Gibraltar - Britain in the Sun

Over the last few weeks major Television network Channel 5 has aired a real life story documentary about Gibraltar.  The series focused on Gibraltar’s tourism industry and how our united community make this destination a paradise to many.  Our team at Blands Travel are extremely interested in receiving your comments on the series and for this same reason I have decided to write this post and write about the added features that you may have not seen on the documentary.

 

Gibraltar offers much more than what was shown on the programme, special emphasis was given on the world renowned Barbary Macaques, the VAT products and the nice weather.  I have prepared four different activities that can be carried out in Gibraltar.  The programme has certainly been positive to Gibraltar and its actual Destination image, however, I would like to highlight that other features make this holiday destination  more appealing.

 

1.       Gibraltar’s Most Original Rock Tour

 

Investment in Gibraltar’s historical tourist sites mean that the Rock tour is a must when visiting Gibraltar.  Join us and jump aboard our buses to live an experience which captures history and our renowned apes which have long been an iconic feature to Gibraltar.  Sites such as St Michaels cave with its fantastic auditorium, is an emblem feature as you gaze at the fantastic stalactites which display this wonderful cave.  Visit Apes Den, see the Barbary macaques in their natural habitat, they roam the den freely and you will be able to see them up-close.

 

2.       Gibraltar’s Own Glass Factory

 

Have you ever wondered how glass is made? Have you only seen this on the Discovery Channel? Well if you come to Gibraltar, visiting the Glass Factory is a must. A short tour of glass making captures the essence of glass making.  The glass factory houses their own production team and you can easily become involved with the team as you may even try and make your own wine glass.  The Factory is located in Casemates Square just beside the Tourist Information Office.

 

3.       Alameda Botanical Tour

 

If nature is of interest… join us on a botanical tour of Gibraltar’s Alameda Botanical Gardens.  These gardens feature a wide array of flora and fauna which is truly fantastic.  Recent renovations of the gardens have enlightened the many different features on display, this can be complimented by a tour of the Wildlife Park which houses many different animals.

 

4.       A Wine and Tapas evening

 

Many different places in Gibraltar offer the opportunity of wine tasting followed by tapas, on a warm evening in September, the Wine festival is held at Chatham Counterguard.  If you are a wine enthusiast and enjoy tapas this festival is fantastic.  Along with the festival, the Rock Hotel offers a similar evening at the Khaima Marquee, a wonderful Moroccan Marquee set up in the hotels gardens.  

 

There are many other features that make Gibraltar a truly wonderful destination to visit.  If you are planning on visiting Gibraltar in 2014, let us know and we can prepare an itinerary for your visit.

 

Happy Travelling.

 

Our Easter Suggestions 2013

Discover our Spring secrets this year, It is hardly believable to see ourselves coming into March already.  Soon enough we will be introducing our summer line up for 2013.  As spring approaches fast, have a look at our portfolio of spring activities.

Family day out at La Pequena Africa – the new zoo based in Jimena is a fun filled day out for families; the name itself shows the vast amount of animals who habit the zoo.  It really does remind you of little Africa.  The zoo is great for children seeking other types of adventure as archery and zip lining.  Why not spend any given Sunday at the Park as they open every day including Spanish public holidays.

Isla Magica – Another one of our favourites is Isla Magica.  If it is your first time wanting to go let us know we will organise your trip for you.  The park never seems to amaze the younger generation with new rides and events occurring at the park.  Isla Magica is easy to get to and is certain to be enjoyed by all.

Quad bikingand Horse-riding – This adrenaline seeking activity is great at this time of year.  Tarifa offers all the amenities for a great quad session with your mates or colleagues.  Family horse-riding activities are also available during the spring months, I can guarantee a wonderful time whilst you gaze at the straits mounted on your horse.

Windsurfing in Tarifa – If you are a novice or a natural windsurfer Tarifa offers all kinds of activities for the enthusiast.  Our colleagues over there will be more than happy to show you around before getting agrips of what windsurfing really entails.   A must for anyone who has always wanted to try it out… you won’t be disappointed!

Day Trips inTangiers – Our favourite excursion to another continent thrills everyone.. our guides from Gibraltar and Tangiers will escort you all along.  Tangiers in Spring offers much more than you can imagine, visit the historical places of interest along with its gastronomy really make our trip enjoyable.

 

 

 

Happy Travelling

 

 

 



Relax with Blands Travel in Gibraltar

 

 

 

Life is not all about fun and games, nor about work.  Next time you visit Gibraltar why not pamper yourself to some relaxing free time at the many places Gibraltar has to offer. Although the Rock is small in dimension the many different varieties of comfort and relax we enjoy is immense. Get to know Gibraltar in a totally different way as we go through the top four relaxing activities you can carry out while you are here.

 

1. Atlantic Suites Gym and Spa – The Spa especially its outdoor pool area is fascinating for the warmer months as its located within the gardens of the Atlantic Suites complex.  Gazing through the bay of Gibraltar, the pool is certainly a place to be at.  The sun beds and sauna make it that extra special. 

 

2. Stroll through the Alameda Gardens – Stroll through these beautiful gardens as you hear the birds in the surrounding vicinity whistling away.  Stunning flora and fauna make the gardens a must see when you visit Gibraltar.  This hidden secret is a perfect getaway from the bustling town centre, be it to read or just catch some rays of the sun, the Alameda Gardens is a lovely escape from it all.

 

3. Tea and Scones – If you love your morning tea joint with fantastic scenery backdrop, why not visit the Rock Hotel one morning.  There English tea and scones make a perfect supplement to your morning.  Sit down in the terrace whilst you simply gaze at the bay of Gibraltar.  One fine secret to this is to visit the hotel at dusk when twilight is set to creep in… simply wonderful.

 

4. Lunch at the Caleta – The Caleta hotel is located on the other side of Gibraltar, a place of tranquillity where you will be able to enjoy some wonderful Italian lunch at the hotel’s restaurant, followed by a nice stroll through the Catalan Bay beach, here you will find some Gelateria’s which will certainly accompany you perfectly as you visit this picturesque village.

 

If you wish to find out more of Gibraltar’s relaxing hidden gems please let us know and we will tell you our little Spring secrets.

 

Happy Travelling

 

The Weekly Traveller

 

Top 10 Things To Do When You Visit Gibraltar and the Region

As 2012 closes to an end, many may believe that the Mayans were right after all in predicting the end of the world.  We don’t, we believe that 2013 will bring an end to the economic downturn or at least the beginning of a positive and prosperous year.  Blands Travel have some new products which can be seen as enhancement to experiencing Gibraltar, Spain and Morocco.  Not only do we cater for the original Rock Tours and our other excursions, this New Year call on the Blands Travel team to organise that special experience which will certainly make you think of our proximity when it comes to adventure or leisure.  This region has too much to offer for people to travel to far places in the world to experience the same this region already is enriched with.

Just as a taster, we can organise kite surfing in Tarifa to paint balling in Sotogrande, doom buggies to horse-riding gazing at the panoramic backdrop of Gibraltar.  Camel riding to cooking your own Moroccan cuisine in Fez, Morocco.  The possibilities are endless; my favourite has to be spending the night in your own self equipped tents which really are comfortable in the middle of the Saharan Dessert, have you ever thought of that?

I am to blame for not having written sooner… the Weekly Traveller really needs to pull up his socks when it comes to blogging, well enough about that… have a look at my top 10 travel adventures we would like to organise for you guys in the new year, but what the heck let’s start by least exciting to the most anticipated experience:

10.          Mountain Biking      

       

Sometimes there are just certain Routes you have to take! Why not enjoy the pleasure of bike riding and unrivalled routes… although at number 10, this certainly is an experience as you pace yourself through some routes which you wouldn't call on this region.

9.            Gibraltar’s World War II Tunnel networks. 

A must do while you are in Gibraltar, if you reside in Gib, then come and visit this magnificent network of tunnels and gather a taste of our historic heritage, the tunnels allow you the ability to experience a taste of life for the soldiers of this ‘garrison in the dark'.

8.            Quads in Tarifa. 

At number 8…… an experience to be lived with a group of friends. Having various organised quad routes we are looking to thrill you whilst you enjoy the journey around the Natural Park of the Straights. Driving through tunnels, over the high dunes and across beaches, rivers and bridges, all this while climbing and descending exhilarating heights.

7.            Horse Riding

 Ever wanted to live an unforgettable rising experience, ride a horse through the beaches and dunes of the region, whilst you gaze at Gibraltar’s fantastic backdrop.

6.            Wreck diving    

Gibraltar's has over 30 wrecks to explore; Gibraltar's diving gives another dimension to the adventurer.  Europa Reef is a well-known point for divers and offers the more adventurous underwater explorer the chance to find caves, drop offs and to see actual anchors of Phoenician and Roman ships that still remain on the sea bed. 

5.            Windsurfing

 

We can organise wind surfing trips for you and your group. Imagine the wind acting as your motor and the sea as your destination, come and experience how the locals get away from the hustle and bustle.  With so much wind and such a beautiful setting windsurfing is an incredibly exciting activity.

4.            Hot Air Ballooning 

        

Enjoy the beauty of Marrakesh from above by taking a ride on our hot air balloon flight from La Palmeraie in the north-east corner of the city. As you fly over villages you will have superb panoramic views across the palm grove against the backdrop of the breath-taking Atlas Mountains.  This has to go in an number 4 simply because the top three are simply superb.  However, I would advise doing this next time you travel to Morocco.

3.            Camel Treks in the Sahara

Visiting the Sahara Dessert is a once in a lifetime experience. Envisage riding a camel through the Sahara with nothing around you and no sound apart from the footsteps of the camel on the soft sand. The sky is clear in the day and packed with millions of bright stars at night and a truly peaceful experience, rarely known to most of the busy western world.

2.            Sahara Desert Adventures     

     

Travel through the Sahara like you get to see in films. Get a group together for this as the bedroom tents fits up to three single beds or one large king size bed with the comfort of a hotel room. Each of the tents is linked to each other by smaller compartments which hold facilities such as hot shower, WC and a sink. The restaurant tent has four tables and the whole camp is covered by colourful Berber carpets and cushions.

1.            Skydiving

If you have ever dreamed of such a thing... why not try it.... After all you only live once... you will feel so upbeat you will want to dive again. We respect that you may want to start small... therefore why not try a tandem jump, where without an extensive prior training, you will live an exciting experience, connected to a highly qualified instructor.  I have placed Skydiving as the Weekly Traveller’s Number 1 Experience because we feel it is the most anticipated and adventurous really putting you off your comfort zone!

So there we go… Blands Travel’s top 10 experiences that can be lived in Gibraltar, Spain and Morocco… if you one day decide to actually experience one of our activities do let us know, we are always a phone call or a Facebook post away.

Happy Travelling Everyone

Christmas time… 48 days Left

There may well be 48 days left for Christmas and the Christmas lights have not yet been placed.  However, this is no valid reason For Blands Travel to not start promoting our Christmas products.  This year is different… we are feeling that spirit tingling around the atmosphere.. We have not yet played those Christmas carols in the office but we have certainly been hours on the pin board trying to see where we can take our clients this festive season.

If you enjoy the magic of Christmas markets and especially the smell of those charcoaled sausages slowly cooked on German style barbecues… then join us.  Last year the team travelled up to Granada to visit the Christmas market there, may I say the pictures and tales are impressive.  Obviously the markets are not the proper Christmas markets you will see in Dusseldorf, Germany.  However, Spain’s Christmas markets are a must see, it really gets you excited for Christmas.

Christmas Shopping Trips

Christmas, as you will know delivers plenty of presents; the other side to this is empty wallets.  If you still haven’t bought your Christmas presents this year, Blands Travel will take you to two major shopping centres in the peninsula, Area Sur in Jerez and Larios shopping centre .  If you fancy arranging a trip with friends or colleagues to shop till you drop, then just let us know.  We will take you there and back in one piece but with plenty of shopping bags.

Trip to Umbrete

This trip to Umbrete in Seville has been designed so that you can gather a group of friends or even colleagues and get on a bus get your quality Spanish ham, eat well, drink and get back on the bus.  Jamones Pichilin offers the greatest cuts of ham, I personally buy my “pata negra” from them for the last three years and I must say that I still haven’t tried one better.  On the trip you will also have the chance to have lunch at El Rufino… popular with Gibraltarians who travel upto Portugal  this restaurant offers the best Huevos revueltos ( egg, chips and ham diced to make it the best flavour to tackle your taste buds).

Antequera

Who doesn't like Polvorones in the Christmas season, if it’s not your nan it’s your mother who lays them on the Christmas table, you can’t just resist one!  Well come and join us on our tour to Antequera, you will be able to tour the actual factories of la Perla, In time for buying a bunch and then having some well-deserved lunch.  This trip is to be enjoyed by all, I must say I really enjoyed planning this day out as I always had the local community in mind as I know how much they love their polvorones come this time of year.

Just comment on the blog or let us know through our facebook page whether you would like to join us on any of our trips this Christmas.

Keep posted for our next blog on Hints and tips when travelling to Gibraltar!

Happy Travelling

The Love for Tourism

I could ask everyone in my Google circles or even my Facebook friends if they love to travel or go on holiday.. and I can guarantee you that nearly everyone.. oh what the heck.. everyone would reply to a resounding YES!

Okay.. it may be a yes… then why is it that there is on certain occasions a notion of displeasure when a destination is crowded with tourists.  This summer I visited a few European cities whilst on a cruise holiday.  My experience within certain cities was of irritation and tension.  I do not want to be misinterpreted when I say this as this was on certain circumstances, but there were some unpleasant moments which really do affect the visitor.  Many places around the world especially certain Islands in the Caribbean benefit from what is called the “Tourist Dollar”.  They believe that tourist dollars are the icing on the cake on simple living.  Their lifestyles although wanted by many are basic and keep the locals self-sufficient. Their tropical paradise is a more than decent proposition.   However this is not always the case, certain countries may well depend on the influx of tourism, and it is for this case especially that resident and tourist cohesion need to be materialised by the way of community- visitor programmes which integrate tourism and the local population.

As a local in Gibraltar, I must say that certain initiatives are taken especially in the summer months.  A traditional culinary event is held in the month of June called the Calentita night, here both locals and tourists enjoy the fine food from all walks of life that inhabit in Gibraltar.  Gibraltar is a small community located in the Southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, it enjoys of more than 300 days of sunshine and fantastic scenic settings… what can I say about its people?.. Well, Gibraltarians are warming and will go out of their way to make any daily visitor or tourist welcome to our fantastic destination. If you ever decide to come and visit get in contact with us… we will happily assist you with your travel requirements whilst you are here, plus you can visit the famous apes or travel to Morocco… remember keep this in mind. Last Friday I enjoyed lunch in Gibraltar.. then travelled to Spain to visit some wine bodegas and finished the evening dining exquisitely in Morocco… we can deliver all this within a day.  Enjoy the best of three worlds with Blands Travel.

 

Happy Travelling

 

 

 

 

Gibraltar National Day

It is that time of the year again; Gibraltarians will soon be dressing up in red and white.  Gibraltar’s National Day is celebrated annually on the 10^th September since 1992. The day commemorates Gibraltar's first sovereignty referendum of 1967. 

This blog entry discovers why this emblematic day has become a highlight in the calendar.  Although the main feature of the day has to be the release of 30,000 red and white balloons which in essence resembles each Gibraltarian citizen, the day is also remembered because of the community and its ability to come together as one.  The vast amount of visitors who travel to Gibraltar on National day are astonished to see everyone in their national colours.  In the past I have personally seen some visitors actually dressed up for the occasion… the day does symbolise Gibraltarian people, however locals are more than happy when visitors join in the scheduled activities.

If someone decides to visit Gibraltar on National day the weekly traveller can guarantee that they will have a fantastic day, from the early hours of the morning until the close of day the different activities and events held throughout the Rock are immense.  As you make you your way to Casemates Square be ready to meet the swarm of locals in red and white, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and music then expect the eagerly awaited release of the balloons.  After the morning has elapsed, you will notice that all restaurants and bars will start filling up with hungry locals. Make your way to restaurants who will be offering National Day menus…after your tasteful lunch why not wander through town and see what events are being held adequate for you… it may just be that there is some Karaoke fun awaiting….The evening’s highlight is the firework display which marks the end of an eventful day.

Please let us know about your National Day experience, send in memorable photos of the day and get the chance to have your photo on our Facebook page.

Happy Travelling

The Weekly Traveller