Had enough of the relentless gloom, here are a few travel ideas from our friends at Travel PR.
Escape to Nice – from £528 pp with Kirker Holidays
Kirker Holidays (020 7593 2283) offers three nights for the price of two at the four-star La Pérouse, a short walk from Nice’s Flower Market and pretty old town. Where better to escape the British winter for a few days than the unique microclimate of the Côte d’Azur? The price is from £528 pp (two sharing) including flights (Gatwick), private transfers, B&B, Kirker Guide Notes and Concierge Service. Valid on stays until 29 March.
Exploring the Roots of West Africa – from £2,095 pp with Jules Verne
Discover the wildlife, fauna and fascinating heritage of West Africa (see main photo) on an unforgettable river cruise aboard the 21-berth Mega Yacht, MY Harmony G. Explore the waterways of Senegal and Gambia, visiting nature reserves and captivating UNESCO World Sites, and learn more about the painful but incredible history of the West African slave trade. Departing 20 April, Exploring the Roots of West Africa costs from £2,095 pp (two sharing), including flights (Heathrow, via Madrid) to Dakar, eight nights’ accommodation (one night’s hotel B&B, seven nights’ full board on cruise), two lunches, excursions, and the services of a cruise director and local representatives. Call Jules Verne on 020 3553 3722.
If you plan to travel to West Africa in January, consider to visit the Voodoo Festival in Benin and other countries.
Experience electric fatbike fun – from £61 pp in La Plagne
Traverse the mountains with the ease of a chamois by hopping on an electric fatbike. Available in the French Alps’ resort of La Plagne, e-fatbikes make cycling easier, with their wide, under-inflated tyres providing good grip on the snow and their battery power giving extra oomph. With an experienced instructor (equipment supplied) set out from Plagne Bellecôte or Plagne Centre, before the slopes open or after they close, to explore the beautiful scenery. Price: €69 / £61 pp approx. Age 12+. 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 £50 pp with easyJet. Call La Plagne on 33 (0)4 79 09 79 79.
Walk the Rhine Gorge that inspired Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein – Germany from £725 pp with On Foot Holidays
2018 marks 200 years since Mary Shelley published the gothic novel, Frankenstein. Explore the landscape that inspired her – the beautiful Rhine Gorge near Frankfurt – on a self-guided walk from Bingen to Koblenz. Highlights include pretty villages, 20 castles (more per square kilometre than anywhere in Europe), the iconic Lorelei Rock formation, a Roman fort in Boppard and the ‘4-Seen-Blick’ (a scenic viewpoint where the Rhine appears like four separate lakes). Castles of the Rhine costs from £725 pp (two sharing) including seven nights’ B&B, three picnic lunches, luggage transfers and route information. Departs April-Nov. Flights extra. Call On Foot Holidays on 01722 322 652.
Half term humble – Morocco from £640 pp with TravelLocal
Morocco not only appeals as an opportunity for warmth in February half term, but also as a short-haul destination offering older children the chance to escape the Middle Britain bubble. After some heady time in the madness of Marrakech, head to the High Atlas Mountains to spend three days working on an essential conservation project, providing villagers with a water supply which enables them to remain within their traditional communities. An eight-day Project Morocco trip costs from £640 pp including three nights’ B&B and four nights’ full board, transfers, excursions and the services of a local guide. Flights extra. Call TravelLocal on 0117 3257898.
Bonn & the Rhine in Flames – Springtime in Germany from £645 pp with Ffestiniog Travel
A magical display of lights and fireworks over the River Rhine as Europe’s largest boat parade sails by, Rhein in Flammen (Rhine in Flames) is a must-see event. Experience its delights on a five-day escorted tour that also features a ride up the Drachenfels on the cog railway, and on the iconic Schwebebahn suspension railway, plus free time in the historic cities of Trier and Cologne. Bonn & The Rhine in Flames costs from £645 pp (two sharing) including Eurostar to/from Brussels, onward rail to Bonn (via Cologne), unlimited local transport in Bonn, four nights’ B&B, excursions and tour leader. Departs 3 May. Call Ffestiniog Travel on 01766 512 400.
