The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.

Travel challenge special: Late availability in May half term

Saturday 21 May 2011 00:00 BST
Comments
(Rex Features)

Every week we invite competing companies to give us their best deal for a specific holiday. Today, a half-term special edition: 10 companies offer up a week-long European holiday during May half term. Prices are for a family of four...

The Adventure Company

£3,036: Soldeu, Andorra

Includes BA flights from Heathrow to Toulouse on 29 May, plus B&B at the Hotel Roc de St Miquel in Soldeu, transfers, a full-itinerary on the "Active Pyrenees" tour (mountain bike, rafting and 4x4), some meals and services of a local group leader. Children must be a minimum of six years old. "This action-packed week combines cycling, walking, rafting and an off-road 4x4 adventure against the backdrop of the magnificent Pyrenees," says Claire Wilson of The Adventure Company (0845 287 1198; adventurecompany.co.uk)

Virgin Holiday Cruises

£2,796: Mediterranean cruise

Includes flights with easyJet from Stansted to Palma, Mallorca departing 29 May, transfers and a Mediterranean cruise on Grandeur of the Seas on a full-board basis. Accommodation is in an inside cabin. "This cruise stops at Palma, Cannes, La Spezia, Civitavecchia and Palermo – making it a great way to take in a variety of places and make the most of a week's holiday," says Richard Twynam of Virgin Holiday Cruises (0871 781 9893; virginholidayscruises.co.uk).

James Villas

£1,916: Puerto Pollensa, Mallorca

Includes return flights from Gatwick to Palma with Monarch departing 28 May and a self-catering stay at Moixet Villa. The stone finca has three bedrooms and an outdoor pool. "This villa has a lovely outdoor covered kitchen area and built in barbecue, providing an excellent opportunity for some al fresco dining, while taking in the views of the Pollensa countryside," says Mark Murphy of James Villas (0800 970 44 65; jamesvillas.co.uk).

BA Holidays

£1,489: Milan, Italy

Includes return BA flights from Heathrow to Linate on 28 May and accommodation at the four-star Novotel Milano Nord Ca Granda on a room-only basis. The deal is based on two adults and two children aged 2-11 sharing a family room. "Milan's fairgrounds and historic city centre are both easily accessible from this hotel which is also a great base to take a day trip to the beautiful Italian lakes," says Charlotte Lawrence of BA Holidays (0844 493 0758; ba.com).

Lastminute.com

£1,952: Playa de Fanabe, Tenerife

Includes flights from Gatwick to Tenerife on 29 May and a family room at the four-star Isla Bonita Hotel on an all-inclusive basis. "Situated on the south-west coast, Isla Bonita is a fantastic half-term getaway for families, offering sub-tropical gardens, an outdoor pool and tennis courts. The hotel also caters for kids with an on-site playground, mini golf and two childrens' pools," says Eva Bojtos of lastminute.com (0871 222 5952; lastminute.com).

Sunvil Discovery

£1,932: Sao Miguel, Azores

Includes flights from Gatwick to Ponta Delgada with SATA International departing 28 May, transfers and B&B at the Hotel Sao Miguel Park in a family room. "Whale-watching is the main draw for families in the Azores, but there is a whole host of activities on offer, including 4x4 safaris, swimming with dolphins and a geological history tour," says Rosanna Melaragni of Sunvil Discovery (020-8758 4722; sunvil.co.uk).

Expedia.co.uk

£2,077: Costa del Sol, Andalucia

Includes Monarch flights from Gatwick to Malaga on 28 May and B&B at the H10 Estepona Palace. "The H10 Estepona Palace is located less than two miles from Plaza de Toros and Estepona beach and less than six miles from Selwo Adventure Park. The hotel also includes a health club and sauna for parents looking to relax during the half-term break," says Jill Lloyd of Expedia (0330 123 1235; expedia.co.uk).

Thomas Cook

£1,544: Port d'es Torrent, Ibiza

Includes Thomas Cook Airlines flights from Gatwick departing 29 May and all-inclusive accommodation at the Sirenis Club Aura in Port d'es Torrent. Transfers are not included. "The Sirenis has great facilities for all ages, so it's the perfect choice for those who like to be kept entertained," says Tricia Hughes of Thomas Cook (0844 412 5970; thomascook.com).

Travelzest's VFB Holidays

£2,295: Precojo, Corsica

Includes easyJet flights from Gatwick to Bastia departing 29 May and self-catering accommodation at Villa Altana in southern Corisca. The property is located near Santa Giulia beach and is a short drive from the upmarket port city of Porto Vecchio. "This super-stylish property has a private pool, south-facing garden and stunning modern interior," says Liz Barnwell of VFB Holidays. "Early June is a lovely time to go visit Corsica – the sandy beaches are relatively quiet, it's not too hot for little ones and an interior of spectacular gorges, chestnut forests and sleepy villages are waiting to be explored." (0800 171 2160; travelzest.com)

Club Med

£3,176: Beldi, Turkey

Includes return flights from Gatwick to Antalya on 28 May, transfers and all-inclusive accommodation with activities (including some watersports) at the resort. Beldi is on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, south of Antalya. The three-star Club Med resort opens onto the beach and includes dedicated childcare for babies (from four months), as well as kids' clubs for children and teenagers up to 18 years old. There are also onsite tennis and sailing academies and a diving centre. "Now is a great time to visit the Turkish Riviera with Club Med's premium all-inclusive package: the weather is great and all activities are included," says Club Med MD Laurent de Chorivit (08453 67 67 67; clubmed.co.uk).

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in