Trips & Experiences

31Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides, Trips & Experiences

Sport in Scotland: events, activities and things to do

It may be the land of whisky, Munros, the Highland Games and football's Old Firm, but for many people across the world Scotland is the home of one thing… golf. With some of the best courses in the world - Gleneagles, St Andrews Old Course and Carnoustie to name just three - Scotland is the place that every amateur and professional golfer wants to experience.  It’s not just golf that sports travellers should visit Scotland for though. With its magnificent terrains, lochs and mountains, the country is a haven for winter sports and outdoor activities.  Related articles Scottish golf bucket list ‘Water wellness’ in Scotland Book: ‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes Best beaches in Scotland Major sporting events in Scotland Highland GamesEvents usually take place across Scotland throughout the ...

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24Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

Scenic to host Paris-Seine sporting legends cruise ahead of 2024 Olympics

Cruise guests can sail with two of Great Britain’s finest Olympians, Steve Redgrave and Daley Thompson, on a round trip from Paris, just weeks before the French capital city welcomes the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. The special-edition “sporting legends” sailing, hosted by Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, will be held from 8-15 July 2024. During the eight-day sailing guests will get the opportunity to join a private question-and-answer session with Thompson and Redgrave. The duo, who have won seven Olympic medals between them, will also join guests for an exclusive concert at Château de La Roche Guyon, where they will share Olympic memories and reveal what it takes to be a champion.  Scenic’s eight-day cruise, starting and finishing in Paris, calls at Cornflans, Rouen, Hornfleur, ...

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15Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

Backcountry ski tourism surges in Afghanistan and Iraq

There has been a boom in people taking up backcountry skiing, according to adventure travel company Untamed Borders, with tourists increasingly seeking wilder, more obscure and more remote locations to ski, including the likes of Afghanistan and Iraq. Untamed Borders has run ski trips to Afghanistan since 2011 and Iraq since 2017, but there has been a noticeable trend post-pandemic of more people seeking virgin ski routes. Sales of backcountry skis increased by 81% in 2020, according to Snowsports Industries America, and the sector has continued to be buoyant since – with backcountry snowboard sales also spiking by 146%. As countries opened up after lockdown, that new wave of interest in the sport translated into people seeking new destinations to ski in and increasingly travellin...

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2Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Event in focus: Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival 2023

The Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival returns from 7-15 October 2023, featuring some old favourites and new unique routes. This popular event makes the most of the Unesco Biosphere Reserve that encompasses the entire island.  The majority of walks are led by local volunteers, keen to share their knowledge of a subject, or to just “show-off” their favourite walk on the Isle of Wight – and with limited spaces, booking is recommended. The festival’s website is now updated with the latest walks and booking information.  Images: visitisleofwight.co.uk Charitable and historic walks New for the 2023 autumn edition is a fundraiser for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA). The 5k “Dash in the Dark” aims to bring together attendees and supporters of the HIOWAA to ra...

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31Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

F1 Las Vegas GP: book a ‘$1m all-access experience’ with Wynn Las Vegas

Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas in November for its much-anticipated Saturday night street race. And in what could be the ultimate F1 bucket list item, six fans could be set to have the best race weekend ever – providing they can rustle up a cool $1m between them. From 16-18 November 2023, the luxury Wynn Las Vegas hotel is offering a “million dollar all-access experience” which includes a number of exclusive activations for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.  Described by the hotel as a “no-holds-barred race experience like none other”, each $1m package provides admission for a group of six people to the following: six Wynn Grid Club passes: access to the private, members-only Wynn Grid Club, an ultra-exclusive area within the F1 Paddock Club. Entry to this private club is reserved for VIP...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Ski Club of Great Britain launches Freshtracks holidays for winter 2023-2024

The Ski Club of Great Britain has launched its Freshtracks holiday programme for winter 2023-2024 with a number of new destinations, courses and chalets across the Alps, North America and Japan. Designed to make the most out of the time on the mountain, Freshtracks holidays are tailored to ski ability levels that are then categorised as on or off-piste, as well as four further categories including All Mountain, Ski Touring, Weekend and Bucket List. Holidays are suitable for all levels of skier and snowboarder, from a minimum of an early intermediate (confident on blue runs and easy reds), right up to experts that can handle all conditions both on and off-piste. Key to the success and popularity of Freshtracks holidays is being able to ski with like-minded people, with guides and inst...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Links, lochs and isles: Hebridean Princess to host UK ‘golf cruise’ in 2024

For one week only in September next year, the Hebridean Princess cruise ship will treat golfers to an awe-inspiring Gaelic links, lochs and isles “golf cruise” in Scotland and Northern Ireland.  The Hebridean Island Cruises' luxury liner, which is part of the PoB Hotels collection, accommodates just 48 guests. Taking place from 10-17 September 2024, the golf cruise will start and end in the town of Oban, which is known as the “gateway to the Isles”. Guests will enjoy seven nights on board the Hebridean Princess and the trip includes two gala dinners.  Available for golfers of all abilities, many of the courses are set in spectacular rolling sand dunes with stunning coastal views. “The added benefit is that nobody needs to be an expert to enjoy this wonderful cruise,” Hebridean Island...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Scottish cycling holidays: epic adventures with Wilderness Scotland

From 3-13 August Glasgow and Scotland will play host to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, with the world’s finest cyclists set for fierce competition on the country’s trails, tracks and roads.  For those keen to experience their own two-wheeled adventure, specialist tour operator Wilderness Scotland offers a range of cycling trips across the Highlands and Islands. Either led by expert guides or self-guided, the trips offer challenging single tracks and sweeping roads, while the epic scenery of the Highlands unfolds at a slower, more immersive pace.  North Coast 500  Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most renowned road routes, but one best enjoyed at the slower pace of two wheels. This week-long guided tour takes cyclists to the NC500’...

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24Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

Hiking trips: step into history on the Liberation Route Europe

With 2024 marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Ramy Salameh follows key parts of the 4,000km Liberation Route Europe hiking trails to explore and combine history, remembrance and wellness ahead of next year’s commemorations. The trails take in the stories and pivotal sites across Hampshire, Normandy and Jersey, all navigational via an interactive smartphone app. We have all heard of the hiking trails that converge on the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, with modern pilgrims following in the footsteps of ancient religious pilgrims. Today, these well-trodden paths attract those seeking personal or group challenge incentives, to improve wellness both mental and physical, and to learn about the landscapes and cultures they pass. While I have not had the chance to meander the Cam...

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2Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

‘Wickets and Waves’: Star Clippers packages for England’s cricket tour of West Indies

Tall ship sailing company Star Clippers has announced details of three new packages for England’s cricket tour of the West Indies in December 2023.  The “Wickets and Waves” offerings give cricket fans the opportunity to sail on board one of the cruise line’s iconic tall ships, the Royal Clipper, with pre- and post-cruise stays in either Antigua or Barbados for one-day (ODI) and Twenty20 (T20i) international matches between the West Indies and England.  Prices start at £6,629pp and include return flights from London to either Antigua or Barbados, a full-board sailing on board Royal Clipper, luxury hotel stays and premium match tickets. Royal Clipper, the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world, holds 227 passengers and boasts five masts with 42 sails.  The new sports col...

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18Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Guides, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

Scottish golf bucket list: best golf resorts in Scotland

Here at Sports Tourism Media we love a bit of golf – and we also love Scotland. Okay, we're definitely not good enough to be swinging with the best of 'em on the top golf courses in the home of golf, but every hacker can dream, right? In this round-up – which is pretty much our Scotland golf travel bucket list – we pick out some of Scotland's best "stay and play" golf resorts and hotels (ranked in no particular order). These places are so picturesque that even if your game isn't up to scratch, they're worth a visit just to admire the scenery. And there's the bonus of a dram or two of Scotch, of course... Did you know? The East Lothian region is known as “Scotland’s golf coast”. Along 30 miles of coastal terrain there are 21 Scottish golf courses, which makes it the "gr...

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7Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Tennis holidays in Greece and Turkey with Mark Warner in 2023

From intensive tennis weeks to private one-on-one coaching, independent activity holiday company Mark Warner has been serving up tennis holidays for nearly 50 years. Each of its five properties in Greece and Turkey have a choice of courts, and with a team of expert coaching staff on hand, there are options for all ages and levels.   Guests all enjoy complimentary access to the courts and equipment, with social tennis sessions included in their stay and drills sessions also available. Additional activities which can be booked and paid for either in advance or locally range from serve clinics and group tennis coaching sessions, to one-on-one tuition and private tennis lessons as well as LTA courses and mini and junior LTA courses for children.  Padel and pickleball Alongsi...

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5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business & Industry, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Video: Rafa Nadal visits his tennis centre at Sani Resort in Greece 

Spanish tennis icon Rafa Nadal, who holds the joint-record of 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, has been in Greece to visit the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Sani Resort in Halkidiki.  A collaboration between the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Mallorca and the Sani/Ikos Group, the tennis centre features eight clay courts and since 2018 has held tennis training programs for players of all ages and all levels. During his visit to the five-star Sani Resort, Nadal revealed that he has been impressed by the “spectacular” facilities.  “The truth is that I was really looking forward to finally come to Greece, but my schedule and Covid had had made it impossible,” he said. “Toni [Nadal], Carlos Moya, Carlos Costa and the whole team had told me wonderful things about the c...

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23May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Untamed Borders: ski tourism returns to Afghanistan

Ski tourists have returned to Afghanistan for the first time under the new Taliban government. According to adventure travel company Untamed Borders, which was the first company to lead ski excursions to Afghanistan back in 2011, skiing in the country is at the sharp end of a growing trend that sees people taking to the slopes in destinations not famous for ski tourism. Iraq, Lebanon, Iran, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are other destinations which Untamed Borders also operates in.  Over the spring the annual Afghan Peaks Ski Race took place, a backcountry ski race in the country’s Bamian Province. It was the first opportunity for visitors to take to the Afghan slopes since the nation returned to Taliban rule. An international group flew out to the area for the competition wi...

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16May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Best Served Scandinavia’s summer holidays: adventures, lakes, forests and glaciers

With stunning landscapes offering the perfect setting for a host of outdoor activities and adventures, a summer holiday in Scandinavia is a refreshing alternative to the traditional Mediterranean beach break.  Specialist tour operator Best Served Scandinavia has a selection of holidays for those looking to make the most of this fabulous region in the summer months. Adventures include lake swimming in the beauty of Finnish Lakeland, immersive nature hikes in Sweden’s cultural heartland Dalarna, Iceland’s natural glaciers and volcanoes, and off-the-beaten-track adventures beneath the glow of the Midnight Sun in Svalbard. Explore Dalarna: the essence of Sweden  Dalarna is pure Sweden – rich in nature and culture. Best Served Scandinavia is opening up the destination to UK custom...

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16May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Portes du Soleil: a summer sports travel guide

Portes du Soleil is a ski and biking region of the Alps that covers the neighbouring French Chablais and Swiss Valais. The region features 12 resorts – including Avoriaz, Champéry, Les Gets and Morzine – and offers a range of summer activities such as mountain biking, cycling, hiking, trail running and yoga. Portes du Soleil is a popular destination for a sporty summer holiday, we take a look at the highlights.  Portes du Soleil’s 12 resorts The 12 French and Swiss resorts in the Portes du Soleil region are located between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva:  France: Morzine, Avoriaz, Châtel, Les Gets, Montriond, La Chapelle-d’Abondance, Abondance, Saint-Jean-d'Aulps Switzerland: Champéry, Val-d’Illiez-Les Crosets-Champoussin, Torgon, Morgins Mountain biking An intern...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

ZenBoat: Greece wellness sailing holidays on a vintage gulet yacht 

Launching in September 2023, ZenBoat will offer wellness sailing holidays aboard a vintage Greek gulet yacht. Featuring activities, tours and healthy meals, itineraries will take in spectacular Greek islands, from the mystical Ionian islands to the magical Peloponnese coastline, and the delightful and little-known Saronic Islands en route to Athens. Founded by Swiss chef Louis Papadopoulos and his wife Lisa, who together run The Maya Boutique Hotel in Nax, Switzerland, the idea of ZenBoat was born during the pandemic. While they were holidaying in Greece, they realised they could transfer their experience and skill set from the hotel and create a similar holistic concept, but on a vintage gulet. “Life isn't about the destination – it’s about the journey; ZenBoat is about both,” they ...

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9May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

South Africa: best adventure activities in the Rainbow Nation 

South Africa may be known for its stunning safaris, world-class golf and outstanding wine regions, but for many it’s one of the world’s ultimate adventure travel destinations. Home to national parks, sweeping savannahs and picture perfect beaches, the Rainbow Nation also boasts a great climate and offers value for money for visitors. In this guide we look at the top adventure activities to enjoy in South Africa.   Graskop Gorge Lift Company https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2r1t6Yj9Xw Visitors looking for a leisurely experience should head to Graskop Gorge Lift Company, whose viewing lift takes visitors 51m down the face of the gorge into the indigenous forest of western South Africa. More adventurous guests can also experience the suspension bridge, zipline and the big...

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27Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

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 1,900...

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24Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Guides

Sports travel bucket list: best sports museums in UK and London

If sporting history and memorabilia is your thing, then there are plenty of places to visit in Britain. From football and rugby to cricket and tennis, the UK has a wide range of world-class sports museums for fans to experience. Here we pick out some the best sports museums to visit in the UK and in London. Football museums National Football Museum Where: Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, England Website: nationalfootballmuseum.comReview Scottish Football Museum Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland Website: scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk  Wembley Stadium Tour and Museum Where: Wembley, London, England Website: wembleytours.comHow to book: Buy a Gift | Red Letter Days  Arsenal FC Museum Where: Emirates Stadium, Hornsey Road, ...

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