News from the Nest Blog

Those who call the Southern Hemisphere home have spent their fair share of Christmases in the heat. While poolside presents and balmy backyard games are a nice way to spend the summer months, Albatross Tours has devoted over 27 years showing Australians and New Zealanders a different side of Christmas. A Christmas market tour is just one of the idyllic ways to spend your days and nights on a European winter holiday – through cities like Frankfurt, Munich and Milan. Albatross is proud to present three intimate group Christmas market tours with options from 10 to 13 days. We can’t wait to guide you through some of Europe’s most majestic markets this Christmas.

Launching our new Christmas Markets & Mountains Mystery Tour for December 2022!

So, you want to travel?

Well, we know that will be impossible for us unless most Australians get vaccinated.

Whilst ‘Scomo’ curiously said it wasn’t ‘a race’, we sure as hell are picking up speed! Vaccination hesitancy appears to be significantly waning, more people are focused on what we can do to get through this Covid mess and less on misguided, social media half-truths. But having said that, indeed, this letter of mine – however, balanced it is or not, would also come under the social media banner! So, anything I write here is my considered opinion and gleaned from what I have studied, interpreted from what I see and hear around me, plus feedback from my friends and work colleagues across Europe. Therefore, what follows is my two pennyworths….

When you’re travelling throughout Europe, sampling the local food and drinks at each destination is a great way to immerse yourself, tastebuds and all, into the local culture. Here’s a quick look at some of the continent’s most iconic meals.

Leeds Castle, 'the loveliest castle in the world' is where we stay for the last and most memorable night on our Best of British tour. With a history dating back to the 12th century, the castle has been a Norman stronghold; a royal residence; a Jacobean country house; a Georgian mansion; an elegant early 20th century retreat for the influential and famous; and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain. Discover more about the fascinating history of Leeds Castle.

Why not bring a bit of Europe to your Christmas table this year? From Germany’s Stollen Christmas Cake, to England’s Mince Pies, we have some great ideas and recipes to get you started. Along the way you will also learn more about the origins of these delicious treats. Now time to get on your aprons!

Did you know Spain is one of the most well represented countries on the UNESCO World Heritage list with 48 sites? From the historic centre of Cordoba, the works of Gaudi in Barcelona and the paleolithic cave art in Northern Spain, travellers are spoilt with choice. No doubt all the sites are worth visiting however to make it easy for you we have selected our top 7 UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites in Spain.