The June bank holiday is just around the corner, and this year we’re being treated to an extra day off to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. But instead of street parties, Victoria Sponge cakes and Queenie memorabilia, Tour Operator's like Trafalgar Travel and Costsaver are reporting a huge spike in bookings from Brits wanting to make the most of the 4-day weekend, by nipping off to sunny European hot spots.
It's prompted the operators to reveal the definitive list of the best, last-minute trips you can book for the Jubilee weekend - all of which come with guaranteed sun.
Donna Jeavons, Sales and Marketing Director, said: “We’ve seen a surge in interest for last-minute trips for the upcoming Bank Holiday and it's clear Brits are happy to swap the Buckingham Palace balcony to a balcony in sunnier climates. As the nation makes the most of the 4 day weekend - and the British weather continues to prove unpredictable - it’s the perfect time to nip off for a break and experience some of Europe’s delights.”
GREEK ISLAND EXPLORER
This Greek adventure with Costsaver kicks off in Athens and explores two glittering island gems in the Aegean - the elongated embayment of the Mediterranean Sea between Europe and Asia. Discover the treasures of an ancient world before spending a glorious week getting lost in the labyrinthine lanes and scorching sun of Santorini and Mykonos. You’ll combine your love for history with laid-back island life, visiting secret coves, seaside cafés and rambling ruins built to honour gods and goddesses. These remain as a testament to the lynchpin role ancient Greece once played in shaping western civilisation as we know it today.
EUROPEAN HIGHLIGHTS
A short but jam-packed adventure with Trafalgar, filled with European Highlights like cruising down the Rhine River, savouring a banquet in a castle and catching your breath as you see the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You’ll also have the opportunity to Connect With Locals in a medieval castle high above the Rhine River Valley, enjoying an exclusive Be My Guest lunch as you’re transported back to a time of kings and knights. Or Dive Into Culture and watch as skilled craftsman capture the distinctive sound of the cuckoo demonstrating the centuries' old craft of clock making in the Black Forest.
ITALIAN HOLIDAY
On this Italian sun-soaked Holiday with Trafalgar, visit the Vatican before the crowds, journey through Tuscan landscapes, cruise along the canals of Venice, and encounter the Renaissance highlights of Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You’ll also have the chance to connect with the locals, learning about eight generations of history with plenty of stories to tell. Enjoy a traditional Be My Guest dinner with the Landi family at their home near Florence, set within a garden of oak trees against the backdrop of Tuscan vineyards and olive groves. Or dive Into culture and make your travel matter by learning about the exquisite craft of glassblowing, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftsmen have perfected over the centuries, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
JEWELS OF ITALY
You could spend an eternity exploring the enchanting Italian capitals of Venice, Florence and Rome, but this exciting 7-day journey with Costsaver will deliver a multitude of memorable experiences that will linger long after you’ve returned home. Take a walk down memory lane – one that spans centuries of tradition, heritage and culture, as you encounter such iconic sights as the mighty Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Florence’s spectacular Duomo. Your exploration of this veritable open-air museum will leave you enriched and inspired.
EUROPEAN ADVENTURES
Roll up your sleeves for an adventure-filled encounter with Europe through Costsaver. This exciting journey will see you expand your mind in free-thinking Amsterdam, crane your neck to see the towering spires of Prague and kick back on the canals of Venice. A particular highlight is your romantic cruise down the Rhine where fairy tales come to life and medieval castles reveal a time of feuding lords surveying their kingdoms. Be a part of your own story as you wind your way through Europe with new friends.
LONDON TO ROME
This one’s for those of you who are short on time, but big on appetite to see all the highlights from London to Rome. This 8-day Costsaver journey including Italy’s iconic Venice, Florence and Rome is the perfect fit for you. You’ll see the Eiffel Tower in Paris, admire the tranquillity of Lake Lucerne, the snow-capped Swiss Alps, Burgundy vineyards and soul-stirring Tuscany until the 'Eternal City' caps your epic encounter with Europe.
ANCIENT LANDS
An Ancient Lands trip through Greece and Turkey with Costsaver that will allow you to trace the splendour of ancient empires , criss-crossing the Aegean Sea from the land of gods and goddesses to the sun-drenched seaside villages of the Cyclades islands. Lace up your sandals for an exploration of the Acropolis on foot, toast sundowner views over Little Venice in Mykonos, and soak up the laid-back island vibes of Crete and Santorini.
IMPERIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Soak up the cathedrals, castles, cobbled lanes, and the mighty Danube – on this stately 10-day sojourn through the imperial capitals of Europe with Costsaver. You’ll visit Bohemian Prague, the eclectic Slovakian capital of Bratislava and Mozart’s Vienna and Salzburg. Encountering a multicultural crossroads in Budapest, the medieval treasures of Regensburg and sounds of 'Do-Re-Mi' in the Mirabell Gardens.
