From skiing in Austria and the French Alps to trekking in Sri Lanka and painting classes in Tuscany, here is this week’s selection of holiday offers, late availability and ideas from Travel PR.
Ski:
Single skiers and boarders can now enjoy a sociable week on the slopes of the charming Austrian resort of Mayrhofen, renowned for its excellent skiing and friendly après-ski.
For more skiing further away from home, join Johan Smits on the slopes in Kazakhstan.
The price is from £1,399 pp including BA flights (Heathrow), transfers, seven nights’ half-board in a twin or double room (for sole use) at the four-star Hotel Neuhaus, and the services of an accompanying Solos Tour Leader. For more information, visit Solos or call 0844 371 8860.
Book now:
AITO* member Ffestiniog Travel offers a last chance to book this escorted tour visiting the tramways of some of South East France’s major cities: Grenoble, Lyon, Marseille & Saint Étienne, plus Paris & Lille. A treat for railway enthusiasts, the price is from £1,630 pp (two sharing), 13 nights, including Eurostar, all rail travel and public transport passes, excursions, B&B, one dinner & tour leader service. Departs 7 April. For information and bookings, visit Ffestiniog Travel or call 01766 512 400.
Go now:
AITO* member Kirker offers four nights for the price of three at the five-star De Toiras, a 17th century harbourfront hotel on the idyllic island of Île de Ré off France’s west coast. Enjoy pretty villages, white sand dunes, leisurely cycle rides and delicious seafood. The price is from £789 pp (two sharing), four nights, including flights (London) to La Rochelle or Eurostar, private transfers, B&B, and Kirker Concierge Service. Valid on stays until 31 May. For more information or bookings, visit Kirker or call 020 7593 2283.
Holiday ideas:
New: Carthage to Kairouan – Tunisia
Discover Tunisia’s splendid Roman architecture, Holy Cities and glorious beaches on this seven-night tour, staying in five-star beachfront accommodation. Explore the well-preserved ruins of Dougga, Carthage and Uthina, and the sprawling streets of Tunis’ medina, before travelling to Sousse to see the impressive Ribat of Monastir and Lamta’s archaeological museum. Carthage to Kairouan costs from £795 pp with no single supplement (subject to availability) including flights (Heathrow), B&B (four nights Tunis, three nights Sousse), most meals, excursions, and the services of guides & local representatives. Departs March to May & September to November. Call Jules Verne on 020 3553 3722.
Witness the world’s longest ski slalom race on a holiday in La Plagne – French Alps
Those inspired by the Winter Olympics can stand front row to watch the adrenaline-fuelled Super Slalom in La Plagne on 31 March. See the world’s top professionals – including Alexis Pinturault, Kevin Rolland and Julien Lizeroux – slalom down the record-breaking four km course, zooming between 320 gates at incredible speeds. One week’s self-catering in La Plagne costs from €66 pp / £59 pp, based on four sharing a studio apartment. Return flights (London-Geneva) cost from £182 pp with easyJet. Call La Plagne on 33 (0)4 79 09 79 79.
Off the beaten track adventures – Sri Lanka
Take in the lesser-seen parts of rural and coastal Sri Lanka on this activity-packed trip. Trek the Knuckles Mountains in time for a spectacular sunrise, stalk leopards, monkeys and birdlife in Wilpattu National Park, ascend the stone steps of Buddhist temples for panoramic views, and kayak on tranquil Lake Anamaduwa.
For more off the beaten track travel in Asia, join Marissa Carruthers in Myanmar.
Unique accommodation includes a rustic Mud House set in a tropical forest and complete with an outdoor shower, a luxury tented safari camp and an eco-lodge surrounded by roaming wild elephants. A 14-day trip costs from £2,610 pp (two sharing), including full board accommodation, transfers, excursions and the services of a local guide. Flights not included. Call TravelLocal on 0117 3257898.
World-class watercolour tutoring – Tuscany
Terry Jarvis is one of Australia’s exceptional watercolour artists and a firm favourite at The Watermill due to his enthusiastic teaching style. Watercolours (and oils, pastels and acrylics) (7-14 July) is a week-long course for all levels which will provide top tips and techniques to help bring your paintings to life, with classes taking place in The Watermill’s idyllic millstream gardens and local villages. The price from £1,560 pp (two sharing) includes all tuition, seven nights’ full-board accommodation including drinks, delicious home-cooked Italian cuisine and meals out at local restaurants, transfers and an excursion to Lucca. Flights (Pisa) extra. Contact The Watermill at Posara on 020 7193 6246.
*AITO is the Association of Independent Tour Operators: more than 120 specialist travel companies providing an unrivalled collection of holiday ideas that cover every corner of the world. Consumers booking with AITO can be assured of high-quality holidays and excellent personal service. Visit www.aito.com for further information.
