Barcelona, Croatia, Spain and La Plagne

 

With Easter fast approaching, now is the time to work out you next holiday plans, we’ve tried to make it easier for you by giving you a few helpful suggestions.

Wine, Dine & Walk – Barcelona to Montpellier from £3,738 pp with Kirker Holidays
Discover the unspoiled countryside of France and Spain on foot and at a relaxed pace, sampling its culinary delights as you go, on this nine-night itinerary. ‘Barcelona to Montpellier’ combines a seven-night small group walking holiday – accompanied by an expert guide – exploring the rugged Costa Brava, the vibrant Catalan capital and pretty Côte Vermeille with a two-night stay in the French city of Montpellier. The price is from £3,738 pp (two sharing) including flights (regional departures available) to Barcelona/from Montpellier, private transfers, nine nights’ B&B, seven lunches and seven dinners with wine. Departs 12 May & 6 October. Call AITO* member Kirker on 020 7593 2283.

The Coast of Explorers and Emperors – cruise Croatia from £1,395 pp with Jules Verne

Discover the azure waters, dramatic scenery and archaeological wonders of the Adriatic Coast on this seven-night small-group cruise, chartered exclusively for Jules Verne clients. Set sail from Split to explore the islands of Korčula and Mljet, and spend time in the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik before cruising via the Elaphiti Islands to the Peljesac peninsula and onwards to Hvar and Brac. The Coast of Explorers and Emperors costs from £1,395 pp (two sharing) including flights (Heathrow), a seven-night cruise on the MV Admiral, most meals, excursions, and the services of a UK Tour Manager & local guides. Departs in May and from August to October. Call Jules Verne on 020 3553 3722 (www.vjv.com).

The Green Hills of Spain & La Rhune by rail – from £2,400 pp with Ffestiniog Travel

Spain’s northern ‘Green’ coast is the focus of this 15-day escorted tour, which also makes a short visit to south western France. As well as superb sightseeing – there’s ample time to explore Bilbao, Santander, Gijon, Santiago di Compostela and Leon – enjoy the scenic rail journey between San Sebastian and Bilbao, travel on the metre gauge FEVE network and experience the petit train de la Rhune rack railway as it makes its impressive ascent. Departing 14 June, The Green Hills of Spain & La Rhune costs from £2,400 pp (two sharing) including Eurostar/TGV, B&B, 15-day Global InterRail pass, excursions and tour leader. Call AITO* member Ffestiniog Travel on 01766 512400 (www.ffestiniogtravel.com).

Brave the speedy Supertyro – from £13 pp in La Plagne

Twice as steep as the average zipwire, with a 16% gradient, the Supertyro in the French Alps’ resort of La Plagne provides a thrilling descent. Stretching from Plagne Aime 2000 to Plagne Centre, the zipline offers beautiful views of Mont Blanc and the valley in both winter and summer as it zigzags through the trees at 80-90km/hr. Duration: 30/40 seconds approx. Drop: 140 m / Length: 600 m. Min./Max. weight: 40 kg/130 kg. Price: €15 / £13 pp (approx.) including equipment. 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.

Mark Bibby Jackson

Mark Bibby Jackson

Before setting up Travel Begins at 40, Mark was the publisher of AsiaLIFE Cambodia and a freelance travel writer. When he is not packing and unpacking his travelling bag, Mark writes novels, including To Cook A Spider and Peppered Justice. He loves walking, eating, tasting beer, isolation and arthouse movies, as well as talking to strangers on planes, buses and trains whenever possible. Most at home when not at home.

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