If you haven’t got round to booking a holiday in August, it’s not too late to pick up a few deals around Europe. And if you’re planning ahead for a November break, have a look at some of these ideas.
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Iceland
If the recent hot weather has been a bit too much, head north to Iceland where temperatures are comfortably in the mid-teens. It’s also whale-watching and puffin season, so cameras at the ready.
Regent Holidays has a five-day fly-drive holiday that takes you to the south of the country past some magnificent scenery, including Skaftafell National Park, the Glacier Lagoon and Thingvellir National Park. The starting price of £1,365pp includes flights, car hire and breakfast, and is for an 18 August departure.
Greece
You’ll have to move quickly to snap up a deal on four-bedroom Villa Gerasimos, which is in a superb position overlooking the sea near Skala in southern Kefalonia. Soak up sublime views from the terraces, the pool and landscaped gardens.
CV Villas has a week available from 3 August for £2,200, which is half price and is based on eight sharing. Flights and car hire can be arranged.
Devon
Catch the last few days of August in a seaside cottage overlooking Brixham harbour. Sykes Cottages has a week available from 31 August at the aptly named Panoramic Cottage, which has three bedrooms and lovely sea views from its various patios and terraces, as well as a games room. A week’s rental is £768, which includes a 10 per cent discount.
Croatia
Elegant Opatija is where Croatian tourism began back in the 19th century, and you can still see this in the grand hotels that line the town’s Adriatic coast. Facing the seafront promenade, the stately Hotel Palace Bellevue harks back to that golden age and has sea-facing balconies in most of its rooms.
Teletext Holidays has a five-night holiday from £519pp, including flights and breakfast, departing 10 August.
Book now for November
Canary Islands
You get two islands in one trip on this self-guided walking holiday offered by Inntravel. Start by exploring Lanzarote’s eerie volcanic landscapes, including Timanfaya National Park, before taking the boat to La Graciosa for more exploration.
Seven nights cost from £775pp for departures in November, and the price includes accommodation, breakfast, three dinners, car hire and maps, but not flights.
Argentina and Brazil
As spring comes to South America, get an enthralling introduction to Argentina and Brazil with this 11-day group tour offered by Cox & Kings. Spend a few days in Buenos Aires before flying to Iguazu Falls and exploring them from the Brazilian side. Then finish in Rio de Janeiro for three days before flying home. The starting price of £2,295pp includes all flights, accommodation, transfers and guides, for departures throughout November.
Lebanon
Discover Lebanon’s compelling mix of ancient Roman architecture, dramatic mountainous landscapes and fabulous food in this tailor-made tour with Wexas Travel. You’ll begin in Beirut, one of the Mediterranean’s great capitals, and carry on to Byblos and Baalbeck via Roman and Ottoman ruins and mountain villages. Prices start at £1,695pp and include seven nights’ accommodation, flights, transfers, excursions and guides. Departures are throughout November.
Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
