With summer fast approaching, it’s time to think about your summer holiday. Here are the latest snippets of travel deals from my ski friends with what’s happening in their neck of the woods this summer. Of couse, it’s never too early to think about the ski season so don’t miss a fantastic early deal below.
The Bear Hunt
In Alta Badia this summer it is time to find the bears, hidden away in their lairs. Part of the Alta Badia Movement programme this is one for the kids. At 2000m there is a playground unlike any other. For adults there are Kneipp routes, sky running, Nordic walking and fitness equipment. The bear hunt is new for this year and requires kids to use swing, rope ladders, a slide from a tree and elevated bridges. With the obstacles navigated it is time to find the bear. Stay at the Hotel Melodia del Bosco in Alta Badia from the 21st to 27th July for £520. Flights with BA including rental car start at £265 per person based on two flying to Venice. For more information visit www.altabadia.org
Watch the decisive Giro stages
The Giro d’Italia has been full of drama from the start this year and although Sir Bradley Wiggins has dropped out there is plenty to tune in for. The penultimate stage of the race is set to see a momentous battle between the race’s main protagonists. Vicenzo Nibali is the favourite going into the final week and the mountainous terrain around Alta Badia will suit him well. Alta Badia is set for a big summer of cycling with numerous events. So, check out the penultimate stage of the most famous race to pass through and allow it to inspire a cycling trip to the region. The race will be broadcast on Eurosport on Saturday 25th May. For details of cycling events through the summer and suitable accommodation head to www.altabadia.org
Half term with Pierre & Vacances
It is not too late to book a family holiday to France this half term and with the French not on a school break it means prices are low. The Belle Dune Holiday Village (pictured above) is just an hour from Calais making for a quick getaway and cheap travel. The village is full of activities from swimming to kids clubs and various sports. 7 nights starts at £466 staying in a 1 bedroom apartment sleeping up to 4. This is down from £635, a saving of £169. Departing 25th May.
If sun and sea are more your thing then Cap Esterel on the French Riviera overlooking the Bay of Agay is a great option. This Holiday Village has it all, including a flying trapeze for the more daring in the party. Prices for 7 nights here starts at £533, down from £618. Nice and Marseille airports are both close if driving is not an attractive option. For further information on these deals and villages visit www.pv-holidays.com or call 0870 0267 145
Isle of Wight Round the Island
The JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race gets underway on the 1st June and Skiweekends will be present throughout. Their branded boat is in the race with Dan Fox from the company part of the team that sails the boat throughout the year. A special guest on the boat for the June race is Emily Sarsfield, Britain’s number 1 female skier cross athlete. Emily is sponsored by Skiweekends and is taking time out for preparing for Sochi to participate in the race and gain insight into another Olympic sport. Follow @Skiweekends and @EmSkiCross for the latest through the race as well as news at www.skiweekends.com
Coastline Villas, early summer discounts
It might not feel like summer in the UK yet but over in Mallorca temperatures are steadily rising into the 20s and the sun is shining. Two great deals from Coastline here:
Villa Varador sleeps 8 and is an ultra-modern villa perched on a cliff’s edge, a unique property with a Thunderbirds feel to it. The villa is situated near Cala San Vincenc in the north of the island and is now £4,673 to hire the whole villa for 7 nights, villa only. This makes a week of high class accommodation less than £600 each. Offer for arrivals on 1st June.
The Villa Es Clos is a more traditional affair with a terracotta roof and setting within perfect lawns and cypress trees. The villa sleeps 6 people and has a large swimming pool and superb al fresco dining area. 7 nights, villa only, now starts at £2,066 which makes this an incredibly low £344 per person excluding travel.
For more information on both offers visit www.coastline.co.uk or call 0844 557 1020
Short break in Shropshire
Ludlow is a pretty Shropshire town full of heritage and points of interest. From the 21st to the 30th June the town hosts an Arts Festival featuring 14 events. Big names over the festival include Paul Merton from Have I Got News For You and occasional guest the US comic Reginald D Hunter. Music from Jools Holland & His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra is another highlight from the event. Freedom Treks has a tour in Shropshire starting in the town and with departure days flexible it is a great opportunity to take in the best of the Arts Festival before heading onto the roads to peddle around this gem of an English county. Prices start at £286 staying in guest houses including bike hire and all the necessary route information as well as luggage transfers between accommodations. For more information or to book visit www.freedomtreks.co.uk or call 01273 224066
Arctic 2013 with Quark Expeditions
Arctic cruising is not known for being a cheap pastime so every saving is welcome at this level. Greenland is growing in popularity and for good reason with awe inspiring fjords and mountains a part of the itinerary every day. With a number of Quark cruises heading to Greenland this summer it is as good a time as any to explore the mystical waters and lands. Savings of 20% are available on premium suites and 15% off other cabin types. An extra 10% saving is available when you ‘like’ Quark Expeditions on Facebook or book back to back Greenland cruises. The Greenland Explorer is a great option when exploring Greenland over 14/15 days. Prices start at £4,120 so with the cabin discount and extra 10% off the price until the 30th June is now just £3,090. For more information or to book visit www.quarkexpeditions.com or call 0808 120 2333
Catch the Northern Lights and Ski!
Skiing is an essential part of the winter for many but the Northern Lights are not so routine and available. Ski Safari can ensure you are in the best place for both this Decemberwith three locations taken in over 10 nights. First up is Iceland, the location to see the spectacular Northern Lights in what is predicted to be the best year in thirteen to see them. 2 nights in Reykjavik provide an opportunity to see the lights and take in this exciting city with the Christmas market in full swing. Next is the skiing portion of the trip in Stowe, Vermont. This US ski resort is as good as they come on the East Coast and known as the prettiest in New England. The Stowe Mountain Lodge makes for superb accommodation in 5* surroundings in what is the best ski in/ski out hotel in New England. 2 nights in Boston finish the trip off in style with an opportunity to take in the festive atmosphere and pick up the final few Christmas presents before a return to the UK in time for the big day. All of this starts at £1,485 including all flights, accommodation over 10 nights, transfers in Iceland and SUV hire in the USA. Hotels are on a bed and breakfast basis excluding Boston which is room only. For more information or to book visit www.skisafari.com or call 01273 224060