Skills Group Ultimate Summer Holiday Guide

Summer Edition | Published June 2017 | FREE COPY

Ultimate Summer Holiday Guide DISCOVER THE BEST OF

BRITAIN & EUROPE DAYS OUT

Holiday Guide - May 2017.indd 1

THEMED BREAKS FLOWER SHOWS

BRITISH

Holidays Ltd part of the Skills Group

PARTY NIGHTS MINI CRUISES

CONTINENTAL

worldwide travel

5/30/2017 9:45:07 AM

Welcome on Board

Hello and welcome to the NEW Ultimate Summer Holiday Guide!

What a great start we’ve had to 2017 and we’re not even half way through the year yet.

From our April Open Day where the weather made sure that we had an even better time than usual to our newly revamped Nottingham shop grand reopening where lots of you came to celebrate with us!

A Message from the Holiday Team The Summer season is now well and truly underway and what a fantastic start we’ve had!

It’s always great for us to meet our passengers and to get your feedback.

We’ve been very busy at Head Office over the past couple of months preparing for our Summer departures and expanding our Holidays Team with the introduction of Evie, our new Laver Holiday Planner.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for our 2018 Preview Brochure, which comes out in July!

See you soon, The Holidays Team

Throughout the Summer, we’ll be getting involved in lots of local community events so make sure that you pop over to our marquee and say “hello” to our lovely staff.

As usual, our travel shops will be holding their monthly coffee mornings so please feel free to come along for a tea or coffee and a chat whilst looking over any special offers that the staff will be holding exclusively within the travel shops.

I can’t wait for you to see what we have instore for you for the rest of the year!

Best wishes,

Contents 3/4.

5.

6/7.

8.

Nigel Skill, Skills Chairman

Themed Breaks Skills British Laver Holidays CoachStyle

9.

10.

11.

12.

Skills On The Road Skills Continental The Ultimate Travel Tips Skills Worldwide Travel

us on 08456 66 55 44* (lines open 9am - 9pm Mon - Fri & 9am - 6pm Sun) How To Book: Call visit our website www.skills.co.uk or pop into one of our Travel Shops listed below: Where To Find Us Skills Head Office Belgrave Road, Bulwell, NG6 8LY 0115 9770 080

Skills Worldwide Travel 104 Chilwell Road, Beeston, NG9 1ES 0115 9222 441

Laver Holidays Eagle Centre Market, Derby, DE1 2AZ 0133 2384 000

Laver Holidays Swan Street, Loughborough, LE11 5BL 0150 9236 500

Skills Holidays Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG1 3FB 0115 9507 982

You can also book at a selection of travel agents across the East Midlands. Please call and ask for an agent near you.

Skills Holidays

2

@SkillsHolidays

Skills Holidays

SkillsHolidays1919

Call to book on 08456 66 55 44* or book online at www.skills.co.uk

Holiday Guide - May 2017.indd 2

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Themed Breaks...

We also offer a fantastic range of special events and attractions throughout Britain and Europe, so if you’re looking for a coach break with a twist then you’ve come to the right place! From bloomin’ brilliant flower shows and the new Diana Fashion Exhibition at Kensington Palace to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Symphonic Queen we have it all!

DR WHO EXPERIENCE

2 DAYS from £89

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW

Fans are in for a real treat on this interactive journey through time and space at the Dr Who Experience in Cardiff.

The Southport Flower Show is now the UK’s largest independent flower show attracting over 80,000 visitors.

INCLUDES

INCLUDES

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Free time in Cardiff • Entry into the Dr Who Experience

KENSINGTON PALACE: DIANA’S FASHION STORY

departure date

days (from)

Sat 19 Aug

2 £89

2 DAYS from £109

This new exhibition at Kensington Palace celebrates the life of Princess Diana and the evolution of her style.

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Free time in Manchester • Entry into Southport Flower Show

SYMPHONIC QUEEN

INCLUDES

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Excursion to Oxford • Entry into Kensington Palace

• 1 night bed & breakfast • Tickets to the tribute to Queen performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra • Free time in Cambridge

departure date

Fri 01 Sep

days (from)

2 £109

2 DAYS from £89.95

Join Basil, Sybil, Polly and Manuel as an experienced team of actors bring the fun of this hit TV series to life!

BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS

Sat 19 Aug

days (from)

2 £99

2 DAYS from £129.95

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL WITH SIMON ENTWISTLE

departure date

Fri 06 Oct

days (from)

2 £129.95

2 DAYS from £129

We take you on a guided tour of some of the spookiest places in Lancashire joined by our awardwinning guide: Simon Entwistle.

INCLUDES

INCLUDES

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Themed entertainment • Free time in Scarborough & Bridlington

departure date

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra presents a sensational tribute to the great British rock band Queen!

INCLUDES

FAWLTY TOWERS

2 DAYS from £99

departure date

Sat 07 Oct

days (from)

2 £89.95

2 DAYS from £69.95

The illuminations have been a major attraction in Blackpool since 1879!

INCLUDES

departure date

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Evening drive through the lights • Entertainment at the hotel • Free time in Blackpool

Sun 24 Sep Sun 01 Oct Sun 08 Oct Sun 15 Oct Sun 22 Oct

days (from)

2 £69.95 2 £69.95 2 £69.95 2 £69.95 2 £69.95

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Guided night-time tour of Whalley • Excursions to Barrowford Visitor departure date Centre, the Witch Museum & Sat 07 Oct Townley Hall

JERSEY BY FERRY

• Door-to-Door service • Full day island tour departure date • Afternoon tea at St. Brelade’s Bay • Entry to Samares Manor Gardens Sun 08 Oct

The ancient walled city of St Malo is considered to be one of the most attractive places in France.

INCLUDES

INCLUDES

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • 3 course evening dinner & disco • Free time in Durham & Newcastle

• Return ferry sailing • 2 nights cabin accommodation • Excursion to St Malo

Sat 14 Oct

2 £69.95

6 DAYS from £599

INCLUDES

Skills Holidays would like to invite you to celebrate with us at our October Party night!

days (from)

2 £129

Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands and on this break we enjoy the highlights on this beautiful island.

PARTY NIGHT: CRUISE: from £69.95 MINI NEWCASTLE & DURHAM 2 DAYS ST MALO

departure date

days (from)

days (from)

6 £599

3 DAYS from £139

departure date

days (from)

Mon 16 Oct

3 £139

Call to book on 08456 66 55 44* or book online at www.skills.co.uk Holiday Guide - May 2017.indd 3

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Themed Breaks...

HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW

2 DAYS from £109

RHS Hampton Court Flower Show is the world’s largest annual flower show in the setting of a historic palace.

PARIS: TOUR DE FRANCE

INCLUDES

departure date

Sat 08 Jul

days (from)

2 £109

4 DAYS from £199

SETTLE TO CARLISLE RAILWAY Join us for an extraordinary journey that will capture your heart along the most stunning landscapes in the North of England.

INCLUDES

INCLUDES

• Return channel crossing • 3 nights bed & breakfast • Tour of Paris • Free time in Paris

Fri 21 Jul

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKENDS

3 DAYS from £149.95

departure date

days (from)

4 £199

ROUEN: MEDIEVAL NORMANDY Rouen is one of Normandy’s most engaging destinations.

INCLUDES

INCLUDES

• 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Hotel entertainment • Entry to Viva Cabaret Show night • Free time in Blackpool

• Return channel crossing • 3 nights bed & breakfast • Excursions to Honfleur & Deanville • Free time

departure date

Fri 28 Jul

days (from)

3 £149.95

3 DAYS from £219

INCLUDES

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • 1 night bed & breakfast • Entry to the Edinburgh Tattoo • Free time in Edinburgh, Gretna Green & Dumfries

AMSTERDAM CANAL FESTIVAL

5 £429

days (from)

2 £119 2 £119

4 DAYS from £175

departure date

days (from)

Thu 03 Aug

4 £175

2 DAYS from £74.95

Witness this spectacular event first hand as villagers showcase their best scarecrows! departure date

Tue 08 Aug Fri 11 Aug Fri 18 Aug Mon 21 Aug

days (from)

3 3 3 3

£219 £219 £219 £219

4 DAYS from £289

The ‘Grachtenfestival’ is the largest classical music festival in the Netherlands.

INCLUDES

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Excursion to Kettlewell for the Yorkshire Scarecrow Festival • Free time in York

BATH, STONEHENGE & SALISBURY

departure date

Sat 12 Aug Sat 19 Aug

days (from)

2 £74.95 2 £74.95

3 DAYS from £179

On this break you will experience some of the richest ancient history in Britain.

INCLUDES

• Return channel crossing • 3 nights bed & breakfast • Canal boat cruise • Free time in Amsterdam • Entry to a Dutch Cheese Farm

YORKSHIRE SCARECROW FESTIVAL

days (from)

2 DAYS from £119

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Settle to Carlisle Railway Journey departure date Sat 22 Jul • Free time in Carlisle Sat 19 Aug

Enjoy the glitz and glamour of the Cabaret as VIVA bring this fun-style Vegas show to Blackpool!

Take to your seat to witness a unique, spine-tingling, atmospheric show unlike any other.

4

• Door-to-Door service • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Visits to Yorkshire Waterways & National departure date Railway Museum • 2 cruises • 2 train journeys • Free time in York & Mon 17 Jul Skipton

We take you right into the heart of the action as you spend a full day in Paris to watch the final leg of the Tour de France.

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO

5 DAYS from £429

On this relaxing break enjoy a classic combination of steam and cruise journeys.

INCLUDES

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Excursion to Windsor • Full day to enjoy Hampton Court Flower Show

YORKSHIRE TRANSPORT STEAM & CRUISE

INCLUDES

departure date

days (from)

Thu 17 Aug

4 £289

• 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Excursions to Glastonbury, Stonehenge, Salisbury & Bath • Entry into Roman Baths & Stonehenge

departure date

Fri 18 Aug

days (from)

3 £179

Call to book on 08456 66 55 44* or book online at www.skills.co.uk

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BRITISH TATTON PARK FLOWER SHOW

LONDON MINI BREAK

INCLUDES

INCLUDES

Set in the magnificent parklands of Tatton Park in Cheshire, this RHS Flower show offers a spectacular day out.

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Free time in Chester • Entry to RHS Tatton Park Flower Show

You’ll discover a city full of unforgettable landmarks and exciting things to do!

from 2 DAYS £109 departure date days (from) Sat 22 Jul

• 2 nights bed & breakfast • Free time in London

2 £109

MARITIME BRITAIN: BUCKLERS HARD MUSEUM & PORTSMOUTH DOCKS

3 £189 3 £179

Brighton is one of the most animated, bold and creative cities in the whole of Europe.

INCLUDES

INCLUDES

• 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast from • Excursion to Portsmouth Dockyard departure date days (from) & Bucklers Hard Museum • Beaulieu River Cruise Mon 31 Jul 5 £319

5 DAYS

£319

• 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Excursion Chichester, Worthing & from Hastings • Free time in Brighton departure date days (from) • Guided tour of Sedelscombe Tue 01 Aug 5 £369 organic vineyard

5 DAYS

HISTORIC HOUSES & CASTLES OF OXFORDSHIRE

SPA BREAK

Explore some of the most exquisite and intriguing historic houses and castles in Oxfordshire.

Fancy a break from the stresses in life? Do you have a special occasion coming up? A spa break is a fantastic way to treat yourself someone special.

INCLUDES

• 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Excursions to Royal Leamington from Spa, Mapledurham Estate, days (from) Broughton Castle, Morton-on-Marsh, departure date Mon 07 Aug 5 £329 Stratford & Chastleton House

5 DAYS

£329

4* LIVERPOOL

INCLUDES

£369

2 DAYS from £99 days (from)

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast departure date • Free time to use hotel facilities • Excursions to Stratford-Upon-Avon Sat 09 Sep

2 £99

STUNNING SCOTLAND

Liverpool is an exciting city most famous for the birth of The Beatles.

Scotland offers a blend of rich history and stunning landscapes

INCLUDES

INCLUDES

3 DAYS departure date

£159 days (from)

from

Sun 17 Sep

• 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Excursions to Edinburgh, Glamis Castle & Blair Athol Distillery • Free time in Pitlochry

from 5 DAYS £359 departure date days (from) Mon 25 Sep

3 £159

SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY & SHREWSBURY

5 £359

MAGICAL MERSEYSIDE: LIVERPOOL & CHESTER

Prepare for this journey back through the ages as we step onboard a vintage steam-hauled train.

Enjoy this break as we visit two of the country’s most rewarding cities: Liverpool and Chester.

INCLUDES

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Severn Valley Railway journey • Free time in Shrewsbury

Fri 28 Jul Fri 13 Oct

BRIGHTON ON THE SUSSEX COAST

This break includes an inspiring and intriguing itinerary which takes us to Portsmouth Dockyard & Bucklers Hard Museum.

• 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Free time in Liverpool

3 DAYS from £179 days (from)

departure date

INCLUDES

2 DAYS

departure date

Sat 07 Oct

from

£99

days (from)

2 £99

• 3 nights bed & breakfast • Guided tour of Liverpool & Chester from • Cruise on the Mersey departure date days (from) • Free time in Liverpool, Chester & Port Sunlight Museum Mon 16 Oct 4 £209

4 DAYS

Call to book on 08456 66 55 44* or book online at www.skills.co.uk Holiday Guide - May 2017.indd 5

£209 5 5/30/2017 9:47:02 AM

Holidays Ltd part of the Skills Group Meet Evie, Laver’s Newest Holiday Planner Evie Wisniewska recently joined the Skills Group family as the new Laver Holiday Planner and has been getting straight to work on creating the upcoming programme!

Get to know a little more about Evie…

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My hobbies are quite varied including painting, singing, playing the piano and downhill cycling. A thing that no one ever guesses is that I am also Polish! I love travelling and over the past year I have been to nine countries to experience and learn their cultures including South Korea, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Poland, China, Netherlands and Switzerland.

What attracted you to the role?

I have always had passion for tourism and wanted to help people find the holiday that’s right for them and this is how I came into the role. I also wanted to work in a friendly company where an employee has a name and is not just a number and I feel like the Skills Group are definitely a friendly, family-like company.

What’s your favourite thing about travelling by coach?

The fact that I can admire the beautiful views without having to focus on the stress of driving myself. The coaches that Skills and Laver use are also really comfortable which makes the journeys extremely relaxing.

Can you give us a sneak peek into what you’ve got planned for the 2018 programme?

The programme for 2018 will show a variety of products and will include castles, stately homes, gardens, seaside breaks and many more. But don’t worry, there isn’t much longer to wait now because our Preview Brochure will be out in July!

Evie’s Top Picks: Club Class Coach Breaks Travel in style and luxury on a Laver Club Class coach, below I have picked some of my favourite destinations departing over the late Summer months that I think you’ll love.

SCARBOROUGH:

GEM OF THE YORKSHIRE COAST INCLUDES

• Door-to-Door service • Club Class coach travel • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Train journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway • Free time in York, Helmsley, Scarborough & Whitby • Admission to Castle Howard

SOUTHERN LAKES, GARSDALE & HAWES

5 DAYS from £409

departure date

Sat 12 Aug

days (from)

5 £409

5 DAYS from £399

INCLUDES

• Door-to-Door service • Club Class coach travel • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Free time in Southport, Kendal, Morecambe & Lancaster • Lunch at Wensleydale Creamery departure date • Windermere cruise • Admission to Holker Hall & Gardens Mon 09 Oct

6

CORNWALL: LAND OF LEGENDS INCLUDES

• Door-to-Door service • Club Class coach travel • 5 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Admission to Trewidden Garden • Free time in St. Ives & Newquay • Guided ‘legends’ day • Free time in Mevagissey & Perranporth

WONDERFUL WELSH BORDERS & LUDLOW

6 DAYS from £549

departure date

days (from)

Sun 24 Sep

6 £549

5 DAYS from £389

INCLUDES

days (from)

5 £399

• Door-to-Door service • Club Class coach travel • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Free time in Worcester, Ledbury, Shrewsbury & Stratford • Admission to Ludlow Castle & Attingham Park • Shrewsbury cruise with tea

departure date

days (from)

Mon 23 Oct

5 £389

Call to book on 08456 66 55 44* or book online at www.laverholidays.co.uk

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Holidays Ltd part of the Skills Group ST IVES & CORNISH HIGHLIGHTS Enjoy the enchanting towns, INCLUDES

6 DAYS from £459 5 £499

landscapes and service coastlines of • Door-to-Door Ireland on this unforgettable tour.

• Club Class coach travel INCLUDES • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Door-to-Door • 5 nights • Free time in St.service Ives, Falmouth, dinner, bed &&breakfast Lostwithiel Padstow• Afternoon • Entry totoMalahide Castle, •tea Admission Pencarrow House departure date Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship & Gardens & Butler’s Chocolate Experience Mon13 Sun 10Aug Jul

ILFRACOMBE, LYNTON & EXMOOR INCLUDES Enjoy the enchanting towns,

Enjoy the enchanting towns, INCLUDES

days (from)

6 £439 £499

6 DAYS from £499

landscapes and coastlines of •Ireland Door-to-Door service on this unforgettable tour.

• 5 nights dinner, bed & breakfast INCLUDES • Afternoon tea •• Door-to-Door service • 5 nights Entry to Malahide Castle, dinner, & breakfast • Afternoon Jeaniebed Johnston Tall Ship & tea • Entry to Malahide Castle, departure date Butler’s Chocolate Experience Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship & Butler’s Chocolate Experience Sun 13 Aug

TRIO OF NORTH COUNTRY TRAINS

6 £459 5 £499

6 DAYS from £439 £499

•landscapes Door-to-Door and service coastlines of •Ireland Club Class coach travel on this unforgettable tour.

• 5 nights dinner, bed & breakfast INCLUDES • Free time in Woolacombe, • Ilfracombe, Door-to-Door service • 5Dunster nights & Barnstaple, dinner, Lyntonbed & breakfast • Afternoon tea • Entry totoMalahide Castle, departure date • Admission Chambercombe Jeanie Johnston Manor & CastleTall HillShip Gardens & Butler’s Chocolate Experience Tue 01 Sun 13 Aug • Train journey

DUBLIN & JEWELS OF THE EMERALD ISLE

days (from)

days (from)

WEYMOUTH & THE

DREAMY DORSET COAST Grab your bucket and spade, we’re INCLUDES

taking you to the seaside!

• Door-to-Door service • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast INCLUDES • Entertainment each night Door-to-Door service • Free time in West Bay & Weymouth 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Admission to Abbotsbury Gardens • Athelhampton 3 mystery excursions House & departure date Monkey World Tue15 Sat 15Jul Aug • Visit to Lulworth Cove

PICTURE PERFECT SUFFOLK

INCLUDES Grab your bucket and spade, we’re

•taking Door-to-Door service you to the seaside!

• Club Class coach travel • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast INCLUDES • Antique valuation experience •• Door-to-Door service Free time in Long Melford, • Lavenham, 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Sudbury, Clacton & • Colchester 3 mystery excursions • Admission to Ickworth • Visit to Tiptree Jam Shop

SEASIDE MYSTERY TOUR Grab your bucket and spade, we’re INCLUDES taking you to the seaside!

• Door-to-Door service • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast INCLUDES • 3 mystery excursions • Door-to-Door service • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • 3 mystery excursions

6 £499

5 DAYS from £429

5 DAYS from £409 £379

LLANDUDNO & SNOWDONIA

departure date

Tue 15 Mon 07Aug Aug

days (from)

Tue 15 Aug

5 £379

5 DAYS from £429

• Door-to-Door service • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Llangollen canal cruise • Journey on the Welsh Highland Railway • Entry to Plas Newydd departure date • Visit to Tower Hill Barns, National Slate Museum & Blakemere Village Sun 17 Sep

BOURNEMOUTH & THE NEW FOREST

5 £429

5 DAYS from £409

INCLUDES

• Door-to-Door service • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Poole Harbour cruise & cream tea • Free time in Weymouth, Bournemouth, Lyndhurst & Lymington

departure date

Mon 18 Sep

days (from)

5 £409

EASTBOURNE & THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH Grab your bucket and spade, we’re INCLUDES

5 £419 £379

departure date

INCLUDES

Tue 12 Sep

days (from)

5 DAYS from £379

• Door-to-Door service • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Journeys on South Tynedale, the Saltburn Miniature & Weardale Railway • Visit to Locomotion Museum

days (from)

5 £409 £379

5 DAYS from £419 £379

INCLUDES

departure date

days (from)

days (from)

5 £429

5 DAYS from £389 £379

taking you to the seaside!

• Door-to-Door service • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast INCLUDES • Admission to Bateman’s & • Bentley Door-to-Door service Wildfowl & Motor Museum 4 nights bed & breakfast • Free timedinner, in Eastbourne, Bexhill •& 3 mystery Hastingsexcursions departure date • Tour & tasting at Carr Taylor Wed15 Tue 27Aug Sep Vineyard

days (from)

5 £389 £379

Call to book on 08456 66 55 44* or book online at www.laverholidays.co.uk Holiday Guide - May 2017.indd 7

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CARDIFF & BRISTOL

2 DAYS from £74.95

Bringing together the best that England and Wales has to offer.

INCLUDES departure date

Sat 01 Jul Sat 12 Aug Sat 23 Sep

days (from)

2 £74.95 2 £74.95 2 £74.95

from SCARBOROUGH, £169.95 WHITBY & BRIDLINGTON 4 DAYS

Join us for this seaside extravaganza visiting Scarborough, Whitby & Bridlington.

departure date • 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Free time in Scarborough, Whitby, Fri 07 Jul Bridlington & Filey Fri 11 Aug Fri 15 Sep

days (from)

4 £169.95 4 £179.95 4 £179.95

7 DAYS from £299.95

More than just a beach spot Torquay has a pretty harbour & elegant Victorian villas.

ROYAL RESIDENCES & GARDENS

departure date

Mon 25 Sep

• 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Entry to Windsor Castle, Hampton Court & Kensington Palace

MYSTERY EXPLORER TOURS

Make the most of an amazing deal and leave the destination of your break up to us!

• 6 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Free time in Torquay, Sidmouth, Exmouth, Dartmouth, Paignton & Exeter

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • 99p bar offers at hotel • 2 excursions

departure date

Sat 08 Jul

days (from)

7 £299.95

2 DAYS from £74.95

departure date

CHESTER & SNOWDONIA

departure date

Sat 22 Jul Sat 07 Oct Sat 11 Nov Sat 02 Dec Mon 11 Dec Sat 16 Dec

INCLUDES

INCLUDES

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Welcome drink • Drink offers at hotel • Free time in Leeds & York

• 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Fri 28 Jul • Free time in Chester & Rhyl • Excursion to Snowdonia National Fri 01 Sep Fri 22 Sep Park Fri 20 Oct

Sat 15 Jul Sat 28 Oct

days (from)

2 £74.95 2 £75.95

5 DAYS from £249.95

SKEGNESS

Explore North Wales which boasts some of Britain’s most beautiful scenery.

Skegness is one of the top Seaside Holiday destinations in the UK!

INCLUDES

INCLUDES departure date

Mon 17 Jul Mon 21 Aug Mon 25 Sep

days (from)

5 £249.95 5 £259.95 5£ 259.95

3 £184.95

days (from)

2 £59.95 2 £59.95 2 £59.95 2 £59.95 4 £119 2 £59.95

3 DAYS from £139.95

Your camera’s sure to keep clicking away on this awe-inspiring break filled with amazing scenery.

departure date

days (from)

2 DAYS from £59.95

Shop, sightsee and soak up the lively atmosphere of two of Yorkshire’s most famous cities.

• 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Hotel entertainment • Free time in Prestatyn, Chester, Rhyl & Snowdonia National Park

5 £249.95

3 DAYS from £184.95

Fri 21 Jul

INCLUDES

NORTH WALES EXPLORER

days (from)

On this right Royal break we have included entrances to the most popular residences and gardens.

INCLUDES

LEEDS & YORK

8

• 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Free time in Bournmouth, Poole & Swanage • Scenic drive through the New Forest

INCLUDES

INCLUDES

TORQUAY: LONGER DURATION

5 DAYS from £249.95

With seven miles of sandy beaches and clear blue sea, Bournemouth has it all.

INCLUDES

• 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast • Free time in Cardiff & Bristol

BOURNEMOUTH

departure date

days (from)

3 £139.95 3 £139.95 3 £139.95 3 £139.95

5 DAYS from £249.95

• 4 nights’ dinner, bed & breakfast • Nightly entertainment at the hotel departure date • Free time in Skegness Mon 31 Jul • Excursions to Boston, Mon 28 Aug Mablethorpe & Cleethorpes

days (from)

5 £249.95 5 £249.95

Call to book on 08456 66 55 44* or book online at www.coachstyle.co.uk

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SKILLS ON TOUR! Wollaton Hall © Mpodrucki

Over the next couple of months the Skills Team will once again be showing our continued local community spirit, so why not come say hello and visit us at one of these upcoming local events!

10-Jun Hemlock Happening – Bramcote Hills Park, Bramcote, Nottinghamshire, NG9 3JT 17-Jun Long Eaton Carnival – West Park, Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire, NG10 4AA & 17-Jun Arnold Carnival – Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6LU 1-2 July East Midlands Flower Show – Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire, NG15 8NA P.s. don’t forget to enter the competition on our stands to be in with the chance of winning a special prize!

NEW LUXURY COACHES ADDED TO OUR FLEET

We are happy to announce that we have recently added a further eight brand new coaches to our fleet, including an impressive 85-seat double decker coach with USB ports, three-point seat belts, WiFi and alloy wheels bringing our operational fleet up to 146 coaches!

Operations Director, Pete Hallam states: “The upgraded specification of the vehicles are superb (as we’re sure you’ll agree) and the feedback from both our drivers and passengers has been extremely positive” As the 2017 holiday season is now well under way, and with plenty of new destinations and excursions to choose from, we can’t wait to welcome you all on-board in the near future!

Call to book on 08456 66 55 44* or book online at www.coachstyle.co.uk Holiday Guide - May 2017.indd 9

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CONTINENTAL CANAL FESTIVAL AMSTERDAM

DELIGHTFUL BELGIUM

The magnificent Canal Festival is the largest classical music festival in the Netherlands and is one of Amsterdam’s cultural highlights.

Belgium is a European hotspot with 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 200 museums and a vibrant theatrical and artistic style.

• Return channel crossing • 3 nights bed & breakfast • Canal boat cruise • Entrance into a Dutch Cheese Farm • Free time in Amsterdam

• Return channel crossing • 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Excursions to bruges, Antwerp, Ghent & local brewery • Evening meal at Petegem Castle

INCLUDES

4 DAYS from £289 days (from)

departure date

Thu 17 Aug

4 £289

COSTA BRAVA & BARCELONA

5 DAYS from £369 days (from)

departure date

Sun 20 Aug

5 £369

• Return channel crossing • 2 nts BB • 7 nights DBB • Guided tour of Lipica horses stud farm • Excursion to Rovinj, departure date Opatija & Vrsar • Full day excursion to Pula • Entry to the Postojnska Caves Thu 14 Sep

12 £799

CROATIA - POREC & THE ISTRIAN RIVIERA

The Costa Brava is one of the prettiest of Spain’s Costas. Made up of rugged cliffs and secluded coves.

This simply breath-taking tour takes you around some of the best spots in Croatia.

INCLUDES

• Return channel crossing • 2 nights bed & breakfast en-route • 6 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Excursions to Tossa de Mar, Barcelona & Cadaqués

INCLUDES

INCLUDES

9 DAYS

from

£499

departure date

days (from)

Sat 02 Sep

9 £499

12 DAYS from £799 days (from)

ALL INCLUSIVE: LAKE COMO & THE BERNINA NEW MINI CRUISE: RAILWAY MURDER MYSTERY One of the most famous Italian lakes, Lake Como is the epitome of elegance.

It’s murder onboard the ship!

Spend the evening unravelling clues and solving the mysteries.

INCLUDES

• Return channel crossing • 2 nts BB • 6 nights all-inclusive • Journey on the Bernina Express • Excursions to Lake Como, Tremezzo, St. Mortiz, Milan, Lugano, Locarno & Ascona

INCLUDES

9 DAYS departure date Sat 30 Sep

£759 days (from)

from

9 £759

DIANO MARINA: ITALIAN & FRENCH RIVIERAS

The ancient walled city of St Malo is considered to be one of the most attractive places in France.

INCLUDES

INCLUDES

from 9 DAYS £599 departure date days (from) Tue 10 Oct

3 DAYS from £139 days (from)

departure date

Mon 16 Oct

9 £599

NEW MINI CRUISE: NORTHERN SOUL & MOTOWN

Discover Ireland’s seaside, city and countryside by river & rail!

Hey don’t fight it, book today as the Northern Soul & Motown Mini cruise returns!

INCLUDES

10

• Return channel crossing • 2 nights cabin accommodation • Excursion to St Malo

DUBLIN & WICKLOW BY RIVER & RAIL

• Return channel crossing • 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Entertainment • Dublin boat cruise • Train journey along Dublin Bay • Free time in Dublin & Malahide

£169

MINI CRUISE: ST MALO

The Italian Riviera resonates with style, charm and irresistible allure.

• Return channel crossing • 2 nights bed & breakfast • 6 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Excursions to San Remo, Monaco, Menton & Eze • Optional excursion to Portofino

3 DAYS

from • 2 nights cabin accommodation with breakfast & dinner departure date days (from) • Themed entertainment on-board • Excursion to Bruges Mon 09 Oct 3 £169

3 £139

INCLUDES

4 DAYS

from

£309

departure date

days (from)

Sun 22 Oct

4 £309

• Return channel crossing from • 2 nights cabin accommodation • Themed entertainment on-board departure date days (from) & live music • Excursion to Amsterdam Wed 22 Nov 3 £109

3 DAYS

£109

Call to book on 08456 66 55 44* or book online at www.skills.co.uk

Holiday Guide - May 2017.indd 10

5/30/2017 9:51:31 AM

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL TIPS 1

Remember your passport & print off any documents.

Print off two sets incase you lose one!

2

3

4

Coach holidays are a great way to see a lot in a short space of time, while you sit back and relax.

To help you make the most of your journey who better to turn to for reliable tips than our Holiday planners, who have helped us put together these top holiday tips!

5

Write down the phone number & address of your hotel.

You might need to contact them while on holiday.

Carry bottled water.

It’s important to keep hydrated whilst travelling so drink plenty of water.

6

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

On days that you know you will be doing a lot of travelling, dress for comfort and wear appropriate shoes so that you can relax and enjoy the journey more. We’d also recommend layering your clothing so that you can add/ remove layers to make yourself more comfortable with the temperature of the coach.

Stretch your legs.

Take advantage of the comfort stops, even if you don’t need to use the facilities step off the coach for a few minutes and stretch your legs you’ll feel better for it.

7

Don’t forget your camera.

During your journey, there will be lots of interesting things to see and having a camera with you on the coach will allow you to capture some holiday photos you wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to take!

8

Bring a good book.

Whether you have an e-Reader or prefer a paperback it’s always good to engross yourself in a good book to pass the time.

Take a travel pillow.

It’s easy to nod off, so why not bring a travel pillow along with you – it’s a great way to enhance your relaxation and make your snoozing more comfortable.

THE GRAND REOPENING OF OUR STYLISH NOTTINGHAM TRAVEL SHOP Our grand Nottingham re-opening recently took place on 23rd May and it couldn’t have been more of a success!

Walking into the Nottingham shop that morning there was a clear excitement in the air from both members of the Retail Team and customers, everyone chatted away together and enjoyed a cheeky glass of bucks fizz.

On the day, we were joined by Chairman, Nigel Skill and Operations Director, Pete Hallam who officially opened up the new-look branch to a round of applause!

Members of the Skills Retail Team also joined friends and customers who all turned out from far and wide to help us celebrate the re-opening and the launch of our Worldwide Holiday bookings.

The feedback on the new-look shop in Nottingham city centre has been fantastic, with many commenting that it was exactly what they were looking for - a stylish, friendly and professional Travel Agent.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and we look forward to seeing you again.

Call to book on 08456 66 55 44* or book online at www.skills.co.uk Holiday Guide - May 2017.indd 11

11 5/30/2017 9:53:51 AM

INTRODUCING OUR BRAND NEW WORLDWIDE COFFEE MORNINGS At the Skills Group we provide much more than just coach holidays – our independent travel shops can act as an agent for all trusted and well-respected international tour operators including; Jet2Holidays, Premier Holidays and Alfa Travel. This means that when you visit us we can find you a holiday that is tailored and designed especially for you, to anywhere in the world!

We spoke to Joanne Bates, our Branch Manager at Beeston. With over 25 years’ experience in the travel industry alone, it’s fair to say that she has travelled to some pretty amazing destinations including the Seychelles, America and the Caribbean: “I’ve been very lucky throughout my career to have been given the opportunity to experience these beautiful places and it really helps me give the best advice that I possibly can to our customers when they ask.”

This first-hand experience has proved invaluable to Joanne, who through her unlimited knowledge is able to provide unbiased advice and help to anyone who is thinking about booking their next adventure.

“When customers come into the shop they can tell me a place that they are thinking about visiting and I can search through all the big tour operators to find them the best deal, at a date and price to suit them. The most popular destinations in my experience with Skills are St Tropez, Nice, Monte Carlo and the Channel Isles – which just sells itself really.”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: • Tues 4th July – Hosted by • Tues 1st August – Hosted by • Tues 5th September – Hosted by • Tues 3rd October – Hosted by • Tues 7th November – Hosted by

FIND US AT

Skills Worldwide Travel 104 Chilwell Road, Beeston, NG9 1ES

0115 9222 441

Skills Worldwide Travel

@SkillsHolidays

THE ALFA AWARDS

AND THE WINNER IS: LAVER HOLIDAYS INDEPENDENT AGENT OF THE YEAR Written by Charlotte Woolley, Derby Branch Manager

Back in March Laver Holidays were lucky enough to be nominated for an Alfa Award, so myself and a few of my colleagues Joanne, Anita and Laura along with our Retail Manager Natalie, travelled to Blackpool for the award ceremony where we enjoyed a one night stay in the lovely Queens Hotel.

We took in the sights of Blackpool and had a trip up the tower, we even braved the haunted house! But the highlight of the weekend was of course when the Derby Our partnership with Worldchoice means our shop got to take home the award for the Best Independent Travel Agent!

Beeston and Nottingham Branches can also offer you financially protected, top quality “I couldn’t be more proud of the Retail Team! breaks – so what are you waiting for? Pop in Well done Derby, who’ve won independent agent for and see us today! the second year in a row!” - Natalie Legge, Retail Manager

Joanne Bates, Beeston Branch Manager (Left to Right) Laura, Natalie & Charlotte.

12

Charlotte celebrating with the Alfa Award.

Anita & Joanne.

Call to book on 08456 66 55 44* or book online at www.skills.co.uk

Tours operated by Skills Holidays, Coachstyle and Laver Holidays. Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin room (standard inside twin cabin if applicable) and are subject to availability. NIL single room supplements are limited. Terms & Conditions apply. Please call 0845 666 5544* or visit www.skills.co.uk for details. All credit card transactions are subject to a 2.75% charge Head Office: Belgrave Road, Bulwell, Nottingham, NG6 8LY. VAT Reg. No. 660 5538 34 | Skills Travel Limited trading as Skills Holidays, CoachStyle and Skills Days Out company reg in England. No.546349. Registered Office: the White House, Claridon Street, Nottingham NG1 5GF. For Laver Holidays Terms & Conditions see www.Laverholidays.co.uk or see the holiday brochure.

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