December 2014
Regular Newsletter of Ellen Smith Tours
Inside this issue:
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Tiger Talk The 2015 Continental Holiday Show!
As I’m sure you’re aware we now offer several types of holidays to our customers other than our regular Uk based ‘Door to Door’ Holidays. These Include Fred Olsen Cruises C.I.T.O Holidays Ellen Smith Continental Holidays by Coach Regular Inclusive Flight Holidays to Jersey and Guernsey They all have our legendary ‘Door to Door’ service attached and all offer great holidays at great prices!
On Wednesday 25th February 2015 we intend to showcase all these products to you! Where will it be held ? The Middleton Arena in Middleton, Manchester How will I get there? Easy – we’ll pick you up from home to get you there for a 10:30 start What will the format of the day be?
Group Travel
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There will be 4 presentations commencing at 10:30 Fred Olsen Cruises by Greatdays Holidays Ellen Smith Holidays by coach Various CITO Holidays by Pam Wharton of CITO Jersey and Guernsey by Margaret Devoy of Destination Specialists
There will also be lots of time to discuss your requirements with representatives of the above. There will also be plenty of Ellen Smith staff around too. Will we be fed and watered? Yes there will be free flow tea and coffee – and a lunch will be provided. How will I get home? The same way as you arrived – we’ll have a taxi cocoordinator on site to arrange your travel home. What is the total cost for the day ? Nothing, Zero, Ziltch How do I/we register to attend? By contacting our booking office on 01706 648126 and they will take your details. We look forward to seeing you there !
During 2014 we have seen a significant increase in the number of groups now using us for their holidays or days out. This year we’ve added a walking group of 53 who went to the Isle of Man and a Probus Club from the Lymm area who took two weekend tours to the Bristol area. Both have indicated they hope to travel with us in 2015. Our other regular groups have already booked for 2015, so we must be doing something right! Why not give us a call to discuss your requirements ? We offer; a personal planning service with our Tours Manager, executive coaches from 16 to 57 seats, professional drivers, excellent room rates, days out suggestions and planning, presentations to your group, a ‘Door to Door’ service if required, coach seat and accommodation planning. So if it’s a day to Blackpool or 10 days touring Europe — call Lesley, our Tours Manager, on 01706 648126
All of our Mystery Tours Include:
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Door to Door Pick-Up
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Good Standard Hotels
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Half-Board Accommodation
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All Bedrooms are En-Suite Some Day Excursions Included
3 Dates Available at Great Value Prices
Monday 8th December 2014 (5 Days)
Monday 26th January 2015 (5 Days)
Festive Entertainment; Hotel has a Lift
Some Entertainment; Hotel has a Lift
ONLY: £219 per person £40 Single Supplement
ONLY: £149.00 per person No Single Supplement
Sunday 8th February 2015 (5 Days) 4 Star with Leisure Facilities; Hotel has a Lift
ONLY: £199.00 per person No Single Supplement
The heart of Bruges is surrounded by an almost continuous ring of canals and is the best preserved example of medieval Flanders. With the city centre being closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot, by boat ride along quiet canals or by horsedrawn carriage over cobblestone streets. The historic centre of Bruges is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is teeming with places of interest. Whilst here maybe take time to visit one of the many chocolate shops or even the chocolate museum; quench your thirst at the Halve Maan Brewery; climb the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry; explore the medieval cobbled streets, visit one of the many museums, see a lace demonstration at the Lace Centre. This beautiful city really does have something for everyone.
Valkenburg is located in the South Limburg part of Holland. Sometimes called ‘Marlstone Town’ because of the lime found in the soil and the soft yellow marlstone which has, since Roman times, been quarried as building material. As a result, there is now a network of over 150 miles of underground corridors beneath the town and a visit to these caves is highly recommended. There is plenty to keep you occupied in Valkenburg, above ground too, such as the castle ruins and many shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. We also make a visit to Maastricht, where we enjoy a guided walking tour of the city followed by a river sightseeing cruise for an alternative view of the city. Other excursions include a visit to Aachen in Germany and the pretty picturesque village of Monschau, famous for its halftimbered buildings overlooked by a medieval castle.
Staying at: The lovely 4 star Academie Hotel, superbly located right in the city’s golden triangle, home to all the best sights in the town. Visits to: Damme in Belgium; Sluis in the Netherlands and a full day to explore Bruges.
Staying at: The stylish 3 star Best Western Hotel Walram located on the banks of the Geul River in a tranquil setting with the picturesque town of Valkenburg directly in front of you. Includes: Glass of Wine/Beer with Evening Meal; ‘Infotaining’ Evening & Music Night at the hotel.
Single Supplement: £69.00
Single Supplement: £40.00
Babbacombe sits adjacent to Torquay, yet continues to enjoy its own independence. It boasts its very own promenade, theatre, shops & restaurants and of course the world famous Babbacombe Model Village.
GREAT VALUE ~ ONLY: £199.00 No Single Supplement
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Included Visits: • Topsham & Dawlish Morwellham Quay Victorian Village
Hotel De La Mer ~ A lovely family owned and run hotel set in beautiful Babbacombe Bay the beach and cliffs are right on the doorstep and situated on the South West Coast Path. All of the well equipped bedrooms are en-suite and have digital TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee makers. The hotel offers a Bar, Restaurant and some evening entertainment. Sorry No Lift but there are some ground floor rooms which may be available upon request.
A Few Comments from Trip Advisor about the hotel: “Home from Home” “Excellent Stay as Always” “Fantastic Family Run Hotel” “Great Little Hotel” “Warmth & Caring”
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Excursions Include: We visit the quaint historic estuary port of Topsham which has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and an eclectic cluster of specialist shops. Once a thriving port and shipbuilding centre, Topsham still retains a strong maritime flavour. From here we continue to the fascinating little regency resort town of Dawlish. The town itself, particularly around the seafront, is a classic of Regency and Victorian style and in the middle of the town you will find “The Lawn”, home to various wildfowl and famous Dawlish Black Swans. A lovely day as we make our way to Morwellham Quay, near Tavistock. Set in spectacular landscape in the Tamar Valley, Morwellham Quay is a ‘lost’ Victorian village, port and copper mine offering a fascinating day out. Whilst here we enjoy a 45 minute train journey which takes us into the Gorge & Charlotte copper mine for a fascinating insight into living and working in the 19th century.
Christmas in The Lake District
Tenby for Christmas £389
£469 Tuesday 23rd December 2014 (5 Days)
Tuesday 23rd December 2014 (5 Days)
A great Christmas tour to the Lake District which includes a lovely sail on Lake Windermere, tea/coffee & mince pies at the George Hotel, Penrith and Festive entertainment at the hotel.
Tenby is one of the prettiest resorts in this region. The main Christmas attraction being the Tenby Boxing Day Swim, with around 600 swimmers each year this fantastic spectacle is not to be missed.
Includes: * * * * * *
Includes:
* Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal Traditional Christmas Lunch Boxing Day Light Buffet Lunch Festive Hotel Entertainment included Scenic Excursion to Ullswater Lake Windermere Cruise inc. refreshments Morning Coffee & Mince Pies at The George Hotel, Penrith * Free Time in Penrith
* Festive Entertainment Programme * Pre-Dinner Sherry Reception and Cocktail & Canape Reception * Christmas Day & Boxing Day Lunches * Party Night with Fancy Dress * Charming Walled Town of Pembroke * Attractive town of Haverfordwest
The Best Western Shap Wells Hotel ~ 3 Star Set in a secluded, wooded valley high in the Shap Fells, the hotel offers a choice of lounges, spacious restaurant & well stocked bar. All bedrooms are en-suite and have TV, hairdryer & tea/coffee makers. Lift.
The Cliffe Norton Hotel ~ 2 Star A privately owned Grade II listed building overlooking Goskar Rock & North Beach. All bedrooms are en-suite and have colour TV and tea/coffee makers. The hotel does have a lift, however due to the layout of the hotel there may still be some stairs. There are about 8 stairs to the Dining Room.
Single Supplement: Nil
Single Supplement: £12.00
New Year in Criccieth
New Year in Cambridgeshire
£365 Tuesday 30th December 2014 (4 Days) A perfect New Year tour for those who don’t want to travel too far and a great way to see in the New Year at the ever popular Lion Hotel, Criccieth in North Wales. There will be Hotel Entertainment each evening together with a lovely sightseeing day excursion included which make this a fabulous tour for this time of year. Includes
* Bed, Breakfasts & Evening Meals * Entertainment Each Evening
* Snowdonia Sightseeing * Afternoon Hotel Treasure Hunt * Light Lunch on New Years Day The Lion Hotel is situated on the village green in the pretty village of Criccieth. All bedrooms are en-suite and have TV, telephone, hairdryer & tea/coffee makers. The hotel offers a restaurant & bar. Some of our allocation may be in the south facing bedrooms which are housed in the former stable block of what was the Coaching Inn now known as Castle View Cottage. These bedrooms have all the same facilities as main hotel bedrooms. Lift in main hotel. Single Supplement: Nil
£395 Tuesday 30th December 2014 (4 Days) Join us on this tour to Cambridgeshire to welcome in 2015. Based near to the University City and featuring entertainment each evening as well as two sightseeing excursions, we feel this tour will offer a delightful way to see in the New Year. Includes:
* Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meals
* Hotel Entertainment Each Evening Inc. ~ musical entertainment ~ House Party with Bingo & Quiz * Lunch on New Years Day * Guided Tour & Free Time in Cambridge * Cathedral City of Ely Menzies Cambridge Hotel & Golf Club stands in 200 acres of grounds just a short drive from the city. The hotel has contemporary décor and spacious public areas. Hotel facilities include Waves Health & Leisure Club with heated pool, sauna & steam room. All bedrooms are en-suite and have TV, telephone and tea/coffee makers. The hotel does have a lift. Single Supplement: Nil
PAIGNTON ‘Cosy Break’
NORTH DEVON ‘Cosy Break’
Monday 5th January 2015 (5 Days)
Monday 12th January 2015 (5 Days)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Welcome Drink & Biscuits • Sherry OR Bucks Fizz Reception • Bingo • Entertainment each evening • 1 x Afternoon Tea/Coffee • Party Night with Optional Fancy Dress •
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Complimentary Drink each evening • An Afternoon Tea Dance • Entertainment each evening Optional Fancy Dress on one evening Excursion to Exmoor National Park, Dunster & Historic Barnstaple
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Durrant House Hotel, Nr. Bideford Dating back to the 1800’s and situated overlooking the Torridge Estuary. All bedrooms ensuite. Hotel has Restaurant, Bar, Lounge, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Sauna & Solarium. Lift.
Palace Hotel One of Paignton’s finest hotels, the Palace boasts a prime seafront location with fantastic views across Torbay. All bedrooms en-suite. Hotel has Restaurant, Bar, Lounges, Spa Pool, Sauna & Steam Room. Lift. Single Supplement: Nil
Single Supplement: Nil
BLACKPOOL
BOURNEMOUTH
Monday 19th January 2015 (5 Days)
Monday 26th January 2015 (5 Days)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Entertainment each evening • Hotel is now 3 star Popular Hotel with Ellen Smith Passengers One Full Day and a Half-Day Excursions operated by The Doric Hotel at NO EXTRA COST •
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Doric Hotel Situated on the Queen’s Promenade, with breathtaking views over the Irish Sea, Morecambe Bay & Isle of Man. All bedrooms are en-suite. Hotel has Restaurant, Lounge, Bar, Indoor Swimming Pool. Lift
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: A Great ‘All Year Round’ Resort Some Entertainment at the hotel • Visit to Shaftesbury • Visit to Salisbury Visit to Lymington and The New Forest
Trouville Hotel A privately owned hotel in the heart of Bournemouth just a few minutes stroll from the town centre. All bedrooms are en-suite. Hotel has a Restaurant, Bar, indoor heated swimming pool and sauna. Lift.
Single Supplement: Nil Please :ote: Our coach & driver DO NOT stay in resort on this tour.
Single Supplement: Nil
£135
Christmas Celebration, Blackpool Last Few Places Remaining!
Excellent Value & Just Look at What’s Included: * 4 Ellen Smith Coaches, Ellen Smith Staff & 160+ Passengers * Staying at The Doric Hotel, Blackpool * 2 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast * Lunch at Boundary Mill & a 1 Hour Guided Pendle Witch Coach Tour * Saturday Matinee Performance of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool * 2 Nights Live Entertainment * Door to Door Service Included
FRIDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2014 (3 DAYS) The Doric Hotel, Blackpool ~ Now 3 Star Situated on the Queen’s Promenade, with breathtaking views over the Irish Sea, Morecambe Bay and Isle of Man. All bedrooms have private facilities with TV, hairdryer & tea/coffee makers. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, lounge, Cumberland lounge/bar, indoor & outdoor swimming pools & entertainment. Lift. Single Supplement: Nil
NO FURTHER REDUCTIONS
2015 Extravaganza ONLY A FEW PLACES AVAILABLE
£179
A thoroughly fantastic weekend ~ meet some of the Ellen Smith Staff, meet up with friends old & new, enjoy fabulous food, great entertainment, beautiful surroundings & interesting day excursions.
FRIDAY 16TH JANUARY 2015 (4 DAYS)
* Dinner, Bed & Breakfast inc. Gala Dinner on Saturday Night with complimentary Glass of wine
Gilsland Spa Hotel ~ 4 Star Guest Accommodation The hotel sits 700 feet above sea level, in 140 acres of park & woodland, commanding spectacular views over the Cumbrian countryside. All bedrooms have private facilities with colour TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee makers. The hotel offers a Restaurant, Bar, Lounge, Garden, Entertainment and Lift.
* Bingo & Entertainment each evening * Tea Dance each afternoon * Presentation by Ellen Smith Tours * Free Excursions ~ 1/2 Day Saturday & Full Day Sunday * Prize Raffle - all proceeds go to charity * £20 Voucher to use towards one of our coach holidays
Single Supplement: Nil
£219
* Door to Door Service
NO FURTHER REDUCTIONS
Joe Loss Orchestra Led by Todd Miller Itinerary:
Friday : After being picked up from home we enjoy our outward journey making a stop in Skipton for some free time . From here we continue our journey to the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate. Following dinner this evening we enjoy the highlight of our tour - an evening with the legendary Joe Loss Orchestra, now led by Todd Miller. The Big Band and singers will perform hits from the 50’s to the 80’s. Saturday : Following breakfast we enjoy a visit to the historic City of York. We return to the hotel in plenty of time to get ready for tonight's evening meal. Following dinner this evening we enjoy musical entertainment. Sunday : Following breakfast we enjoy some free time in Harrogate to discover its delights, a pleasant town with excellent shops & a selection of tea rooms, including the famous Betty’s. In the afternoon we re-join our coach and make the journey home.
FRIDAY 30TH JANUARY 2015 (3 DAYS) Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate ~ 3 Star A 3 star standard hotel which stands in the centre of the lovely town of Harrogate and is famed as being Agatha Christie’s hiding place during her disappearance in 1926. The bedrooms are stylishly furnished and the public areas include the Library, Restaurant, the Wedgwood Room and the Lounge Bar. All the bedrooms are en-suite and have satellite TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee makers. Lift. Single Supplement: Nil
We still have some availability on the following tours for February & March 2015 ~ So Don’t Delay & Book Today! ‘Cosy Break’ at The Wessex
St. Anne’s-on-Sea
Monday 2nd February (5 Days) The Wessex Hotel, Street
Monday 2nd February (5 Days) The Lindum Hotel
ONLY: £159.00
ONLY: £229.00
For more information see Page 9 of our 2015 Brochure
For more information see Page 29 of our 2015 Brochure
‘All Inclusive’ Burns Break
‘All Inclusive’ Weston-Super-Mare
Monday 2nd February (5 Days) The Winnock Hotel, Drymen
Monday 9th February (5 Days) Smiths Hotel
ONLY: £229.00
ONLY: £229.00
For more information see Page 47 of our 2015 Brochure
For more information see Page 9 of our 2015 Brochure
English Riviera ~ Torquay
Scarborough
Monday 16th February (5 Days) Headland Hotel
Monday 16th February (5 Days) The Esplanade Hotel
ONLY: £199.00
ONLY: £249.00
For more information see Page 7 of our 2015 Brochure
For more information see Page 29 of our 2015 Brochure
‘Mature Singles’ Snowdonia
Llandudno ‘Food Glorious Food’
Monday 23rd February (5 Days) The Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis
Monday 23rd February (5 Days) The Merrion Hotel
ONLY: £229.00
ONLY: £289.00
For more information see Page 35 of our 2015 Brochure
For more information see Page 51 of our 2015 Brochure
Llandudno ‘Landlubbers Cruise’
Eastbourne
Sunday 1st March (5 Days) The Tynedale Hotel
Monday 2nd March (5 Days) Haddon Hall Hotel
ONLY: £289.00
ONLY: £219.00
For more information see Page 51 of our 2015 Brochure
For more information see Page 14 of our 2015 Brochure
A Cornish Winter Warmer
Paignton ‘Cosy Break’
Tuesday 3rd March (5 Days) Rosemundy House Hotel, St. Agnes
Monday 9th March (5 Days) The Palace Hotel
ONLY: £229.00
ONLY: £229.00
For more information see Page 5 of our 2015 Brochure
For more information see Page 6 of our 2015 Brochure
North Devon ‘Cosy Break’
A Little Bit of Luxury!
Monday 9th March (5 Days) Durrant House Hotel, Nr. Bideford
London, Cambridge & St. Albans
ONLY: £169.00 For more information see Page 8 of our 2015 Brochure
Monday 9th March (5 Days) Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel ONLY: £239.00 For more information see Page 17 of our 2015 Brochure
PLEASE NOTE: Single Rooms on these tours may be limited and may carry a supplement.
Day Excursions with Ellen Smith Tours Hallé Christmas Carol Concert The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Saturday 20th December 2014 (Matinee Performance)
Only: £37.00 per person The Hallé’s annual Carol Concerts are a seasonal spectacular not to be missed. Enjoy an excursion to The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and join the Hallé for a wonderful concert of music and carols including: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; While Shepherds Watched; In the bleak mid-winter; O Little Town of Bethlehem; Good King Wenceslas and O Come All ye Faithful. Sit back, enjoy and let the festive spirit surround you!
Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs The Opera House, Manchester Sunday 4th January 2015 (Matinee Performance)
Adults: £32.00; Children: £31.00 Starring: Priscilla Presley & Warwick Davis “Oh no it doesn’t ~ Oh yes it does!”
OKLAHOMA! Rodgers & Hammerstein’s original feel-good musical brings you romance, excitement and a score filled with sunshine!
Lyric Theatre, The Lowry Thursday 19th March 2015 (Matinee Performance)
Only: £40.00 per person
HOW TO BOOK:
At our Shop: Ellen Smith Tours, Newgate, Rochdale, OL16 1BA By Telephone: 01706 648126 Website: www.ellensmith.co.uk