel gear and a two-person kayak at the water sports complex on Seven Mile Beach. Then paddle toward the official Governor's Residence and snorkel among the abundant tropical fish and coral formations at Governor's Reef before paddling back. Enjoy complimentary rum or fruit punch and spend an hour enjoying the beach facilities

·        Costs from $59 USD per child and $84 USD per adult

4)     Reventazon Whitewater Rafting (Puerto Limon, Costa Rica)

·        Grab a paddle and hit the river for a fast, fun, and unforgettable ride down these legendary rapids. The Reventazon River has hosted the World Rafting Championships. Now, it’s your turn. Rumble down an easy to maneuver section of the river thats perfect for kids, families, and all types of adventurous souls. Zoom over swirling rapids. Enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you and have a blast on this funfilled adventure down the river

·        Costs from $99  per person

5)     Cozumel 12 Metre America'S Cup Regatta (Cozumel, Mexico)

·        Be part of Americas Cup history as you sail the fastest "Twelves" ever built. Designed to do one thing race in Americas Cups the 12metre class was retired following Dennis Conner’s win in 1987 at the helm of Stars and Stripes. Very few people have had the privilege of sailing aboard these classic mega yachts. Now you can be one of them as you experience the thrill of racing in the original Dennis Conner’s challenge

·        Costs form $114 per person

6)     Mayan Frontier By Horseback and Ecolounge Beach Break (Cozumel, Mexico)

·        Saddle up and ride through the natural wonders of the island of Cozumel. Horses are assigned and instructions are given at Rancho Buenavista. You'll ride through the rainforest passing original Mayan ruins, replicas and caves dating back 1,500 years. Your guide explains Mayan history and customs as you trot along the trails. After this mystical experience, you'll arrive at a beautiful beach where you can relax, swim and enjoy the amazing Caribbean breeze

·        Costs from $60 per child and $99 per adult

Package

Join Celebrity Cruises’ (www.celebritycruises.co.uk; 0800 441 4054) Celebrity Equinox on a 12-night Ultimate Caribbean fly/cruise from €2,189 per person (based on two adults sharing an interior stateroom).
Price includes return flights from Dublin, transfers, one-night pre-cruise accommodation and a 10-night cruise departing from Ultimate Caribbean Cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) and calling at George Town (Grand Cayman), Cartagena (Colombia), Colon (Panama), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica) and Cozumel (Mexico) for an overnight stay before returning to Fort Lauderdale for the flight home.

Price is based on 19 January 2016 departure.

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MSC offer The perfect cruise for wellness & fitness enthusiasts

The new Wellness Experience - powered by Technogym, gives you the privileged access to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a comprehensive one-on-one health assessment, a personalized fitness program and a selection of healthy food and drink options to choose from. We’ve partnered with Technogym, the world’s leading wellness company, to bring this new experience exclusively to the 

MSC Cruises’ ships starting from Summer 2017.

Further customize your vacation based on your own personal desires and interests by booking the new Wellness Experience – part of the existing Inclusive Experience categories that guests can choose when booking their cruise.

The personalized experience features cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art fitness facilities, specialized food & beverage offerings, exclusive shore excursions, and access to MSC Cruises’ Master Trainers certified by Technogym.

Discover the wellness category that best suits your goals

As soon as you book the Wellness Experience, you’ll be invited to compete the Aspiration Finder™ - the first-ever scientific questionnaire developed by Technogym’s Research Department – which helps MSC understand your wellness motivations and match you with one of the following wellness categories. The result of the questionnaire is a personalized Aspiration Map, which forms the basis for the individualized program.

ONBOARD CONSULTATIONS AND HEALTH ASSESSMENTS

Receive a one-on-one appointment with a MSC Master Trainer, who will conduct an assessment consisting of body scale analyzer test combined with an in-depth consultation. You’ll also receive a medical check-up with the MSC Doctor, which will include a blood pressure test, electrocardiogram 

ACCESS TO THE MY WELLNESS APP

Receive complimentary access to the MSC Cruises-only version of Technogyms’ award-winning mywellness app. This app tracks your movement & assigns a daily movement target, includes info from your personalized training program and allows you to see fitness class schedules 

Starting price on inside cabin for wellness package is €949pp on the newest ship MSC Meraviglia with €300 add on for flights!!

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To find out more details about cruise prices and offers contact www.cruiseholidays.ie

So Tune in to TV3 tomorrow for Travel Tuesday to hear all about these fab options to get fit this autumn

Northern Spain special, Bilbao and the Camino

Northern Spain is a different World - fun with the kids in Bilbao!

Spain is always a popular destination for Irish Tourists and this summer it is more so than ever with a predicted increase to 1.4 million in 2016. But when we think of Spain all too often we choose popular destinations like Barcelona or the Costa Del Sol but Northern Spain is having a Renaissance for a number of reasons and I've been checking them out.

I recently returned from Bilbao nestled in Basque country and close to the other jewels of the region, San Sebastian and Pamplona.

With the kids in tow we arrived on a Wednesday and checked into the Gran Hotel Domine in Bilbao, set across the road from the glorious Guggenheim Gallery. I didn't know about Puppy, the lovely doggy covered in flowers who sits outside the gallery - an incredible living sculpture that children especially will love to touch. We spent our first day cycling around the city on bikes with a guided tour - it was three hours long and I wondered if my teens would be giving out but on the contrary they adored seeing the city while doing an activity. Next day we took the unusual perspective of seeing the city from the river. Once the most polluted in Europe it is spotless and full of fish after a massive cleaning that cost the city millions. It was money well spent as we were able to kayak freely up and down on our two hour trip.

Any activity like this works up an appetite and Bilbao is a wonderful city for food lovers.

I'd recommend it for couples or girlie weekends and my kids adored the pinxtos which are a different kind of tapas to the usual you will find around Spain.

The transport system is excellent and shopping condensed in the one area which was perfect for my 12 year old daughter to get to see all her favourite stores. Bilbao is a masterpiece in design and layout. In the seventies many of the ugly industrial buildings that hugged the river were demolished and the infra structure was developed to a high aesthetic and working standard.

San Sebastian is only an hour away by bus and a beautiful city - why not do the coastal route and creep along the unspoilt beaches that hug the Atlantic. Another popular activity that has brought millions to Northern Spain is the Camino. Most pilgrims walk the final section of the 800 mile pilgrimage which is over 110km and get their passports stamped along the way in various hostels and guest houses. It seems to be a wonderful experience and life changing from anyone that I have spoken to who has done it. I've put together some deals below from Irish Tour operators and links to the Bilbao Tourist Board and the beautiful Gran Hotel Domine Where we stayed in Bilbao. 

Travel Tuesday on TV3's Midday chat about Bilbao - click here for link Bilbao on Midday 

Aer Lingus operates a daily service from Dublin to Bilbao with up to two flights on Saturday. One-way fares including taxes and charges start from €49.99 including taxes and charges

www.aerlingus.com

http://www.bilbaoturismo.net/BilbaoTurismo/en/tourists#

http://www.hoteldominebilbao.com/

http://tournebilbao.com/en/

http://www.bilbobentura.com/

www.madmuseum.es
www.spain.info

Most popular package - Camino Frances from Sarria to Santiago

This is the most popular Camino route known as the French Way. This trail captures the perfectly captures the essence of the Camino de Santiago. You will meet fellow pilgrims, discover local traditions and enjoy the unique atmosphere walking through Galicia's green countryside. This route finishes in the historic town of Santiago where you will collect your pilgrim certificate. 

Price: A 6-night self-guided tour on the French Way from Sarria to Santiago starts from €560 per person sharing for 6 nights. More details here: French Way

Another popular option is the last section of the Camino Portugues from Tui to Santiago

The Portuguese Way is the second most popular route among pilgrims to Santiago but you don't have to trek all the way from Lisbon to discover this classic Camino trail. 

Start from the town of Tui in Galicia, separated from Portugal only by the River Minho, and walk to Santiago in just a week. Tui is home to a wonderful historic centre and spectacular medieval cathedral-fortress. On your way you will reach the coast in the fishing village of Arcade, where you should taste the famous local oysters.

Price: A 7-night self-guided tour on the Portuguese Way from Tui to Santiago starts from €746 per person sharing. More details here:Camino Portugues

All prices include: Half-board accommodation, luggage transfers and holiday pack with route notes and practical information.

Price does not include:

Flights, transport, travel insurance.

www.caminoways.com

tel: 015252886

Final Stage – Camino Frances (8 days)

Weekly departures from April to October

Sarria to Santiago (8 days), the full and final stage of the Camino Way…

All inclusive price                                                                             Special Offer

     Flights                                                                                        From €775 

     B&B                                                                                       per person sharing

     Luggage transfers

     Pilgrim passport

www.maptravel.ie

tel: 01878311

Find Your Epic - three adventures across the Irish Sea in Wales.

Feeling adventurous this summer?

Then I suggest you hop on the ferry and Find Your Epic in Wales.

I've three suggestions for activities that will push your boundaries to the max.

I started off with a trip To Blenau Ffestineog in beautiful Snowdonia National Park and took a ride on the world's longest Zip Zone.

Titan is made up of three parts, A which is the longest part of the course but most gentle with spectacular views. B is more dramatic and moves at break neck speed. By the time we reached Zip line C we were adrenalin junkies and on reaching the bottom wanted to do it all over again. I was with three of my pals and one of them had bungee and parachute jumped in the past and she thought this was just as good.

Titan costs £50 pp to find out more see. www.zipworld.co.uk

Ride Snowdonia’s rapids – the National White Water Centre, Bala

This one isn’t strictly ‘sea’, but it’s no less exciting. The UK’s National White Water Centre is located on the River Tryweryn, which races across the Snowdonia National Park www.canoewales.com . The grade 3-4*, fast-flowing Upper Tryweryn is the foremost rafting challenge, with waves crashing around near-constant boulders. Water levels are dam-controlled so the rapids provide plenty of action during the summer.

Prices start from £40 including equipment hire for a one hour triphttp://www.canoewales.com/rafting-taster-session but our most popular is a the Full Session http://www.canoewales.com/full-rafting-session which is a two hour trip that you can either book as a group trip or if there aren’t enough in your party for a group trip you can join others in a shared raft.  The minimum age for these two is 12 years old but we have another trip http://www.canoewales.com/tryweryn-raft-safari which is suitable for 10 year olds and over.

About Anglesey Adventures

Anglesey Adventures is an adventure activity company that provides adventure days and breaks on Anglesey and throughout North Wales. If you are looking for an outdoor experience with a difference then our adventure breaks will not disappoint you. adventure coasteering £120 per day

The Isle of Anglesey is an absolute playground for the adventure enthusiast with a huge range of activities to choose from. Our location on Holy Island provides a stunning coastline, towering sea cliffs and numerous award winning beaches. Amongst this we provide world-class outdoor experiences for individuals, family groups, schools and colleges, youth groups, stag and hen parties and corporate teams looking for bespoke development courses.

Some of the activities that we offer from our base include coasteering, rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, mountain walking, sea level traversing, gorge scrambling, canoeing, canyoning, tyrolean traverse, orienteering, raft building, mountain biking, bush craft, initiative games .

We also offer a range of tailor made skill based courses for complete beginners all the way through to seasoned adrenaline junkies, covering half day trips to multiple day courses in rock climbing, mountaineering, sea kayaking and canoeing.

Let us organise that perfect stag or hen weekend, company away day or general family fun activities for you on your holiday in Anglesey. Come join us for one the best adventures in North Wales!!!

Cliff camping with Gaia Adventures is wild camping at its wildest. Campers sleep high above the sea, suspended in mid-air on a vertical cliff face near Beaumaris, Anglesey. The experience starts with guests journeying down the cliff in time to catch the sunset and enjoying a hearty, locally sourced meal. As the evening proceeds it will be time for hot chocolate – or something stronger! In the morning, campers wake to the sunrise, fresh coffee, bacon baps and croissants. Depending upon the location, Gaia Adventures offers the opportunity to either rock climb out, or simply climb the rope using ascenders. From £190. www.gaiaadventures.co.uk

For more information see www.visitwales.co.uk

Heading Stateside with the kids this summer? Get On Yer Bike!

Venice Beach

Walking and sightseeing can be a chore for teens and tweens but put them on a bike and it becomes an adventure. All of these five US cities have really great bike tours. You won't be disappointed and the kids will LOVE IT!

Mark and Nicole on Venice Beach

LA

Take a walk past Santa Monica Pier to Perry's, an icon of the beach scene for nearly forty years. Perry's have twelve cafes dotted along the coast from Santa Monica to Venice Beach. A cycle is a great way to take in the views. I recommend rental by the hour rather than a tour because once we got to Venice Beach the kids wanted to stop at the stalls and soak up the atmosphere. The kids loved this windy cycle path even though we had to dodge the roller-skaters along the way. The last of the hippies and hells angels gather here and there are funky cafes to stop by for a break. Two hours is long enough to take in the cacophony of music and it's five dollars to visit the freak show or get a henna tattoo.

Bike and Roll Washington DC

Washington DC

The Bike and Roll Tour (39$ for adults 29$ for kids) is the very best way to visit the presidential monuments. Fully guided, the tour took us past The White House, Washington Monument and down National Mall from Lincoln to Jefferson down by the Potomac River. The Einstein statue outside the Science Museum was a great stop and I made sure my son rubbed the statues nose to ensure wisdom to help him with his studies.

Jefferson Memorial Washington DC

Boston

Urbanadventours is the best way to see the city of Boston from Fenway Park through the Emerald necklace and back to The Freedom Trail. The City Tour is good for kids over ten-years as it does involve going on cycle lanes in the city centre and can be busy. It takes three hours and costs $55. www.urbanadventours.com

 

Urbanadventours Boston

New York

Take a bike or quadcycle around Central Park. A quadcycle is $35 per hour and the perfect amount of time to leisurely see the lake and the sights. Kids love to be on the move so this is a great way to get to see the Alice in Wonderland statue, Strawberry fields and the chess and checker house. www.bikenewyorkcity.com

Times Square New York

San Francisco

The very best way to see the bridge and absorb the breathtaking view of San Francisco Bay is by bike. It is a long cycle but the kids won't be board. A guided tour takes up to three hours and ends at the pretty town of Sausalito where we stopped for lunch and took a ferry ride back to the city. www.baycitybike.com. Tours are $55 dollars per person but you can do this without a guide and rent by the hour.

Golden Gate to Sausalito