Skills - Ultimate Winter Guide 2018/2019

ULTIMATE WINTER GUIDE

November 2018 February 2019

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WELCOME ON BOARD Inside this mini brochure you’ll discover our collection of short breaks and longer duration holidays from November right through until January 2019.

So this festive season spend more time relaxing and exploring the UK’s sweeping coastlines, stunning landscapes and historic treasures with our fantastic collection of British breaks. Alternatively, venture across to Continental Europe and experience charming city squares and traditional Christmas markets in a truly charismatic and charming destination.

Let us welcome you on a beautiful journey this Christmas and share the very best experiences that we have to offer. You’ll make memories that will last a lifetime and meet some wonderful people along the way.

th e H ol id a y te a m

CONTENTS PAGE

Christmas Markets Party Nights & Special Events Festive Breaks Christmas Getaways Turkey & Tinsel & Twixmas Breaks New Year Celebrations Centenary Mini Cruise

3-4 5 6 7-9 10 11 12

LOOK OUT FOR THESE SYMBOLS!

We’ve included the following symbols in this brochure to help you see all the great inclusions we offer!

INCLUSIVE INSURANCE

DOOR-TODOOR SERVICE

CLUB CLASS COACH TRAVEL

VISIT US: Our travel shops hold regular Coffee Morning’s each month, where we invite you to pop into your nearest store for a cup of tea (or coffee) with your local Skills or Laver Representatives.

This is a great way for us to keep in touch with all of our customers, old and new, and provides us with the opportunity to collect your feedback about our services and holidays. It’s also a chance for you to keep in touch with our wonderful sales team, and learn all about our newest breaks, latest offers or what’s happening within the Skills Group!

Everybody is welcome, so if you would like anymore details please ask the next time you visit us in-store.

Bulwell: Skills Head Office Belgrave Road, NG6 8LY TEL: 0115 9770 080

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

Loughborough: Skills & Laver Holidays Swan Street, LE11 5BL TEL: 0150 9236 500

Nottingham: Skills & Laver Holidays Mansfield Road, NG1 3FB TEL: 0115 9507 982

Derby: Skills & Laver Holidays Intu Centre, DE1 2AZ TEL: 0133 2384 000

Alfreton: Golden Holidays Severn Square, DE55 7BQ TEL: 0177 3203 444

CALL ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY SALES REPRESENTATIVES ON: 08456 66 55 44* (LINES OPEN MON - FRI 9AM - 9PM, SAT 9AM - 6PM & SUN 10AM - 6PM)

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CHRISTMAS MARKETS

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CHRISTMAS MARKETS What better way to start the Christmas season than with a short break to a British or European market? As traditional Christmas decorations flood streets and fairy-lights twinkle throughout the evening – this is when many cities are at their most charming.

Christmas markets are renowned throughout Britain and Europe. From the magical setting of Salzburg Christmas market to the thriving Manchester markets which can be found dotted around the city there’s a Christmas market for everyone - so take your pick and experience the magic!

Harrogate Christmas Market

Edinburgh Christmas Markets

2017 SELL OUT TOUR

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Tea/coffee served after dinner; Free time in Harrogate & York

THU 15 NOV | 2 DAYS FROM £75

Chester Christmas Markets Featuring the Adelpi Hotel

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Excursions to Chester Christmas market; Free time in Liverpool

FRI 16 NOV | 3 DAYS FROM £144.95

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Excursions to Gretna Green & Carlisle; Full day excursion to Edinburgh Christmas markets

FRI 16 NOV | FRI 14 DEC 3 DAYS FROM £135

London Christmas Shopper Featuring Harrords INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night bed & breakfast; Free time in London & Harrods Department Store

SAT 17 NOV | SAT 01 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £99

Haworth & Leeds Christmas Market

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Tea/coffee served with dinner; Excursion to Haworth & Leeds Christmas market

SAT 17 NOV | 2 DAYS FROM £69

Bath Christmas Markets Featuring: Bourton-On-The-Water & Gloucester

Salisbury & Winchester Cathedral Christmas Markets

FRI 23 NOV | 3 DAYS FROM £155

FRI 23 NOV | 3 DAYS FROM £155

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Markets Featuring Oxford

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park

SAT 24 NOV | SAT 01 DEC| 2 DAYS FROM £75

SAT 24 NOV | SAT 01 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £69

SELLING FAST: Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre

Birmingham Christmas Markets Featuring Seasonal Shrewsbury

SAT 24 NOV | 2 DAYS FROM £85

SAT 24 NOV | SAT 08 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £75

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Visits to Bourton-on-the-Water and Gloucester; Full day to Bath Christmas markets

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Excursion to Winchester Christmas market; Free time in Oxford

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Excursion to Ludlow Medieval fayre; Visit to Worcester

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Welcome tea/coffee; Visits to Salisbury, Bicester shopping village & Winchester Xmas market

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night bed & breakfast; Return travel to and from the Winter Wonderland event; Free time in London

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Free time to explore Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market; Excursion to Shrewsbury

CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS Liverpool & Chester INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Free time in Liverpool & Chester

SAT 03 NOV | 2 DAYS FROM £72

London & Bluewater Shopping Centre

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Excursion to London & Bluewater Shopping Centre

SAT 10 NOV | 2 DAYS FROM £75

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CHRISTMAS MARKETS Rüdesheim & Frankfurt Christmas Markets

Yuletide York & The St. Nicholas Fayre

INCLUDES: Ferry sailings; Coach travel; 3 nights bed & breakfast; 2 dinners; Visits to Rüdesheim & Frankfurt

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Visits to Harrogate, York & Leeds

SUN 25 NOV | 4 DAYS FROM £259

FRI 30 NOV | 3 DAYS FROM £139

Portsmouth Historic Dockyards Festival of Christmas

Bath Christmas Markets & Oxford

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Welcome tea/coffee; Entry into “Portsmouth Festival of Christmas”; Visits to Winchester, Portsmouth & Salisbury;

SAT 01 DEC | 3 DAYS FROM £159

Cardiff & Bristol Christmas Markets

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Free time at Cardiff & Bristol’s Christmas Markets

SAT 01 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £75

2017 SELL OUT TOUR

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Excursion to Oxford & Bath Christmas Market

2017 SELL OUT TOUR

SAT 01 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £105

Dunster By Candelight & Lynton

INCLUDES: 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; 1 night bed & breakfast; Visits to Lynton, Bideford, Dunster & Clarks Shopping Village; Candlelight event in Dunster

FRI 07 DEC | 3 DAYS FROM £199

Austrian Christmas Markets

NEW: Maastricht Christmas Markets & Valkenburg Christmas Caves

INCLUDES: Ferry sailings; Coach travel; 2 nights bed & breakfast en-route; 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Niderau; Free time in Niederau; Excursion to Salzburg; Optional excursion to Swarovski Crystal Worlds & Innsbruck

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Valkenburg; Excursion to Maastricht & Valkenburg; Admission into Valkenburg Christmas Caves

MON 03 DEC | 6 DAYS FROM £399

Brussels & Bruges Christmas Markets

MON 03 DEC | 3 DAYS FROM £199

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

INCLUDES: Ferry sailings; Coach travel; 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Free time in Bruges; Excursion to Brussels Christmas Market

FRI 07 DEC | 3 DAYS FROM £209

Cologne & Dusseldorf Christmas Markets

INCLUDES: Ferry sailings; 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Visits to Cologne, Essen & Düsseldorf; Optional DAYS | DATE PRICEsightseeing cruise with tea/coffee & a waffle on-board*

FRI 07 DEC | 4 DAYS FROM £279

INCLUDES: Ferry sailings; Coach travel; 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; 1 hour free bar on 2 nights; Welcome Schnapps wine tasting; 2 nights entertainment; Excursions to Rudesheim & Bonn Christmas markets

FRI 07 DEC | 5 DAYS FROM £259

Grassington Dickensian Christmas Festival

Lincoln Christmas Market

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Excursion to Grassington for the Dickensian Christmas Festival; Free time in Skipton

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Free time in Lincoln at the Christmas Market

SAT 08 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £89

SAT 08 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £80

Chester Christmas Market & Liverpool

Ghent Christmas Market Mini Cruise

SAT 08 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £99

FRI 14 DEC | 3 DAYS FROM £139

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Free time at Chester Christmas markets; Excursion to Liverpool

Cheltenham Christmas Market & Gloucester Quays

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Excursion to Gloucester Quays & Cheltenham Christmas Market

SAT 15 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £89

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 2 nights cabin accommodation; Entertainment on board; Excursion to Ghent

Leeds & Manchester Christmas Markets INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Excursions to Leeds & Manchester Christmas markets

SAT 15 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £75

(*£20 per person – please enquire at the time of booking)

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PARTY NIGHTS & SPECIAL EVENTS NEW: Elvis Mini Cruise to Amsterdam

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NEW: André Rieu Live in Liverpool

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 2 nights cabin accommodation; 2 nights of live entertainment; Excursion to Amsterdam

TUE 06 NOV | 3 DAYS FROM £149

NEW: Lost Legends Mini Cruise: Bowie, Prince & George Michael

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 2 nights cabin accommodation; 2 nights of live entertainment; Excursion to Amsterdam

FRI 09 NOV | 3 DAYS FROM £149

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night bed & breakfast; Welcome Tea/ Coffee and biscuits on arrival at hotel; Ticket to the André Rieu concert; Free time in Liverpool

FRI 14 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £179

NEW: Longleat’s Festival of Light

London Armistice: We Will Remember Them

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Free time in Bath; Admission into Longleat Safari Park (Includes entrance to the House)

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Visits to St. Albans & the Imperial War Museum; Free time in London for the Armistice Day events

SAT 10 NOV | 2 DAYS FROM £99

FRI 09 NOV | FRI 14 DEC 3 DAYS FROM £159.95

NEW:Christmas Party Night in Manchester Featuring Cheshire Oaks

Thursford Christmas Spectacular

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Gala dinner & disco; Free time in Manchester; Excursion to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

SAT 17 NOV | 2 DAYS FROM £99

NEW: National Trust Presents Music & Light Celebrations at Fountain Abbey INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Admission into the Fountains Abbey for the Music & Light Festival; Free time in York

INCLUDES: 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Welcome drink; Visits to King’s Lynn, Cromer, Norwich & Wisbech; Free time in Great Yarmouth; Admission into Thursford Christmas Spectacular show

SAT 24 NOV | 2 DAYS FROM £119

MON 26 NOV | 5 DAYS FROM £419

NEW: André Rieu Live in Antwerp

Winter Wonderland on the Swiss Glacier Express

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 3 nights stay with breakfast; 2 dinners; 1 late lunch André Rieu concert ticket Category 4; Visits to Roermond Outlet Centre, Aachen & Lindt Chocolate Warehouse

INCLUDES: Ferry sailings; Coach travel; 2 nights bed & breakfast en-route; 5 nights dinner bed & breakfast in Feldkirch; Winter punch on arrival; Journey on the Glacier Express; Sleigh ride; Admission into the Rolls-Royce Museum; Visits to Kloster, Vaduz & Altdorf; A souvenir of Austria

SAT 05 JAN 2019 | 4 DAYS FROM £359

FRI 25 JAN | 7 DAYS FROM £599

DATE

DESTINATION

DAYS

FROM

Mon 12-Nov

Thursford Christmas Spectacular

3

£219

Sat 17-Nov

Christmas Twilight at Kew Gardens

2

£99

Mon 03-Dec

Royal Albert Hall Christmas Concert

3

£289

Wed 21-Nov

FILLING FAST: Mini Cruise - Northern Soul & Motown

3

£129

Sat 03-Nov

Soul & Motown Party Night

2

£99

Fri 09-Nov

A Weekend At The Adelphi

3

£144.95

Wed 21-Nov

Thursford Christmas Spectacular

3

£209

Fri 07-Dec

Beamish & Durham at Christmas

3

£169

Sat 01-Dec

Castle Howard at Christmas

2

£105

Sat 08-Dec

Christmas Party Night in Newcastle

2

£99

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FESTIVE BREAKS

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NEW: Elegant Sidmouth Celebrations: Dartmouth, Plymouth & Torquay

INCLUDES...

4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Mulled wine and mince pies on arrival Entertainment Christmas Day dinner with crackers & a sherry reception 1 Afternoon tea and cake Excursions to Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth & Banbury Dartmouth River Cruise Free time in Sidmouth DATE

DAYS

FROM

Sat 17 Nov

5

£439

Disney’s Enchanted Christmas

NEW: Whitby Festive Break

INCLUDES: Channel crossing; Coach travel; 3 nights stay in a Disney hotel; Disney park hopper ticket; Meal packages available (please call)

FRI 09 NOV | 4 DAYS FROM £339

Postal Museum & Stowe House INCLUDES: Coach travel; 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Free access to the hotel’s leisure facilities; Scenic drive through the North Yorkshire Moors with visits to the Goathland & Robin Hood’s Bay; Free time in Whitby

INCLUDES: 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Admission into Stowe House & The Postal Museum; Includes a journey on the Mail Rail

MON 05 NOV | 5 DAYS FROM £229

SAT 10 NOV | 2 DAYS FROM £145

Festive Murder Mystery

London & Harry Potter

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Evening themed entertainment & disco; Free time in Leeds & Manchester

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Free time in London;Entrance into the Harry Potter Studios

SAT 17 NOV | 2 DAYS FROM £89

SAT 17 NOV | SAT 08 DEC 2 DAYS FROM £119.95

The Waldorf: Luxury in London

NEW: Chester Zoo at Christmas

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night bed & breakfast; Afternoon tea at the Waldorf Hotel; Free time in London

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Free time in Chester; Admission into Chester Zoo

SUN 25 NOV | SUN 16 DEC 2 DAYS FROM £155

SAT 24 NOV | SAT 15 DEC 2 DAYS FROM £89

Laver Saver: Portmeirion & Llangollen Rail Santa Special

Hull: The Deep Aquarium Featuring Lincoln

SAT 01 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £145

SUN 01 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £84.95

INCLUDES: 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Admission to Portmeirion Food & Craft Fair; Journey on the Llangollen Railway

London Theatre Break Weekend

2017 SELL OUT TOUR

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night dinner, bed & breakfast; Entrance to The Deep Aquarium; Free time in Lincoln

Rosemundy House Festivities: Falmouth, Lappa Valley Railway & Truo 2017 SELL OUT TOUR

DATE

DAYS

SHOW

FROM

Sat 03 Nov

2

Matilda Motown the Musical

£140

Sat 10 Nov

2

Alaadin Strictly Ballroom

£115

Sat 17 Nov

2

School of Rock Kinky Boots Woman in Black

£115

Sat 24 Nov

2

Dreamgirls Wicked

£129

INCLUDES: 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Sherry reception; Visit and a gift from Santa for every passenger; Mince pies in the bar on 1 night; 1 cream tea; Journey on the Lappa Valley Railway with mince pies and mulled wine; Excursions to Looe, Famouth, Truro & St Austell

MON 10 DEC | 5 DAYS FROM £409

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2017 LL OUT TOUR

CHRISTMAS GETAWAYS

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ALPINE AUSTRIAN CHRISTMAS

INCLUDES...

INCLUDES...

Make this Christmas a magical one and spend it in the enchanted Austrian Alps. Staying in a charming 4-star hotel, overlooking the snowy Austrian Alps, on this break we have arranged a special Christmas package and included excursions to Bregenzerwald, Schwarzenberg, Walgau, Friedrichshafen Day 1 – We travel to our overnight hotel.

Day 2 – After breakfast we continue our leisurely journey to our main hotel in Feldkirch.

Day 3 – Our first stop today is Bregenzerwald, perhaps take a walk along its unique Cheese Trail and sample regional delicacies by farmers, alpine dairymen, cheesemakers and restaurants while en-route! After some free time, we visit Schwarzenberg, in the Bregenz Forest it is one of the most beautiful areas in Austria.

Day 4 – Today we visit Walgau up to the Arlberg Pass, where you can enjoy the wintery atmosphere of this

delightful alpine village!

Day 5 – Celebrate in the warmth and comfort of the hotel today. Enjoy a traditional Christmas Turkey, followed by an evening of music and dancing!

Day 6 – After breakfast we go to Friedrichshafen, Germany. Back for early afternoon.

Day 7 – After a charming Christmas break we leave after breakfast, retracing our steps back to our overnight hotel, taking away cherished memories and a souvenir with us.

Day 8 – We continue home.

Return Channel crossing Coach travel throughout 2 nights bed & breakfast en-route 5 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in Feldkirch Welcome drink on arrival Christmas Day dinner Free use of hotel’s leisure facilities Excursions to Bregenzerwald, Schwarzenberg, Walgau, Friedrichshafen DATE

DAYS

FROM

Fri 21 Dec

8

£699

4* CHRISTMAS IN HOLLAND

Holland is a wonderful country to visit during the festive period and on this break you can explore some of our favourite destinations with visits to Amsterdam, The Hague and Scheveningen. On Christmas Day, you can enjoy a wonderful and cosy Christmas within the comfort of your hotel with a day filled with delicious food, music, dancing and festive cheer. You’re guaranteed to have a Merry Christmas.

Day 1 – We travel to the hotel.

Day 2 – We visit the beautiful canal city of Amsterdam where you have some free time to explore. Perhaps head to the famous Museum Square, where you will be able to discover art masterpieces from the likes of Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Mondrian.

Day 3 – Today we celebrate in the warmth and comfort of our hotel. Relax and enjoy a delicious Christmas lunch followed by a traditional Christmas dinner later on in the evening.

Day 4 – This morning we head to The Hague, known as “The Royal City by the Sea”. This beautiful city hosts a selection of important monuments, historic districts and is home to many members of the Dutch Royal Family who still live in its chic neighbourhoods.

Afterwards we visit Scheveningen, Holland’s most famous sea-side resort.

Day 5 – We retrace our footsteps home.

INCLUDES...

Return Channel crossing 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast 1 Christmas Lunch & Dinner with music & dancing Excursion to Amsterdam, The Hague & Scheveningen DATE

DAYS

FROM

Sun 23 Dec

5

£419

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CHRISTMAS GETAWAYS

NEW: Christmas by the Scottish Riviera

INCLUDES...

4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Entertainment Christmas Day lunch & buffet dinner Free use of hotel’s leisure facilities Visits to Lancaster, Ayr & Carlisle Ticket to local pantomime Scenic drive through Galloway Forest Park Escape this Christmas to the Scottish Riviera, and cherish a little time away with likeminded people. On this festive getaway we include a full Christmas package with nightly entertainment, exclusive spa access at the hotel and free time in Carlisle, Lancaster and Ayr.

Christmas on the Rhine

2017 SELL OUT TOUR

DATE

DAYS

FROM

Sun 23 Dec

5

£539

Catalonian Christmas & New Year in the Costa Brava

2017 SELL OUT TOUR

INCLUDES: Coach travel; Return ferry sailing; 2 nights bed & breakfast en-route; 10 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Christmas package; Visits to Rosas, Lloret de Mar, Tossa De Mar & Girona

SAT 22 DEC | 13 DAYS FROM £809

NEW: Christmas in Eastbourne INCLUDES: Return ferry sailing; 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Christmas lunch; Candle lit dinner; Welcome talk & Schnapps; 3 nights entertainment; Visit from Santa & gift; Excursions to Rudesheim, Cochem & Boppard

SUN 23 DEC | 5 DAYS FROM £589

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Tea/coffee on arrival; Christmas Day buffet lunch & dinner; Entertainment; Visits to Beachy Head, Hastings, Battle & Brighton; Admission into Drusillas Park for the Winter Wonderland Illuminations & Hastings Castle

SUN 23 DEC | 5 DAYS FROM £489

Christmas Celebrations in Matlock Bath

Christmas in Llandudno:

INCLUDES: 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Christmas package at the hotel; Visits to Cromford Mill, Matlock, Bakewell, Castleton & Ashbourne; Scenic drive through the Peak District calling at Ladybower & Derwent Reservoir; Ticket to the pantomime; Free time in Buxton

INCLUDES: 4 nights full-board stay; Welcome drink & mince pies on arrival; Sherry & mince pies on 1 day; Entertainment; Gift on Christmas Day; Lunch at Amerton Farm & Craft Centre; Ticket to local pantomime; Journey on the Ffestiniog Railway; Excursions to Caernarfon and Chester

Christmas in Babbacombe

Christmas in Bournemouth & the New Forest

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Excursions to Sidmouth & Exmouth; Free time in Babbacombe

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Welcome drinks; Evening entertainment; Christmas Day Lunch & light buffet dinner; Christmas Cake & tea/coffee; Farewell dinner with tea or coffee; Drive through the New Forest: calling at Lyndhurst & Burley; Visit to Salisbury

SUN 23 DEC | 5 DAYS FROM £329

SUN 23 DEC | 5 DAYS FROM £380

Ffestiniog Railway & Caernarfon

SUN 23 DEC | 5 DAYS FROM £579

2017 SELL OUT TOUR

SUN 23 DEC | 5 DAYS FROM £419

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CHRISTMAS GETAWAYS

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INCLUDES...

Christmas in Pitlochry:

Gateway To The Highlands

4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Entertainment with Carol singing Tea/coffee on Christmas Eve Christmas Day lunch Visit from Father Christmas Excursions to Loch Levern Kinross Scenic drive along Glenfarg Road, Blair Athol, Killiecrankie & Loch Tummel Visits to Queen’s View, Dundee & Perth 2017 SELL OUT TOUR

NEW: Christmas in Harrogate & The Yorkshire Dales

DATE

DAYS

FROM

Sun 23 Dec

5

£499

INCLUDES...

Return coach travel 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Mulled wine & canapes on arrival Christmas Day lunch & buffet dinner Gala dinner followed by a disco Visits to York, Richmond, Ripon & Knaresborough Free time in Harrogate Optional excursion to a pantomime*

(*Please enquire at time of booking)

Christmas on the Isle of Wight

DATE

DAYS

FROM

Sun 23 Dec

5

£499

INCLUDES...

Return coach travel 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Full board on Christmas Day Hotel entertainment nightly Excursions to Ryde Island tour – visiting at Ventnor, Freshwater & The Needles, Yarmouth & Godshill

NEW: Christmas in Sidmouth

Dartmouth Steam Railway & Exeter Cathedral

DATE

DAYS

FROM

Sun 23 Dec

5

£419

INCLUDES...

4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast Traditional lunch & buffet dinner on Christmas Day Lunch on Boxing Day Hotel entertainment Journey on the Dartmouth Steam Railway with mulled wine & mince pies served on board Visits to Bath, Paignton & Exeter DATE

DAYS

FROM

Sun 23 Dec

5

£799

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TURKEY & TINSEL AND TWIXMAS BREAKS

Torquay Festivities & The English Riviera

South Coast Twixmas: Plymouth, Exmouth & Dartmouth

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Champagne & sherry reception; 1 candle-lit dinner & gala dinner; Entertainment including cabaret & bingo; Visits to Cheltenham, Paignton & Brixham; Free time in Torquay

INCLUDES: 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Hotel entertainment; Visits to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Torquay, Exmouth & Plymouth; Free time in Exeter; Scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park

FRI 09 NOV | 4 DAYS FROM £239

THU 27 DEC | 4 DAYS FROM £299

A Welsh Twixmas Break

Twixmas in Torquay

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Hotel entertainment; Scenic drive through Snowdonia National Park; Free time in Chester & Angelsey

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Hotel entertainment; Excursions to Paignton & Brixham; Free time in Torquay

FRI 28 DEC | 3 DAYS FROM £119

THU 27 DEC | 4 DAYS FROM £159

Turkey & Tinsel in Torquay

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Welcome tea/coffee & mince pies on arrival; Hotel entertainment; Christmas dinner with a glass of bubbly; Gift per person; Visits to Sidmouth, Exmouth, Dartmouth & Brixham; Free time in Torquay

MON 19 NOV | 5 DAYS FROM £229

Turkey & Tinsel in St Ives INCLUDES: Coach travel; 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Turkey & Tinsel theme; Hotel entertainment; Visits to Falmouth, Penzance & Marazion; Free time in St Ives

MON 03 DEC | 5 DAYS FROM £219

TOP TIPS FOR

TRAVELLING IN WINTER

A coach holiday is a great way to see a lot in a short space of time. Catch up with friends or meet new friends and relax knowing that everything has already been taken care of for you.

There’s something extra special about travelling during the winter season! To help you make the most of your journey, we’ve turned to our Holiday Planners who have helped us put together these top winter holiday tips!

WARM ACCESSORIES! When packing for winter travel (especially in Europe), focus on those accessories that’ll keep you warm like: Hats, Gloves, Scarfs, Long socks!

LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS!

DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERA! E WRITE DOWN TH R BE PHONE NUM !

OF THE DRIVER

contact You might need to ay. them while on holid

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!

PRINT OFF A LL DOCUMENT S! Print off two se ts

in case you lose one! (don ’t forget your passport) And always keep them with you, just not in your suitcase!

t (and The key to packing ligh . You don’t staying warm) is layers to keep at co need one massive pack can u yo en you warm wh ltiple mu ar we to s ce pie r smalle times.

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NEW YEAR BREAKS 4* New Year in Lake Garda

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New Year in the Black Forest

New Year in Falmouth & The Eden Project

INCLUDES:

INCLUDES:

INCLUDES:

Return Channel crossing; Coach travel throughout; 2 nights bed & breakfast en route; 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in resort; Porterage at main hotel; Welcome drink; 6-course New Year’s Eve gala dinner with a glass of wine and live music; Tea/coffee served after dinner; Private boat transfers to Venice, Murano & Burano; Guided walking tour of Venice; Visits to Venice, Verona, Murano & Burano; Free time in Lake Garda

Return Channel crossing; Coach travel throughout; 2 nights bed & breakfast en-route; 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in resort; Welcome drink; Hotel entertainment; 5-course New Year’s Eve dinner; Afternoon tea/coffee & cake; Visits to Strasbourg, Gengenbach, Freudenstadt, Baden – Baden, Zell (Mosel) and Obernau

FRI 28 DEC | 7 DAYS FROM £629

SAT 29 DEC | 7 DAYS FROM £549

3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Welcome drink on arrival; Hotel entertainment; New Year’s Eve package; Admission into the Eden Project with free time; Excursions to Gloucester, Truro & Falmouth; Drive around Mousehole to see the Christmas Lights display

SUN 30 DEC | 4 DAYS FROM £409

New Year in the Lake District

New Year on the Isle of Wight

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Welcome drink; Gala dinner with buck’s fizz; Drive through the Lake District to Bowness, Lake Ullswater & Kirkstone Pass; Lake cruise; Entry into Lakeland Wildlife Oasis; Free time in Windermere

INCLUDES: Return ferry sailings; Coach travel throughout; 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; New Year’s package; Island tour – including stops at Ventnor, Freshwater & The Needles, Yarmouth

SUN 30 DEC | 4 DAYS FROM £409

SUN 30 DEC | 4 DAYS FROM £299

New Year by the Pembrokeshire Coast

New Year in Liverpool Celebrations at the Cavern Club

INCLUDES: 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Evening entertainment; Bucks fizz and canapes on New Year’s Eve; Lunch on New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day; Visits to Shrewsbury, Saundersfoot, St David’s, Tenby & Aberystwyth; Scenic drive

INCLUDES: Coach travel; Complimentary drink on coach; 2 nights bed & breakfast; Admission to the Cavern Club for New year celebrations; Free time in Liverpool & Chester

SUN 30 DEC | 4 DAYS FROM £379

MON 31 DEC | 3 DAYS FROM £219

New Year on the Rhine

Amsterdam New Year

INCLUDES: Return ferry sailing; 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Welcome schnapps wine tasting, 3 nights entertainment, buffet & fireworks; Visits to Rüdesheim , Cochem & Koblenz

INCLUDES: Channel crossing; 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast; Canal cruise; Visit to Scheveningen; Free time in Amsterdam

SAT 29 DEC | 5 DAYS FROM £339

SUN 30 DEC | 4 DAYS FROM £289

New Year Soul Party Mini Cruise

London’s New Year Celebrations

INCLUDES: Coach travel; 1 night cabin accommodation with breakfast; Themed New Year’s Eve entertainment on board with disco; Use of the facilities on board; Visit to York

INCLUDES: Coach travel; Glass of bubbly on our coach; 1 night bed & breakfast; Free time in London; Optional ticket to the Lord Mayor’s Fireworks Show available (please call for more information)

MON 31 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £119

MON 31 DEC | 2 DAYS FROM £129

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SKILLS CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

Founded in 1919 in Radford, Nottinghamshire by Arthur Skill, the grandfather of current Chairman, Nigel Skill and Managing Director Simon Skill. Arthur originally worked delivering fish but later started taking local miners to and from Bestwood Colliery. In 1921 he purchased a Crossley Charabanc – Skills’ first bus – and it was there that the business really began!

100 1919

2019

th

ARY

Thanks to their father’s persistence, Nigel and Simon Skill began to work with the family business C ENTEN from a very young age during the school holidays. In 1987, Nigel and Simon Skill bought the business to become directors. Remaining a very well-established company based in Nottinghamshire, Nigel and Simon Skill maintained their ‘fair, open and honest’ values an ethos which their Grandfather had founded the business with. In the late 1970’s they introduced Continental holidays, and they worked hard to invest in a first-class fleet of modern vehicles, offering luxury coach hire and coach holidays ranging from day trips to weekend breaks and exotic European destinations.

Nottingham has seen four generations and almost 100 years of the Skills family, something which they still pride themselves on today.

Over the years Skills has continued to work alongside local charities, raising over £26,000!

Growing from strength to strength, the Skills Group maintains itself to be a well-established, family-run business in the heart of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, providing coach holidays for groups.

NEW: CENTENARY MINI CRUISE PARTY TO AMSTERDAM SPECIAL GUEST: NIGEL SKILL

INCLUDES...

2019 is a very extraordinary year for the Skills Group as we turn 100! Join our Chairman Nigel Skill for this extra special Mini Cruise and sail away to Amsterdam. Hosted by Skills & DFDS Ferries, on this exclusive getaway you can enjoy an afternoon presentation by Nigel Skill as well as an evening party with all your favourite songs – chosen by you!

Day 1 – Once you have checked-in to your cabins please join us for the Skills Centenary Event. Located in a private function room, you will be greeted with tea, coffee and Danish pastries before our Chairman, Nigel Skill conducts a presentation on the history of the company. Sharing intimate and entertaining stories, you can hear first-hand how his Grandfather, Arthur Skill, created the Skills empire! Later, we will sit down to enjoy a buffet dinner, before enjoying a private party - exclusively for Skills passengers!

On arrival, there will be a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, and during the evening you can dance along to some of your favourite songs – so please remember to tell us your favourite track at the time of booking!

Day 2 – Accompanied by Skills Representatives, this morning we visit the city of Amsterdam for free time. Amsterdam’s canal-woven core is laced by atmospheric narrow lanes, packed with museums, vintage-filled shops, cosy cafés and restaurants. A great way to relax and take in the splendid views of the city is by joining us for our optional canal cruise* As we drift along the water-ways taking in Amsterdam’s many famous sights! (*Additional £10 per person, please enquire at the time of booking).

After some free time, we will return to our cruise ferry for this evening’s dinner and another night of entertainment.

Day 3 – After breakfast, we return home.

Return ferry sailings Coach travel throughout Tea/coffee & pastry served at Skills promotional event 2 nights cabin accommodation with a breakfast & dinner buffet Introductory talk from the Skills Chairman, Nigel Skill Skills party night event Cake & a drink at the party Free time in Amsterdam Optional Canal cruise in Amsterdam* (*£10 per person)

Please enquire at the time of booking.

DATE

DAYS

FROM

Sat 09 Feb 2019

3

£159

CALL 08456 66 55 44* | VISIT WWW.SKILLS.CO.UK If you’d prefer not to receive future mail from the Skills Group, please call us now so we can update your preferences. *Calls cost 3p per minute plus your network’s standard access charge. Prices are based on two people sharing a twin or double room (standard inside twin cabin if applicable) and are subject to availability. Prices are correct at the time of going to print, please call or visit: www.skills.co.uk for further details. By making a booking with us you are agreeing that you have read and understood our full Terms and Conditions, to view these visit: www.skills.co.uk/terms-conditions or call a member of our team who will be able to email or post these out to you.

Tours operated by Skills Holidays. Skills Motor Coaches Limited trading as Skills Holidays. Company Reg in England no: 612324

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