Backpacker Tours - Budget UK and European Tours

Rugby world Cup!

2007-10-15T04:56:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic weekend, on friday i entered a competion on capital fm on the radio, and i won tickets to see england v france in the rugby world cup semi final in Paris, me and my boyfriend went and it was absoultely awesome!!!! i am still getting over the fact that i won, and enlgand won too, good times! (14 -9) South Africa played Argentina yesterday and South africa won 37 -13 so England will face the South Africans in the final, I hope england do them selves proud, they have got this far!

Anyway here are some pictures of us enjoying and celebarting the Rugby in Le Stade De France in st denis, Paris....

Mitchell - The New Kid On The Blog

2007-10-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hey,

I'm Mitchell the newest member of the backpacker team, I have been here for a few months now.

Below are a couple of pictures from Glade Festival (near Reading) that I went to in July. As you can see it was very wet and muddy. The first morning we were there we woke up to find a river of mud flowing beneath our tent. We still had a great time though.

The picture below is from when I went to Greece with a few of my old school friends. This is just before we were towed at 50mph behind a motorboat, it was great fun.

I'm also a big sports fan, can't wait to see England in the rugby and football on saturday.

I'm sure I will speak to some of your in the near future when you book onto one of our tours.

CHLOE LOVES RUGBY

2007-10-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

As you know I love Rugby!!

England have just got through to the Semi Final YAY!

and my favourite Team Wasps are playing london Irish on Sunday! so I've got a weekend jam packed with RUGBY!!!!!!

Heres me and my friends having a wiked time at Adams Park (Wasps home ground!)

Dan

2007-10-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

My name is Dan, I am also 21 years old and have been working at Backpacker Tours the longest, coming up to 2 years now.

I love my sports especially Football (Manchester UTD), I play for my local football team every Sunday (can be hard after Saturday night), I love going out with my mates and having a laugh, only last night we all went out as super heros, I was Buzz Lightyear.

I have added a few pictures below:

I think this picture is really funny, this was when i went to the Zoo

Take care
Dan

Backpacking around the world!

2007-10-10T02:15:00.000-07:00

hey,

I have come across some of my pictures from when i was travelling in New Zealand and Australia! I thought i would share some with you, I did the 14 day beaches and reefs tour, which was amazing!!! we did it in may, and after we had booked it, everyone was saying that it would be cold and rainging, well it rained for a few days, but it definately didnt hold us back, and it was still really hot and sunny when the sun was shining, i got a tan, and thats saying something! My favirote part of the tour was the Whitsundays Islands, it was so beautifull, the whole time i was there i was pinching myself to make sure i wasnt dreaming, and then scuba diving at the great barrier reef was awesome, i will never forget it! here is a link to some tours in australia! http://www.backpackertours.co.uk/worldwide/tours-australia.htm

If you need any questions answered please email or phone me!

Charlotte :)

CHARLOTTE

2007-10-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

Well, i saw chloe had introduced herself and i havent so i thought i would so you all now who you are talking too... My name is charlotte, im 21 years old and have been working here since april. The week before i was working here, i was in the french alps for 5 months working in a ski resort which was awesome! Before that, I was living in new zealand in a little town called Warkworth, Just north of Auckland, i had the time of my life and really miss it, i was there for a year. and then before that i travelled around australia, good times.... This winter im heading back to the alps for the ski season, should be a good winter with weather reporters promising snow!! anyway here are some pictures of me so you know who you are talking too.

Speak to you soon,

Charlotte :P

Our Boss Sue, Chloe and me at my 21st!

CHLOE

2007-10-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

The Backpacker Team

Hello!!

My Names Chloé! I've been working at

Backpackers for 18 months now and have loved everyminute.

Heres a few pics of me so u can put a name to the voice that you speak to when you call us up!

A little bit about me..... i'm 20 (almost 21 years old) and live in the brilliant town of Marlow.

Last year I lived in London for 6 months and now spend most weekends up in the capital. I love live music especially accoustic / Indie music and this summer went off to spend a (slighty wet) weekend in Chelmsford for the V festival. As you can see from the picture on the top left I had to wear a plastic 'emergency cagoule' (that looked more like a large bin bag) for most of the weekend! Where as My boyfriend, Simon, just braved the elements!! My sister is about to go travelling in the next few months and see the world.... We have planned to back pack around Egypt together next summer... so i've got that to look forward to and I can book it easily here!!

Anyway.... I look forward to hearing from you very soon when you book one of our tours!

Winter

2007-10-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hey Fellow travellers,

So the summer is well and truly over, and with winter just around the corner, there are lots of amazing winter and christmas tours coming up. Europe is absoulelty amazing in the winter, the mountains are covered in snow and the air is clear and fresh, and there is no better time than getting up to the mountains, and hurling down a piste on abit of wood, otherwise known as skiing and snowboarding!

We have some skiing and snowboarding tours, take a look at this link - http://www.backpackertours.co.uk/britain_uk_england_tours/ski-snowboard-tours-winter-main.htm

It definately should not be missed if your in europe this winter!!

Last winter i worked in the French alps in a ski resort for 5 months, and it was amazing, here is a picture of us enjoying a powder day in Les Gets -

If anyone else is wondering what to do this new years, and u fancy going to the biggest new years party, why not give the edinburgh Hogmany festival a go, plenty of partying, alot of alcholol and celebrating, what better way to rock into 2008. heres a link to our hogmany tours - http://www.backpackertours.co.uk/britain_uk_england_tours/edinburgh-hogmanay-tours.htm

I hope to book you on one of our tours sometime, if you have any questions, give me a shout,

Charlotte :)

COME ON ENGLAND

2007-10-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Englands through to the Semi final in the Rugby world cup!! YAY!

I am a huge rugby/football fan and can't wait to see England play in the Semi final against France and the football on Saturday.

I hope england wins im keeping my fingers crossed.
best of luck to them all! :)

I think there will be a few pint of beer drank if we win both.

Many thanks
Dan

Last Chance for Hogmanay

2006-12-03T10:37:00.000-08:00

Well the Rugby's over and we've got no major special events happening now until New Years Eve in Edinburgh it's a wicked break the party starts when you leave London (either by coach or rail) and carries on when we get there with a free entry at one of Edinburgh's top nightclubs. New Years Eve - starts for those brave enough at an exclusive party at the Corn Exchange - 11:00 (AM) sharp as it's midnight back in New Zealand - when then celebrate the New Year through all the time zones in Australia.

For those who are still on thier feet - it's back to the hotel for some rest (or maybe even something to eat) and then it's over to Princes Street to party with a crowd of over 100,000 and three music stages. Click here to get some of the last seats.

Got some time off before the holidays - we've still tours happening in England, Scotland Ireland and Europe.

New Zealand Vs Wales in Cardiff

2006-11-17T07:24:00.000-08:00

Well it's time for another weekend and we've got quite a bit happening on the Rugby front -
we've got groups over in Paris to party, see the city and most importantly watch the All Blacks (hopefully) crush the French on Saturday. We also have quite a few Aussies over in Dublin to see the wallabies take on Ireland at Lansdown Road over the weekend - hopefully all of the pubs in the area have remembered to double the amount of Guinness that they have on hand for both before and after the match.

It's everyones last chance to check out the Rugby with the most popular match being the All Blacks V Wales day tour departing on November 25th - we also have a few places left for the weekend break - it's a great package with transport and a hotel that is right next to the Millennium Stadium - the tour leaves London around 2 PM on Friday which will give you plenty of time to check into your hotel and hit the town for the night - you've got the match the following day and then another night out before a slow start on Sunday to head back to London. For those of you who haven't been - Cardiff has some the best nightlife in the UK whith clubs that are open until 5 AM and drinks at times half the price of what you pay in London.

For information about all of the remaining tour options click here.

Hey does anybody remeber the Nintendo NES console - probably the first of the new generation consoles where it didn't look like you were playing with a load of virtual legos it was the early 90's version of the Playstation. Well some bright spark has figured out a way to load them up onto the net and you can now play online for free - with all of the Mario Brother titles the original Bubble Bobble and Donkey Kongs games all available you're bound be on the computer for a couple of hours - click here to visit the site.

Catch you next week.

Edinburgh for New Years Eve 2006 highwayman

2006-11-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

Well its been a fairly busy week this week - some of the staff dug out and dusted off their 'Sundays Best' suits and frocks and off we went to one of the worlds biggest trade events - The World Travel Market which occurs once a year at the ExCel Centre in the Docklands. For a few of the staff it was a first time experience (not as exciting as say ...... Tomatina in Spain but hey we do have to occasionally do some work) and for others (like myself - old) it was the 9th or 10th time we have visited. It used to be held in good old Earls Court which -

A. Is much easier to get to.

and

B. Has much better pubs just outside.

At any rate it's a huge show - with most countries in the world represented as well as a lot of the 'big names' in the travel industry - airlines, hotel chains, car rental firms, etc. For us it's a chance for us to meet up with some of overseas agents and see some of our suppliers to negotiate next years rates for accommodation and other bit and pieces. What we also do is bit of window shopping - if we see something we personally would like do - we check on trade rates and arrange for a couple of us to go out (strictly for research purposes you understand ;p) for closer and see if it's the type of event or place for us to start to put together a package - until we've been there and done it ourselves we won't bring a group out to experience it. All in all it can take a couple of years to put together a good event - but when they come off - it's well worth the effort - when they go pear shaped it's before we take any clients so it's only the staff at risk (no one mention Russia or Estonia last year OK)

Right calling all All Blacks Supporters - all of coach tours for France are now sold out - so if your coming to show your support you'll need to either make your own way to Paris for one of accommodation only packages (almost sold out as well) or treat yourself and take the Eurostar. We've also still got All Blacks V Wales seats left - a day tour to Cardiffs Millennium Stadium that I can guarantee you a good time on so book your tickets and keep November 25th free in your diary. Click here for tour details.

Right for all you blokes out there that have managed to hold there ladies over the summer (a couple of relationship casualties in this office I could tell you about - all self inflicted) if you are planning on taking them up to Edinburgh to celebrate New Years Eve (otherwise known as Hogmanay) the double rooms are already sold out in a couple of the hotels and rest are starting to go quick - so if you were planning on going and looking to have a good time in the hotel as well as away from it you need to get your skates on and book now - for details of all of our Hogmanay Tours click here. Book soon or you may end up in a dorm room which is fine if it's you and the boys wanting to party - not so good if you and the missus are looking for some (so called) quality time together.

Fireworks

2006-11-06T03:13:00.000-08:00

What a weekend -

Half of the office headed down to the West Country for Tarbarrels - which is basically a a bunch of mad (somewhat inbred) Devon folk who like to put barrels stuffed with tar and straw on thier backs then light them on fire and run for as long as they can - up and down the streets of as tiny village which has been packed with around 30,000 people - it is truely a mad night.

The rest of us heaeded up to Cardiff for the Rugby - and what a match it was! In the end nothing separated the Welsh and Aussies. There were a few sore heads on Sunday morning however most of us made it down to the pub to watch New Zealand crush England. There's still time for you to yourselves to a International Match - tickets and packages are selling fast - click here to see what we still have on offer.

We're Back Join us for International Rugby in November

2006-10-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

Right - were back.

Sorry for the rather long break between blogs - it's been a hectic summer. We have taken record numbers to all the big events in Europe. Running of the Bulls in Pamplona was packed this year and for the 2nd year running we took passengers to La Tomatina - billed as the worlds largest food fight this is a truly event for those of you out there who have 'been there and done that' crowd. We've have really only just recovered from Oktoberfest - but there is no rest for the wicked and we have some great events coming up!

Show your support - the Boys are Back in Town
International Rugby - the All Blacks, Wallabies and Springboks are all on the way to Europe for matches in November this year. For those of you who haven't been before Cardiff's Millennium it's perfect for big matches with a sliding roof to keep the rain out and a seating arrangement that is so advanced it's impossible to get a bad seat no matter where your sitting, add to the fact that there is bar around 20 meters or so inside the stadium and you have a top place to watch both the All Blacks on November 25th and the Wallabies on November 4th play Wales - both matches are guaranteed sell outs - so book your places now. Click here for full details.

What are you doing for the New Year?
Join us in Edinburgh - the party starts when we leave London on December 30th and we have options to suit everyone - chartered coaches, high speed trains or flight from Heathrow. We have arranged for you stay everywhere from Edinburghs best hostels to a stunning 5 star hotel - all accommodation is within walking (or staggering) distance from the Royal Mile which is the very heart of the city. The Scots bring the New Year in with a huge fireworks disply in front of Edinburgh Castle.

The roots of Hogmanay reach back to the pagan celebration of the winter solstice. In Europe, this evolved into the ancient celebration of Saturnalia, a great Roman winter festival, where people celebrated completely free of restraint and inhibition. The Vikings celebrated Yule, which later became the Twelve Days of Christmas, or the "Daft Days" as they were sometimes called in Scotland. The winter festival went underground with the Protestant Reformation and ensuing years, but re-emerged near the end of the 17th century.

Now days Hogmanay in Edinburgh is the largest organized New Years celebration in the world. And we include wristbands to the Royal Bank Street Party on New years eve with all of packages. The party's 100,000 revellers are guaranteed a sizzling line-up with artists including Hard-Fi, Sons and Daughters and Hayseed Dixies on the only date of their European tour. This years Concert in the Gardens boasts a phenomenal line-up featuring Scottish artists Texas and KT Tunstall with El Presidente.

The Night Afore International on Friday 30 December will see the largest celebration of Caledonian and Catalonian culture ever experienced in Scotland, featuring a 150 strong human tower, 250 Catalan Street Theatre performers and a riotous Catalan Parade.

We'll leave you with a link to some of your favorite old school arcade games that you can now play online for free - Joust, Defender, Robotron and Rampage plus load of others click here and prepare to lose at least an hour of your time.

La Tomatina - The World's Biggest Food Fight

2006-02-10T03:08:00.000-08:00

Afternoon all of you out there on the interweb type thing -

Well we have finally sorted out all the details for a unique experience - La Tomatina - basically it's the worlds largest foodfight - some where around 30,000 gather in small Spanish village and at around 11:00 125,000 kilos of ripe tomatoes are dropped in the middle of town and the insanity begins.

It's absolutely chaos for around an hour before everyone helps tidy up the town, cleans themselves up and then start to Party - the tours are at the end of August and you can see all of them by clicking here.

I've added the most popular tour itinerary below - enjoy your weekend.

Tuesday 29th August 2006
Our tour group meets at Heathrow Airport bright and early [9am] where you will be greeted by your tour leader and the rest of your traveling companions. Our scheduled departure is 11.25 and after a quick stop in Barcelona arrival in Barcelona we arrive in Valencia at 17.20. Upon arrival in Valencia we will make our way directly to our excellent city 4 Star centre hotel where we will be accommodated throughout our stay. After check-in the group is invited to get together for a drink and to run through all the details before the big day. In the evening you have the chance to travel out to one of Valencia's surrounding villages and partake in an all night grape and wine festival. This event is one of the highlights of the tour and an amazing experience. The group leaves at 9pm and returns at 4am back to Valencia in order to prepare for La Tomatina. If you choose to stay in Valencia for the night we have a local bar organised for a pre-tomatina party!

Wednesday 30th August 2006
La Tomatina Festival: Today is the reason we are here in Spain so after an early start we will transfer to Bunol for the world famous 'La Tomatina' tomato fight! The preparations start in the early morning and by midday it's time for the festivities to start. The tomato fight lasts for one hour and is an experience you will never forget. After the tomato fight has concluded we spend a few hours in Bunol cleaning ourselves off before transferring by charter coach back to our hotel in Valencia. After a long shower we will join together at a local bar to compare stories from this amazing day.

Thursday 31st August 2006
A slow start to the day today as we continue the long process of removing every last piece of tomato from ourselves! Today you have free time to explore more of Valencia or perhaps head out to the beach. Check-out of our Hotel is midday but the Hotel will securely store our luggage until the evening flight. After you days activities, the group will join together at 3.30pm and head out to the airport for the return flight to London. The flight is scheduled to depart at 18.05 and will arrive in sunny London at 22.10 after again briefly stopping in Barcelona. Upon arrival in London it is time to bid farewell to our travelling companions as our tour concludes.

Whats Included* Scheduled Return Flights from London Heathrow to Valencia * 2 Nights Quality 4 Star Hotel Accommodation in Valencia City Centre* World Famous 'La Tomatina' Festival * Transfers from Valencia to Bunol for 'La Tomatina'* Souvenir 'La Tomatina' T-Shirt * Services of Experienced La Tomatina Tour Leaders *Departures?Tuesday 29th August 2006 from Heathrow

Prices?Â£375 GBP per person - BOOK NOW

European Summer Events in 2006

2006-02-02T04:20:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Sorry about long break after New Year - no that we have been slacking - after a mad Hogmanay we always have a break to recover and then sit down to sort out the years events and we have got some amazing tours going on again this year.

1st up is only about 6 weeks away - St Patricks Day in Dublin - we still have coach or flight tour still available for this event - if you love your Guiness you should be in it's birth place for St pats Day.

For those of you who like Horse racing also have itineraries and prices up for both Ladies Day at Ascot and the Grand National .

We've also got everything ready for one of the big ones La Tomatina in Spain - the worlds largest food fight - this really is out of this world and I'll write a bit more about it later on this week (or next).

If you can't join us in Dublin you can check out the ITW show in London - it's free to get in and will give you chance to meet some of the people behind the tours that we offer - click here for details.

4 Day St Patricks Day Coach Tour - 16th March - 19th March 2006
Thursday 16th MarchEarly morning departure from Goldhawk Road, Stamford Brook for the drive to the ferry port at Holyhead, North Wales. Irish Ferries ‘Isle of Inishmore’ takes 3.5 hours and has an excellent authentic Irish bar on board! Arrival at our Dublin accommodation is early evening, in plenty of time to explore the great nightlife, which is just a short walk away from our accommodation. Tonight we have a huge Welcome Party organised in a local bar to start the tour as we mean to continue!!

Friday 17th March
St Patrick's Day! Enjoy the colour and spectacle of the day as the St Patrick’s parade snakes it’s way through the streets of Dublin, or just sit in one of the friendly pubs and get into the Guinness with a bunch of locals! This is the biggest day of the tour and you are free to enjoy it as you wish. We’ll provide maps and information on the festival programme and concerts so you can take in whatever appeals to your tastes.

Saturday 18th March
We have two great included options for you today. The first option is a group session at the famous Guinness Brewery for the afternoon where included in your tour price is the admission, the guided tour of the brewery and some complimentary Guinness!!
Alternatively you can choose to take a day trip to Northern Ireland and spend the day in Belfast. The return transport is included in your tour price. Once in Belfast you may like to take the famous Black Taxi tour of town of simply explore the city at your leisure.
Of course if you prefer, you are free to do your own thing throughout the day. You may like to take in a local tour of Dublin, or pass the time with a spot of shopping down Grafton Street. This evening we will head out to the Temple Bar area to sample more of the famous Dublin nightlife and hospitality.

Sunday 19th March
An early start for the ferry home! If you’re very keen, there’s the bar on the ferry, otherwise we pass time on the coaches on the way home with some videos and music. ETA back in London is 8:30 pm for the end of tour......

Whats Included
Return coach transport * Ferry crossing * 3 nights accommodation in central Dublin hostel * St Patrick's Day Parade and Celebrations * Continental breakfast * Guiness brewery tour including free Guiness * Day trip to Belfast * Commemorative St Patrick's Day 2006 T-shirt
Departures?16th March 2006 from Central London
Prices?£199 GBP per person - BOOK NOW

Ladies Day Royal Ascot and the Grand National

2005-12-29T07:09:00.000-08:00

Hello -

We've survived Christmas and are all ready to go for the ultimate New Years Party - Hogmanay! Around 1000 brave souls will be setting off tomorrow morning and afternoon for Edinburgh - I wonder how many will be able to make it into work on January 3rd?

Even though it's the holiday season as there is no rest for the wicked - we've been in the office sorting out even more party tours for 2006. We've updated the web site and are now accepting bookings for Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, The Grand National and Anzac Day Tours - remember for all of tours that are priced over 100 GBP - a 50 GBP per person deposit will hold your place and full payment is not due until 6 weeks before departure.

I'll leave you today with a link quite possibly the most frightening thing to ever happen in Hip Hop music and the itinerary for our Ladies Day At Royal Ascot tour.

Royal Ascot Ladies Day - June 22nd 2006
2006: ROYAL ASCOT MOVES HOME!!The world's most glamorous race meeting is set to return to Ascot with the multi-million redevelopment of the course almost complete. A new era in racing will begin in June with the Royal meeting confirmed as the opening date of what promises to be the best racing facility the world has seen. And you can be apart of it all on our fantastic day tour to Royal Ascot for Ladies Day on June 22.

We provide luxury return coach transport from London. Bubbly on journey to racecourse. Buffet lunch upon arrival with more bubbly and choice of wines. Entrance to the Silver Ring Enclosure and on our return journey we offer a free wine and cheese party.

Whats Included
* Return luxury coach transport to Royal Ascot from London * Bubbly provided on journey to racecourse * Buffet lunch upon arrival, more bubbly plus choice of wines * Entrance provided to the Silver Ring enclosure * join our special wine and cheese party back on board for the return trip * Exclusive post races party in central London *

Departures? 22nd June 2006

Prices? Only £75 GBP per person

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From Backpacker Tours

2005-12-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

Hello all it's the last day in the office and we've already started drinking so that's about it until after Christmas from all of us here.... However as there is no rest for the wicked some of us will be back here (feeling worse for wear - no doubt) on the December 27th and we will be working up until New Years Eve however most of the crew will be on the buses with our 800 + Hogmanay clients - everything is set so it's going to be another mental one! If your board between now and new years eve give us a call we may be able to get you a last minute package.

We've had a great year this year - taken more people to more destinations and partied harder then ever before - we have some great plans for 2006 and there will be some announcements in the New Year - hopefully we will see you at some point next year.

Well the pub is beckoning so I'll leave you with a link to Simon Sez Santa which is an excellent laugh.

Take care, party hard and stay safe this Christmas.

Michael

European Weekend Breaks

2005-12-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas is almost here and around 95% of tours are fully booked - we can still however get you a tour in Ireland for New Years click here for details.

If you ever fancy a quick break to Europe we offer weekend breaks to both Paris (via Eurostar) and Amsterdam (by coach) both packages are around 150 GBP per person and include transport, tours, breakfasts and hotel accommodation.

It's our Christmas Party for the office 'bods' tomorrow and everyone is looking forward to going out and having a few beers - don't expect much of blog on Thursday as we may have problems finding the keyboards of our computers.

I'll leave you tonight with a link to a website that allows you to email yourself in the future - trust me it's worth it for just reading the public entries.

Take care,

Michael

Paris Weekender Via Eurostar
Weekend in Paris by Eurostar - From Â£149 per person One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Paris contains a wealth of culture, heritage and history which captivates any visitor.
Our Paris 3 day weekend tours will now operate by Eurostar, allowing you extra time in this beautiful City.

The City is justifiably known as the most romantic City in the world.
Come and sample the unique atmosphere of Paris, window shop along the Champs Elysees, ascend the Eiffel Tower for the most breath taking views or visit the many other attractions such as Place de la Concorde, Notre Dame, Latin quater and Sacre Coeur. Join us for this wonderful weekend. Please note that all times are local.

Day One
Meet your tour manager outside the Eurostar check in desk at Waterloo International at 07.15. Depart by Eurostar from Waterloo and travel to Paris Gare du Nord. Arrive at Gare de Nord at approximately 11.47. A coach will then meet us to commence our City sightseeing tour. A chance to see all the major sights, photo opportunities where possible. Tour finishes at our hotel, check in and the remainder of the evening is free.

Day Two
A free day to enjoy the sights and attractions until 18.00hrs Meet the Tour Manager at 18.00 at a pre arranged point for our optional Paris by night tour. (Price not included) The tour includes a City tour by night, a river cruise on the Seine and a chance to view Paris by night from the Montparnasse tower.

Day Three
Another free day to enjoy Paris. Baggage may be left at the hotel, these will betransferredd to Gare du Nord with the Tour Manger for collection at 20.15hrs.Meet your tour manger at the Eurostar check in at Gare du Nord to collect bags. Depart Gare de Nord Paris for our return journey to Waterloo International.Arrive in Waterloo International approximately 22.57

Whats Included
Return Eurostar travel * 2 nights 2 star B&B hotel accommodation - all rooms en-suite * Guided sightseeing tour of Paris
Departures?
Every Friday from Waterloo International station
Prices?
149 - 159 GBP per person

St Patricks Day in Dublin 2006

2005-12-16T02:35:00.000-08:00

Hello all -

Well that's Hogmanay almost all fully booked - a got few spots left and we might be able to get you on if call the office today.

The next big event for us at Backpacker tours is St Patrick's Day in Dublin - this year we've got the following options available -

4 Day Coach Tour
199 GBP per person
16th - 19th March 2006

4 Day Flight Tour
295 GBP per person
16th - 19th March 2006

Accommodation Only
165 GBP per person
16th - 19th March 2006

In Dublin your accommodation for the St Patrick's Day Tour is at Avalon House Hostel. We are lucky enough to have use of this Hostel which is the best Hostel in Dublin, and regarded in the top 5 in Europe. Avalon House facilities are excellent including 24 hour security, security lockers, bureau de change, no curfew, hot showers, email and internet access and best of all is less than a 5 min walk from Temple Bar, Grafton Street, and Dublin's City Centre.

No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the Home of Guinness - St James Gate. As part of your St Patrick's Day tour we include an afternoon at the famous brewery including admission, a guided tour, and free Guinness!

As an alternative to the Guinness Brewery tour, you can choose to take a day trip to Northern Ireland and the city of Belfast. The return transport is included in your tour price. Once in Belfast you may like to take the famous Black Taxi tour of the city or simply explore the city at your leisure.

Included in your tour price Backpacker tours organises a huge WELCOME PARTY in a local bar for our first night in Dublin - a great way to kick off the tour. Also included in your tour price is a COMMEMORATIVE ST PATRICK'S DAY 2006 T-SHIRT.

Thats about it for today I'll leave you with a link that contains everything that man could possibly need.

Christmas Time in London

2005-12-13T07:29:00.000-08:00

Well we survived another weekend - hope all of you had good one! New experience this weekend was ....... a round of golf at the world famous Belfry course - 2nd only to St Andrews in Scotland. Not being much of golfer myself I must admit it was a different experience - however the buzz was in playing (rather badly) the same holes that Faldo, Ballesteros and Woods have in the past.

With Christmas rapdily approaching - most of you in London will probably know that 99% of London is closed on Christmas Day and that's where are sister website Bestvaluetours can help.

We offer a range of Christmas day tours - so if your stuck in London you can still get out of the house.

Summer 2006 - Le Tomatina - coming soon!

2005-12-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

Well another cold day with grey sky's - at least we had a summer to remember - floods at Glastonbury and swimming in the puddles afterwards is just one of things that we did - the other top event was Le Tomatotina a 1st for us here at Backpackertours (and I must admit we are on the jaded side) this was one event that was completely out of control. You would think that after all the years and events from the love parade in Berlin to snowboarding in the alps with couple of African safari's and trips to south America in between we though we had seen it all - not so this completely spun us out!

Next years schedule isn't quite ready to go yet (we are still waiting on flights to be confirmed) - however I've posted below last years four day flight package as soon everythings set we will post it on our special events pages.

Until tomorrow I'll leave you with a link that will make you wish that a new series of survivor was being filmed at the minute.

Day 1 Our tour group meets at Stansted Airport bright and early where you will be greeted by your tour leader and the rest of your traveling companions. Upon arrival in Valencia we will make our way directly to our excellent city centre hotel where we will be accommodated throughout our stay.After check-in the group is invited to get together for a drink in the hotel before we head out to sample the famous Valencia nightlife.

Day 2 Today you have the entire day free to get out and explore the fabulous city of Valencia whether it be in the old town or out at the fabulous beaches. In the evening you have the chance to travel out to one of Valencia's surrounding villages and partake in an all night grape and wine festival. This event is one of the highlights of the tour and an amazing experience. The group leaves at 9pm and returns at 4am back to Valencia in order to prepare for La Tomatina.If you choose to stay in Valencia for the night we have a local bar organised for a pre-tomatina party!

Day 3 La Tomatina Festival: Today is the reason we are here in Spain so after an early start we will transfer to Bunol for the world famous 'La Tomatina' tomato fight! The preparations start in the early morning and by midday it's time for the festivities to start. The tomato fight lasts for one hour and is an experience you will never forget. (see the festival details)After the tomato fight has concluded we spend a few hours in Bunol cleaning ourselves off before transferring by charter coach back to our hotel in Valencia. After a long shower we will join together at a local bar to compare stories from this amazing day.

Day 4 A slow start to the day today as we continue the long process of removing every last piece of tomato from ourselves!Today you have free time to explore more of Valencia or perhaps head out to the beach. Check-out of our Hotel is midday but the Hotel will securely store our luggage until the evening flight. After you days activities, the group will join together at 4pm and head out to the airport for the return flight to London. Upon arrival in London it is time to bid farewell to our travelling companions as our tour concludes.

Scheduled Return Flights from London Stansted to Valencia (Air Berlin) 3 Nights Quality Hotel Accommodation in Valencia City Centre World Famous 'La Tomatina' Festival Transfers from Valencia to Bunol for 'La Tomatina' Souvenir 'La Tomatina' T-Shirt

Running of the Bulls 2006 Pamplona, Spain

2005-12-06T01:34:00.000-08:00

Hello - if you are looking to go to Edinburgh for Hogmanany you better be quick as we are down to our last 10 rooms of so at the Ibis Hotel

If after a big hectic weekend (some of us in the office were out clubbing [and I don't mean seals]in London from 11 PM Friday until 6 AM Saturday and still managed to make to the pub for Saturday lunchtime drinks) some of you out there might be feeling a touch run down, tired, bored of the grey sky etc - only one thing for it - looking forward to next summer!

We are just getting ready to release all of our packages for Running of the Bulls 2006 in Pamplona, Spain - thats right all the sun and sangeria (or San Miguel if you prefer) mixed with insane days of non-stop parties, traditional sporting contests and a seemingly endless celebration of local music and culture. Not to mention the Running of the Bulls itself - Jack Osborne managed it last year - are you up for it?

This year promises to be the best yet and we will be offering more options then ever - we've got 5, 6, 8 and day coach/camping package all departing from and returning to London - we've also got one way specials for those of you who wish to wander around Europe for a it afterwards. Already going to be in Europe and want to party with best the crew in town - no problem we also do accommodation only packages. Less time but got a bit of extra cash? Can't face the coach journey? We will also have both flight/camping tours and flight/hotel tours available.

All details will be on the website towards the end of the week - you can see last years details by clicking here - I'll post the new link to 2006 Pamplona tours as soon as the page is ready for public viewing (who knew that this web site building could be such a messy business). The most popular tour's itinerary is at the bottom of this blog.

No matter how bad your week is most of you can probably look forward to the weekend - not me unfortunately - it's the other half's annual Christmas Party - as she works for one these big huge monster corporations - it's a dinner suit, posh hotel, nice meal etc type of thing which doesn't really fit in too well with our lifestyle so spare me thought when you are in your favourite pub on Saturday night. I'll leave you with a link to an online game I recently found to do with pubs.

Michael

Sunday 2nd July 2006: Coaches leave London at 1pm and make the journey throughout France and overnight to Spain. BYO drinks or purchase on the ferry to start the trip in the right style! Ensure you bring passports, sleeping bags and all other essentials for the week.

Monday 3rd July 2006: Arrival at El Molino campsite is around 11am. After checking into your accommodation you have the day free to lounge by the pool and settle in. An afternoon Meal is provided before a huge party night! Welcome to Spain …Welcome to San Fermin!!

Tuesday July 4th & Wednesday July 5th 2006:On one of these days you will visit the beautiful San Sebastian to spend time at the beach or in one of the many tapas bars. On the other day you will go into Pamps itself and get orientated. You will have time to shop for your running whites, champagne, eggs, and flour for the opening ceremony! You also have the chance to take a walk down the bull running route and plan your run! Back to El Molino each evening for party nights as all other tours arrive in Spain.

Thursday July 6th 2006: Opening Ceremony!. Today is the biggest day of the Pamplona festival and after breakfast we head into town for the 12pm start. Shuttles run back to El Molino throughout the afternoon and evening finishing after the 11pm end of day fireworks.

Friday 7th July 2006: Early wake up for the first bull run of 2006. We take you into town and back to camp after the running for breakfast. Shuttles run to and from Pamps throughout the day and evening before a final party night at El Molino. Tonight provides the perfect opportunity to head into Pamplona for the fireworks display or to catch a bull fight.

Saturday 8th July 2006: This is our last day in Spain and a very full one with an early start for the bull run and then back to the camp for brunch. In the afternoon there is last chance for sangrias by the pool before the trip home. Departure from Spain is 6pm.

Sunday 9th July 2006: All good things must come to an end and today the Pamps tour is all over! Expected arrival back in London is 6pm for the end of our tour.

Price: 255 GBP per person

Tour includes -

RETURN LUXURY COACH TRANSPORT INCLUDING FERRY CROSSINGS
QUALITY ACCOMMODATION (CHOICE OF DORMS OR PRE ERECTED QUALITY DOME TENTS)
OPENING CEREMONY & FIRST TWO BULL RUNS OF SAN FERMIN
SAN SEBASTIAN BEACH DAY EXCURSION
ORIENTATION DAY IN PAMPLONA BEFORE FESTIVAL
FREE SHUTTLE TRANSFERS FROM CAMP TO PAMPS TO CAMP
BACKPACKER BULL RUNNERS T-SHIRT
PAMPLONA BULL RUNNERS BANDANNA
BREAKFAST EVERY DAY – AFTERNOON/EVENING ARRIVAL MEAL EL MOLINO – THE BEST AND CLOSEST CAMP TO PAMPLONA – SWIMMING POOL, RESTAURANT, SHOP, BARS,LONDON DJs, SECURITY, RIVERSIDE LOCATION + much more!

Last Chance Hogmanay in Edinburgh Accommodation

2005-12-05T00:57:00.000-08:00

We have survived another big weekend here at Backpackertours and things are getting busy! We have almost sold out for all of our Hogmanay in Edinburgh tours and accommodation packages. The same goes for Christmas in either Scotland or Ireland - click here to check out whats left! London on Christmas day is notorious for being quiet with 98% of pubs, restaurants and shops closed for the entire day - if you are stuck in London on Christmas day our sister website still has spaces on day tours available including Christmas Lunch on the Thames which has always been popular - click here for details.

Next big event on the horizon - is St Patrick's Day in Dublin.

This year we are offerring 3 different options -

4 Day Coach Tour from London

4 Day Flight Tour from London

and

Accommodation Only in Dublin

The 4 Day Coach tour is always the most popular - the itinerary is below and we have already started taking bookings - a 50 GBP per person deposit will hold your places and full payment is not due until 6 weeks before departure.

4 Day St Patricks Day Coach Tour - 16th March - 19th March 2006
Thursday 16th MarchEarly morning departure from Goldhawk Road, Stamford Brook for the drive to the ferry port at Holyhead, North Wales. Irish Ferries ‘Isle of Inishmore’ takes 3.5 hours and has an excellent authentic Irish bar on board! Arrival at our Dublin accommodation is early evening, in plenty of time to explore the great nightlife, which is just a short walk away from our accommodation. Tonight we have a huge Welcome Party organised in a local bar to start the tour as we mean to continue!!

Friday 17th March
St Patrick's Day! Enjoy the colour and spectacle of the day as the St Patrick’s parade snakes it’s way through the streets of Dublin, or just sit in one of the friendly pubs and get into the Guinness with a bunch of locals! This is the biggest day of the tour and you are free to enjoy it as you wish. We’ll provide maps and information on the festival programme and concerts so you can take in whatever appeals to your tastes.

Saturday 18th March
We have two great included options for you today. The first option is a group session at the famous Guinness Brewery for the afternoon where included in your tour price is the admission, the guided tour of the brewery and some complimentary Guinness!!

Alternatively you can choose to take a day trip to Northern Ireland and spend the day in Belfast. The return transport is included in your tour price. Once in Belfast you may like to take the famous Black Taxi tour of town of simply explore the city at your leisure.

Of course if you prefer, you are free to do your own thing throughout the day. You may like to take in a local tour of Dublin, or pass the time with a spot of shopping down Grafton Street. This evening we will head out to the Temple Bar area to sample more of the famous Dublin nightlife and hospitality.

Sunday 19th March
An early start for the ferry home! If you’re very keen, there’s the bar on the ferry, otherwise we pass time on the coaches on the way home with some videos and music. ETA back in London is 8:30 pm for the end of tour......

Whats Included
Return coach transport * Ferry crossing * 3 nights accommodation in central Dublin hostel * St Patrick's Day Parade and Celebrations * Continental breakfast * Guiness brewery tour including free Guiness * Day trip to Belfast * Commemorative St Patrick's Day 2006 T-shirt
Departures?16th March 2006 from Central London

Christmas In Ireland 2005

2005-11-30T00:44:00.000-08:00

Got quite a bit on today so unfortunately - this will be fairly short to day - however if anyone out there spots this not today and wants to take the tour below - I'll be happy to knock 10 GBP off the tour price.

I'll also leave you with a great link to an excellent website for all of you who have ever dreamed of your having your name up in lights

6 Day Tour of Southern Ireland - New Years Eve in Killarney - departs Dublin December 28th 2005

A New Years party to remember in Irelands premier tourist town... mix with locals and international visitors alike, riverdance the night away with the mother of all New Years hooleys!
All the action packed value of our 6 day south tour plus Killarney for New Years eve, the independent traveller wins again!!

From the Guinness Brewery, one of the worlds great visitor attractions to trendy, Gaelic speaking Galway on the wild Atlantic - ultra-chic, very European, yet totally Irish! Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry tour included. We proudly introduce you to the beauty that is Ireland. An unbeatable 2 night stay in magical Killarney. A priceless opportunity to get to know the charming Irish people a little better! Rugged mountains, romantic sandy beaches and crystal cascades sparkle as the Paddywagon cruises into the lovely Dingle peninsula, youll stay in our very own Irish pub, the Randy Leprechaun!! Visit Cork, European city of Culture 2005. Kiss the nearby Blarney stone. One of our most popular tours with loads of repeat customers. This tour was broadcast on National Radio and Television and received rave reviews. Join the fun, join the Paddywagon. Youll remember this holiday to be sure, to be sure!

Day 1: Dublin - Killiney - Glendalough - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork.
We leave the bustling metropolis of Dublin to begin this wonderful adventure together. The excitement builds as we cruise through the flat lush Horse lands of Kildare. We view the 12th century Norman castles of Kilkenny as we approach the Rock Of Cashel, Irelands equivalent of Ayers Rock with a majestic 12th Century Cathedral/Palace on top. Have your cameras ready! Fantastic photo opportunity. We are privileged to get a guided tour of mediaeval Cahir Castle, see first hand the bloody thirty past of the fighting Irish! Then we take the ancient Munster highway into Cork, the Republic of Ireland’s charming second city on the banks of the Lee. Our first night together is in mediaeval is in Kinsale. Arguably Ireland’s most beautiful village. Like a wee Irish Monte Carlo, classy Kinsale slopes down into the calm ocean. Its home to Irelands finest Restaurants and the new super-rich of our Celtic Tiger economy! Despite their new found wealth the Locals haven’t lost their charm and a hearty Cork welcome waits you in its many quaint pubs!

Day 2: Cork – Blarney Castle – West Cork – Cork/Kerry Mountains - Killarney (bonus 2 night stay!)
Top of the morning to ya! First stop today is the world famous Blarney Castle, to kiss the Blarney stone… 7 years of eloquent speech will be your magical reward. Paddywhackery aside, this is actually a very impressive 12th Gaelic Fortress built by the McCarthy Clan. We give you lots of time to stroll the lovely castle Park and Gardens, maybe buy some gifts in the mindboggling discount souvenir stores in Blarney village. After lunch we advance to West Cork, the Rebel County, birthplace of Patriot leader Michael Collins (1921), before adventuring into the wild and beautiful Cork & Kerry Mountains. The best is yet to come! Killarney, Ireland’s most welcoming tourist town. We have a relaxing two night stay, top of the ratings in our tour member evaluations! Your chance to experience the Irish way of life in-depth! Guinness, Storytelling, Music, Irish Dancing, Castles, National Park, Lakes!! Killarney has it all …. Happy Days, Happy Nights!

Day 3: Killarney – Ring of Kerry & Gap of Dunloe – Dingle Bay & Skellig Islands – Killarney National Park & Torc Waterfalls – Killarney.
Today we concentrate a full day on the most wonderful scenic drive in Western Europe – The Ring of Kerry! Your guide will enchant you with the legends and stories of the Kingdom of Kerry as you cruise through this emerald paradise. Maybe hike up the Gap of Dunloe, storm the peninsula’s pre-historic Celtic stone fortresses, and visit the National Park and Torc Waterfalls, before returning to Killarney to party with the Irish on our final night in Irelands most loved holiday town!

Day 4: Killarney – Dingle – Slea Head – Sleeping Giant Island – Blasket Islands – Ballyferriter – Fungi the Dolphin – Oceanside Hike – Dingle.
Alas we must bid farewell to Killarney! Today though is the shortest day on the Paddywagon coach! We drive North to the next majestic Peninsula, through Dingle and out to Slea Head. Walk the beaches featured in Far & Away & Ryan’s Daughter, be astounded at Sleeping Giant Island (see brochure) and speak beautiful lyrical Irish Gaelic with the locals in Ballyferriter. After our half day touring this archaeological wonderland we return to Dingle (An Daingean). You can relax on the pier with the fishermen, take an Oceanside hike, swim with Fungi the Dolphin, or take an optional Horse riding excursion. Dingle is a world famous, relaxed, Irish speaking Fishing village, we’re certain you’ll fall in love with it.

Day 5: Dingle – Tralee – Shannon Ferry – Lahinch – Cliffs of Moher – The Burren – Galway Bay – Galway.
We drive North through the Festival Town of Tralee, home to young female ‘Roses’ of Irish descent each year. We take the Shannon Ferry into musical county Clare, home to the famine walls, the mind-blowing 750ft high Cliffs of Moher and the mystical 200 million year old Burren area – an archeological, botanical and geological wonderland. Lunch at the surfing town of Lahinch. We enter the province of Connacht. Scenic stop at Ballyvaughan to view Dunguaire Castle and the Dark Galway ‘Hookers’ (ask your driver!). On via Galway Bay to Gaelic Galway - Irelands most hip, most historic medieval Party City.

Day 6: Galway – Ferbane – Bog of Allen – Guinness Brewery – Dublin
You should arise early and view the Spanish arch and the 12th century walls before we journey on the road to Dublin. Cross the Shannon by bridge this time into the province of Leinster and County Offaly. The Hiney Family feed and water us in Ferbane in anticipation of the Great Bogs of Allen. We finish our adventures together in the most revered site of all - the Guinness Brewery, we take a tour of one of the world’s great visitor attractions. The perfect end to be sure, to be sure…. Slainte!

Departure?
Departs Dublin at 08.00 am on December 28th 2005

How much?
£229 GBP (includes hostel accommodation, light breakfast and entrance to Visitor Centres) - BOOK NOW