Dawn's blog posts

The perfect holiday for food enthusiasts. Exploring Crete through a gastronomy lens was a unique way to experience a different side to this greek island

Escorted Gastronomy Tours

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history, culture and cuisine in our brand-new escorted group tours. We’re passionate about offering our guests unique and expertly curated itineraries in beautiful destinations. Our escorted group tours offer a multitude of benefits that will enhance your overall travel experience. The knowledgeable local guides will lead the way and provide insider insights. All logistics, from transportation to accommodation and activities are taken care of, giving you peace of mind and the freedom to relax and enjoy your getaway. Traveling in a group with like-minded people fosters meaningful connections with fellow holidaymakers, creating shared memories that last a lifetime.

Embark on a culinary journey like no other with our gastronomy tours, meticulously designed to delight food enthusiasts and culture aficionados alike. Discover the vibrant flavours and rich traditions of each location as you partake in special cookery lessons led by expert chefs, unveiling the secrets of authentic regional cuisine. From mastering the art of crafting traditional dishes to discovering the finest local ingredients at bustling markets, every moment promises to tantalise your taste buds and ignite your passion for gastronomy. Indulge in exquisite dining experiences at handpicked restaurants renowned for their exceptional culinary offerings, where each dish tells a story. Whether savouring a farm-to-table feast in the countryside, sampling the local wines or dining in a renowned establishment, our gastronomy tours promise an unforgettable gastronomic adventure that will leave you craving more.

Traverse ancient cobblestone streets and marvel at iconic landmarks as you explore historic sites brimming with stories of bygone eras. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you'll unravel the fascinating narratives behind each monument, temple, and archaeological wonder, gaining profound insights into the intricate layers of the region's past. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to hidden gems off the beaten path, every stop on our cultural trips promise to unveil the essence of each destination, allowing you to forge a deeper connection with its people, customs, and timeless treasures. Prepare to be spellbound as you delve into centuries-old civilisations, vibrant cultural traditions, and architectural marvels that bear witness to the enduring legacy of civilisations past.

Abbey is originally from Durham but is now a student at Northumbria University in Newcastle, studying psychology and criminology, and has a passion for travel and exploring new cities alongside embracing different cultures.

Win a 3-night holiday to Norway

• Holiday Prize Provider/ Administrator: ARTISAN TRAVEL, TRADING AS, THE ARTISAN TRAVEL COMPANY LTD, Maling Exchange, Hoults Yard, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1AB. Registered no. 04482022, ABTA No. Y6261, ATOL No. 6865, AITO No. 5180.

The Competition

1. Enter this competition for the chance to win a holiday for 2 Adults to Bergen, in Norway. Prize includes: return flights from Newcastle (NCL) to Bergen (BGO) outbound Saturday and return Tuesday, airport transfers, three nights’ accommodation at Radisson Blu in Bergen, all meals & non-alcoholic drinks, activities: Fjord trip, Viking restaurant meal & sightseeing guided tour of Bergen (the “Prize”).
2. The competition opens on Friday 23^rd June closing date for all Entries is 23:59pm GMT on 15th July 2022.
3. Only those aged 18 and over and resident in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland are eligible to enter the draw. Participants will need to enter their full name, e-mail address and country of residence.
4. Only one entry per person. Any person found to be sending multiple entries will be disqualified. Artisan Travel does not accept responsibility for network, computer and hardware or software failures of any kind, which may restrict or delay the sending or receipt of your entry.
5. To enter, participants must submit their details on the competition landing page at co.uk/win-a-holiday-to-norway (“Entry”).
6. By submitting an Entry, you will be deemed to have accepted Artisan Travel’s terms and conditions, below.
7. One winner will be selected at random from all valid Entries. The winners will be notified via email by 4^th August 2022.
8. The Prize for this competition is provided by Artisan Travel, whose registered address is Maling Exchange, Hoults Yard, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1AB.
9. If you win the Prize, you agree to provide Artisan Travel with all information reasonably requested in order for Artisan Travel to substantiate your identity, age and place of residence.
10. Where you have opted in to receive marketing from Artisan Travel, personal information of entrants will always be used in accordance with Artisan Travel’s Privacy Policy, currently located at: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/privacy-policy
11. The Prize is valid for travel between 5^th August 2022 – 30^th September 2022, subject to availability. The prize must be booked before 1^st September 2022, after this, we reserve the right to cancel the prize offered.
12. The Prize is awarded conditionally upon acceptance. If a winner is unable to be contacted after a reasonable period or if any Prize is unclaimed or declined within a reasonable period, the Prize shall be deemed as unclaimed or unaccepted and a supplementary winner may be drawn at Artisan Travel’s discretion.
13. In the event of a dispute, Artisan Travel’s decision is final.
14. Artisan Travel reserves the right to provide substitute prize(s) of similar value should the specified Prize become unavailable for reasons beyond its control. No cash alternative will be offered. The Prize is not refundable or transferable.
15. Artisan Travel will not share the personal data you provide with any third parties except to the extent that you agree and in accordance with Artisan Travel’s privacy policy: https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/privacy-policy
16. Employees of Artisan Travel and/or anyone professionally connected with the promotion and their immediate families are not eligible to win the prize.
17. In the event that the prize draw is rendered impossible due to any reason beyond the control of Artisan Travel, they shall not be liable and shall have absolute discretion to vary or amend the competition.
18. English law applies and the English courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any proceedings in connection with this competition.

The Prize

A 3-night holiday to Norway for two people, including:

• Return flights from Newcastle (NCL) to Bergen (BGO) outbound Saturday and return Tuesday
• Return airport transfers
• Three nights’ accommodation at Radisson Blu in Bergen
• All meals and non-alcoholic drinks
• The following activities: Fjord trip, Viking restaurant meal & sightseeing guided tour of Bergen

1. Artisan Travel shall not be responsible for any loss or damage associated with entering into these terms and conditions, prize draw, or the provision or any aspect of the Prize or any act or omission of any other person or party, and all warranties, conditions and representations (of any kind) not expressly set out in these terms and conditions are hereby excluded (except in the case of fraud).

2. There will be one overall prize for one winner, plus one guest (1 adult (aged 18+ years). The prize consists of return flights from Newcastle (NCL) to Bergen (BGO) outbound Saturday & return Tuesday, return airport transfers, three nights’ accommodation at Radisson Blu in Bergen, all meals & non-alcoholic drinks and activities: Fjord trip, Viking restaurant meal & sightseeing guided tour of Bergen
3. Any alcoholic beverages or additional room charges are NOT included. A credit card will be required at check-in.
4. Any additional passengers, meals, activities, extra nights or arrangements are for a fee.
5. The prize does NOT include any insurance, travel to and from the UK departure airport, or any travel or other expenses during the trip. Any out of pocket expenses (such as phone, room service, drinks purchases, gifts and additional food) are not included in the prize.
6. Artisan Travel make no representation as to the safety, conditions or other issues that may exist at the destination.
7. Compliance with any health or other government requirements is the responsibility of the prize winner and companion.
8. The winner and their chosen companions must comply with all relevant customs, security and immigration requirements, including appropriate passport and visa requirements. Artisan Travel will not be responsible for any passenger’s failure to comply with these requirements.
9. The prize winner and the companions are responsible for holding a passport with at least six months’ validity and must organise relevant visas where required.
10. The winner is responsible for ensuring they are able to accept the prize as set out and in accordance with these terms and conditions. In the event that they are unable to do so then Artisan Travel reserves the right to redraw the prize.
11. There is no cash alternative and the prize is non-transferable.
12. The prize is subject to availability. In the event the specified trip is fully booked Artisan Travel will work to the best of their ability to offer a trip of equivalent value.
13. Artisan Travel shall not be responsible for any indirect, special or consequential damages or losses suffered by the entrant or a third party.
14. Winners will be notified by the prize provider by email within 7 days of the competition close date.
15. If the prize supplier cannot contact the winner within 7 days of the closing date, the promoter will offer the prize to a runner-up or re-offer the prize in another promotion.
16. The prize is subject to https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/booking-conditions
17. Artisan Travel reserves the right to cancel this competition, or to change any condition of this competition, without notice.
18. The winner may be requested to take part in reasonable publicity as specified by the promoter.
19. Artisan Travel reserves the right to cancel or withdraw the prize if, in their opinion, it is subject to misuse of any description.
20. Artisan Travel decision is final and binding.
21. Artisan Travel has the right to amend these terms and conditions.
22. Artisan Travel cannot be held liable for IT system failures or delays or loss of entries.
23. By entering this competition, you have the opportunity to opt in to receive future communications from Artisan Travel and are agreeing to the terms of our privacy policy, (https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/privacy-policy) in accordance with GDPR regulations your personal information will never be passed on to third parties and you may unsubscribe at any time.
24. The promotion is subject to the laws of England.

Win a 3-night holiday for two people to Bergen

We've teamed up with Loganair to offer direct departures from Newcastle to Norway in a new regional airport partnership starting from June 2022. 

We're delighted to have Loganair on board, as we have primarily offered holidays from London Airports, making our holidays much more accessible for our guests in the Northeast. With direct flights to Bergen taking just over an hour and 15 minutes, Norway’s gastronomic capital is now even more accessible.

To celebrate this exciting partnership, we’re hosting a competition to WIN a 3-night break departing from Newcastle to Bergen. With a fjord trip, Viking restaurant meal and sightseeing guided tour around Bergen included, as well as flights courtesy of Loganair, meals and non-alcoholic drinks and airport transfers, there’s never been a better time to venture across to Norway!

THE PRIZE:

• Return flights from Newcastle (NCL) to Bergen (BGO) outbound Saturday & return Tuesday
• Return airport transfers 
• Three nights’ accommodation at Radisson Blu in Bergen
• All meals & non-alcoholic drinks
• The following activities: Fjord trip, Viking restaurant meal & sightseeing guided tour of Bergen

Simply enter your details below to enter our prize draw to WIN a holiday to Norway. Good Luck!

The closing date for the competition is 15th July 2022.

Please note that T&Cs apply.                                                                                                                             

Norway is a first-class year-round destination, but have you ever considered travelling there in the summer? We’ve selected our top three breaks to Norway to enjoy in summer 2022.

With its world-famous fjords, plus home to the Midnight Sun over the summer, there are plenty of experiences that can be checked off your bucket-list.

At Artisan Travel, we love working with Travel Partners from all over the world. If you would like to apply to work with us, then please click here to answer some simple questions and one of our team will be in touch very soon.

We are also members of AITO and ABTA and adhere to their code of conduct and guidelines.  Finally, we are also fully ATOL protected.

If you already work with us, then please click here to access our resource library. We have some stock images to use (please take note of any image credits), some videos and also some PDF pages for our most popular holidays.  If there is anything else you think would be useful to assist in your sales, please do not hesitate to get in touch by our designated priority agent email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or give us a call on +44 (0) 1670 330 733. We highly value our travel partners and always prioritise these emails and calls.

If you would like any specialised training, then we would be happy to provide this either via video link or we can arrange a visit to your offices.  We would also be thrilled to host any joint events for prospective clients, again either in person at your offices or online. Please just get in touch and we will discuss the options in more detail.

Artisan Travel is all about dream fulfilment and ticking off those must-do bucket list experiences and must-see destinations. Since we originally started operating the Artisan Travel Company in 2002, we know our clients pretty well and have a very good idea of what it is that they want from a holiday. Also since this time, we have developed an enviable network of local suppliers and tourism experts who know their own countries far, far better than we ever could. Essentially, we have taken what we know about our clients' holiday wishes and, in close consultation with our local partners, we have handcrafted itineraries that we believe illustrate the very best of any particular destination.

We also have a great section on our website about preparing for your holiday which will hold some useful information for clients and also our frequently asked questions which cover everything from how fit you need to be to do an activity through to what kind of plug adaptor you need to take with you. 

Norway and the Northern Lights webinar registration

Date: September 10th, 2020 at 7:30 pm (GMT)

With the world of travel slowly becoming more accessible, Norway is preparing to welcome back keen travellers when the timing is right. To understand how Norway will be adapting to the new approaches to travel, we are hosting a live webinar with expert insights on Norway’s cultural capital, Tromsø.

Featuring our dedicated team of experts and highly knowledgeable guest speakers who will share their insights on Norway, this webinar is ideal for discovering all the information you’ll need to book your next trip with confidence. Whether you’re hoping to visit this winter, or already planning a holiday for 2021, the insights on offer will help you to book with the added assurance of the best possible experience.

We have teamed up with a panel of experts from across the travel and tourism industry within Tromsø to present everything you need to know. From what to expect upon arrival, to how Norway is putting measures in place for Covid-19 to keep tourists safe as well as a live Q&A session with our speakers; you’ll be able to plan your trip with greater peace of mind.

While the webinar will focus on the winter trips to Tromsø offered through our sister company, The Aurora Zone, there will be an opportunity during the webinar to enquire about our summer Tromsø trips with Artisan Travel. Our trips allow you to experience the fascinating natural phenomena of the Midnight Sun, go glamping surrounded by the beauty of Norway’s remote wilderness and embrace the vibrant culture of the city.

Our speakers include Ali McLean, the owner and founder of The Artisan Travel Company, as well as a hotel manager based in the heart of Tromsø and two highly experienced local activity providers. Our own Northern Lights guide and photographer, will also share his expertise on hunting the Northern Lights and capturing them on camera, as well as the science behind how they are naturally formed.

All those signing up to the webinar can also receive 10% off their booking with The Aurora Zone, using the special code provided during the event.

The itinerary

19:30 - Start

19:30 - 19:35 - Introduction to The Artisan Travel Company: Ali McLean, Director and founder of The Artisan Travel Company

19:35 - 19:45 - Highlights of Tromsø: Mats Fredriksen, Lost in Norway

19:45 - 19:50 - Guest speaker: Ida Romsøe, Hotel Manager, The Clarion Hotel The Edge

19:50 - 19:55 - Guest speaker: Øystein Prytz, Head of Digital Marketing, Tromsø Villmarkssenter

19:55 - 20:00 - Guest speaker: Alice Heijbel, Key Account Manager, Pukka Travel

20:00 - 20:15 - An introduction to the Northern Lights: Matt Robinson, The Aurora Zone and Northern Lights guide and photographer

20:15 - 20:30 - Q&A session

20:30 - Finish

The team

Alistair McLean - Director and founder of The Artisan Travel Company

As part of The Artisan Travel Company, Ali created The Aurora Zone, the original and only dedicated Northern Lights tour operator. Ali is extremely proud of the tours we offer in Tromsø and delighted that our clients have witnessed the lights during their trips there with us.

Mats Fredriksen - CEO, Lost in Norway

Your host for the evening, Mats, is our local supplier in Norway. Having worked with Mats for many years, he is well-placed to talk about the region and the experiences we offer in Norway.

Matt Robinson – The Aurora Zone and Northern Lights guide, photographer and astronomer

Currently living in Senja, Norway, Matt has travelled extensively with The Artisan Travel Company and is always happy to share his knowledge and science behind the Northern Lights with our guests. Matt is also a keen astronomer and photographer and will share some of his fantastic images with us during the webinar.

Welcoming our guest speakers

Ida Romsøe - Hotel Manager, Clarion Hotel The Edge

Situated right in the centre of Tromsø, just by the water, from where you can enjoy great views of the city's stunning architecture, the Clarion Hotel The Edge was built with an environmental classification A and aspires to be as eco-friendly as possible. A passionate hotel manager, Ida is responsible for all hotel operations, leisure FIT and groups. She has worked in Nordic Choice Hotels since she was 16 years old and been at Clarion Hotel The Edge for almost 2 years. Ida will provide an insight into the measures the hotel is taking during Covid-19 and how they are making guests feel safe and comfortable.

Øystein Prytz - Head of Digital Marketing, Tromsø Villmarkssenter

Tromsø Villmarkssenter enjoys an idyllic wilderness location around 20km from the city centre on the island of Kvaløya. Established over 30 years ago they are one of the most experienced and passionate dog sledding companies we have the pleasure of working with. Originally set up by Tove Sørensen the day to day running of the centre has now passed to her son and his wonderful team. Given the wonderful location of the Villmarkssenter, it has an awesome record of Northern Lights viewing and we have had many happy clients enjoy displays here during their holidays. Over several years Øystein has worked in almost all parts of this family-run company and there is nothing he doesn’t know about their fantastic products and strong family heritage.

Alice Heijbel - Key Account Manager, Pukka Travel

Our guest speaker from Pukka Travel, Alice, will talk us through the many activity options available to our clients on the trips we offer, from a Polar Fjord cruise or Northern Lights sailing to hunting the Northern Lights by minibus.

The time

Thursday 10th September at 7:30 pm BST

This event will take place on Zoom and is free to access, CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR PLACE to receive the joining link details.

Missed our 10 day destination quiz on our social media platforms? We have included all of our riddles and answers below. Challenge your family and friends to guess which one of our destinations the photo represents. Let us know your score in the comment section below!  

UPDATED: 13 MAY 2022

FUTURE BOOKINGS AND HOLIDAYS

All our destinations are open to fully vaccinated travellers. We are constantly monitoring the advice provided by the UK Government and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as well as the guidance provided by the governments in the destinations we feature. We will keep our clients updated with any changes to specific entry requirements. 

Finland update

We are in contact with the Communications team of Visit Finland that aligns with the Finnish Embassy and Foreign ministry and they have provided the following, 'Travelling to and in Finland is safe - everyday life runs normally and we warmly welcome travellers to Finland'.

Frequently asked questions 

• WHAT HAPPENS IF THE COUNTRY I AM TRAVELLING TO REQUIRES VISITORS TO QUARANTINE UPON ARRIVAL

If a country requires testing at the border which takes up to a few hours to return results, then we would not cancel your holiday in this instance. Instead, we would work with the local partners to ensure you had everything you need to be comfortable including snacks and meals etc.  If you were required to quarantine for any longer than a few hours, we would cancel your holiday and offer either re-booking or a refund.

• WHAT HAPPENS IF THE FCDO ADVICE CHANGES FOR MY DESTINATION AFTER I HAVE BOOKED?

If the FCDO advice changes to advising against all but essential travel then we will cancel your holiday and assist you with rebooking to an alternative date, a different destination or issue you with a full refund.

• WHAT HAPPENS IF MY TRIP IS CANCELLED?

If you are booked onto a trip that we must cancel, then we will get in touch with you immediately.  If we are forced to cancel your holiday, then there will be several options available to you:

1 – Consider an alternative destination

As we have such a fantastic network of partners across Scandinavia, we will do everything we can to propose alternative holiday options for you to consider.  If you do decide to go for one of these options, we will transfer the money you have already paid us to your new booking and, if it is cheaper, refund you the difference. If it is more expensive you will need to top this amount up to match the new price.

2 – Postpone your holiday

We think it is more important than ever to have something special to look forward to as the world hopefully gets back to “normal”.  If we are forced to cancel your holiday, then we will work with our local partners on your behalf to minimise any increase in costs to your holiday price and if they do increase or we are forced to make any changes to the holiday package which you don’t like – you can cancel and receive a full refund.

3 – A full refund

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your cancellation we may request that you contact your Travel Insurance company in the first instance. Should that claim be unsuccessful then we will refund you in full. We will advise you of the relevant processing times at that stage.

• I MADE A BOOKING WITH YOU, BUT I NO LONGER WISH TO TRAVEL, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

This will depend on when your booking was made and the specific terms relating to your holiday and flight booking if applicable.  The Artisan Travel Company are happy to postpone all transferable and flexible elements of your trip to either an alternative holiday or departure date. For any non-transferable elements, we will do our best to minimise these costs but unfortunately, these decisions are normally out of our hands.  Naturally, we promise to do our best to negotiate on your behalf.

Another option would be to transfer your booking to another passenger (subject to terms and conditions and introduced by yourselves) and we can normally facilitate this until 10 days prior to departure.   

Finally, depending on the reason you no longer wish to travel, you may be able to claim on your travel insurance.

• WHAT HAPPENS IF I TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID AND CAN NO LONGER TRAVEL?

Your first port of call would be your travel insurance policy. Like with any other illness or accident which would prevent you from going on your holiday as planned this is the very reason for travel insurance policies.  Please check your policy to ensure that you would be covered in this instance. If you do not have travel insurance (please be aware it is a prerequisite to travelling with us) or it fails to cover you, we will negotiate with our local partners to offer you re-booking for an alternative date or a refund, but it is likely that there will be some substantial unrecoverable costs, so it is much better to have comprehensive travel insurance than to rely on this option.

• I’M TRAVELLING FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY OUTSIDE OF THE UK – WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M NOT ABLE TO TRAVEL?

The Artisan Travel Company is based in the UK, and we take all our guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ​(FCDO) and other UK government bodies. Depending on whether you have booked a flight inclusive or land-only package your contract with us either starts at your UK departure airport (if we have booked your flights) or, if you have booked a land only package, the agreed meeting point in the destination country (usually an airport).   

If no national UK border restrictions are preventing us from operating the holiday (i.e., unless the ​FCDO advise against all but essential travel to Finland, Sweden, Iceland or Norway) OR the destination government prevent all arrivals from the UK then we will continue to run the holiday as planned. For anyone who is prevented from joining the trip as planned due to medical reasons or government advice changing from a country other than the UK or the destination of your holiday, then this cancellation by you would be dealt with as per our booking terms and conditions. As such, any loss would need to be reclaimed from your travel insurance policy so please check the wording carefully and ensure you are satisfied with the level of cover.  

• WHAT TYPE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE SHOULD I LOOK FOR?

Travel insurance has always been a prerequisite for travelling with us and investing in a comprehensive travel insurance policy should be the first thing you do after booking your holiday. 

If you, or any member of your party, are diagnosed with COVID whilst you are on holiday then you need to be satisfied that your insurance policy will cover any medical costs incurred including testing, self-isolation and treatment. We would also suggest choosing a policy which would allow you to claim for any elements of the holiday you were not able to take part in.

Further advice for UK travellers

Though we endeavour to inform our customers of any significant changes, this is a fast-moving situation and therefore we also ask for our travellers to keep up-to-date with the relevant travel advice.

Here are some useful links:

UK health authorities: www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public

FCDO travel advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) TravelHealthPro website: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/499/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-general-advice-for-travellers

The NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19

ABTA: www.abta.com/coronavirus

Contact us

If you have any questions or concerns, then please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or, call 01670 785 085.