Due to popular demand, award-winning low fares airline Monarch has added additional flights to Tenerife this Easter.

On 02, 09 and 16 April 2010 Monarch will be operating additional flights between Gatwick and Tenerife, bringing the total number of flights operated each Friday to five. In addition, on these dates, larger aircraft will be used to operate flights between Manchester and Tenerife, increasing the number of seats available by 46%.

The new flights and extra seats are available to book now via www.monarch.co.uk with fares starting from just £62.99 one way including taxes and charges.

Commenting on the additional flights to Tenerife this Easter, managing director of Monarch Flights and Holidays, Tim Jeans said, “We have seen continued demand for flights to Tenerife this Easter and the introduction of these additional services means an extra 3,000 seats will be available during this popular travel period. Our customers continue to choose our low fares and high quality service and these additional seats provide an even greater choice of low fare flights for those that haven’t yet booked their Easter get-away.”

Monarch operates scheduled flights from Birmingham, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester to a number of destinations throughout Mainland Spain, the Balearic and Canary Islands, Portugal, Gibraltar, Cyprus and Turkey. In addition to year-round low fares, Monarch also offers a unique range of tasty hot and cold meals that can be pre-booked or purchased onboard with prices from £2.00. Seats can be pre-booked from £7.50 per one-way flight to avoid the last minute free-for-all experienced on some other airlines, or from only £15, extra-legroom seats are available, which offer up to six inches of extra space.

Passengers travelling on scheduled flights can also avoid the queues at the airport and take advantage of online check-in, which is available between seven days and 4.5 hours prior to departure.

In addition to flights, Monarch also now offers a huge range of great value holidays, accommodation options, car hire and travel insurance.

For further information or to book Monarch Flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, please visit www.monarch.co.uk.

Award winning airline, Monarch, is expanding its portfolio of flights to the Greek Islands for Summer 2010, with the addition of new weekly services from Gatwick and Manchester to Santorini. Flights are available to book now via www.monarch.co.uk.

Formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, Santorini is famed for having the best sunsets in the world and boasts an astonishing blend of scenery, radiant white villages and spellbinding archaeological sites. Combined with dramatic black sand beaches and sophisticated nightlife, this stunning island is one of the most famous holiday destinations in Greece and provides the perfect location for that dream Greek getaway.

Monarch’s new charter flights to Santorini operate weekly (every Tuesday) from Gatwick and Manchester between 05 May and 05 October 2010. Flights start from £160 return, inclusive of all taxes and charges and can be booked now via www.monarch.co.uk.

Monarch operates scheduled and charter flights from a number of UK airports, including Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester. Scheduled flights operate to destinations throughout Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Turkey and Gibraltar, whilst charter services operate worldwide. In addition to flights, Monarch also now offers a huge range of great value holidays, accommodation options, car hire and travel insurance, all of which can be booked via monarch.co.uk.

For further information or to book Monarch flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, please visit www.monarch.co.uk.

The Co-operative Travel is offering double membership points on any summer holiday booked from its new tour operation before 31 March – which means a point for every pound spent. Last year each point was worth two pence, meaning a £20 return on a holiday costing £1,000.

For details call 0844 742 2030 or visit www.co operativetravelholidays.co.uk

With Easter Holidays fast approaching, why not escape the cold weather in the UK and head off on a family break to the sunshine? Tour Operator Thomson Tailormade (0871 664 0273 ) is offering a huge range of Easter holidays to suit every taste and budget, from the fabulous beaches of Antigua to the crystal clear waters of the Maldives, palm fringed shores of Malaysia and much much more.

Penang, Malaysia, departing 5th April 2010. 7 nights from £1,300 per adult and £699 per child.

Price includes accommodation on a room only basis at the 4 Star Park Royal Penang, return flights from London Heathrow with Cathay Pacific and transfers.

You will find plenty to occupy you at the Park Royal Penang which enjoys a central location in Batu Ferringhi, close to local stores, craft stalls and nightlife. Shaded by palm trees, the hotel leads directly onto a golden sandy beach and the colourful night market is located within walking distance. Facilities include 2 swimming pools, spa, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, water sports, tennis, gym, games room and Koko Nut kids klub.

For bookings and information visit www.thomsontailormade.com or call 0871 664 0273

Kenya, departing 5th April 2010. 7 nights from £883 per adult and £515 per child.

Price includes accommodation on an All Inclusive basis at the 3 Star Papillon Lagoon Reef Resort, return flights from London Heathrow with Kenya Airways and transfers.

Papillon Lagoon Reef is located on the Southern Tip of Diani Beach, widely considered to be Kenya’s most beautiful beach, and is very private and quiet – perfect for enjoying a holiday away from it all. The hotel is built in traditional Swahili style, and nestles within exotic gardens, where toucans and colobus monkeys populate ancient baobab trees – the oldest tree is around 300 years old. Make the most of the beach-side location with a wide range of water sports including windsurfing, snorkelling and beach fishing, or book a diving trip with the resident dive team to explore the nearby coral reefs.
For bookings and information visit www.thomsontailormade.com or call 0871 664 0273

Maldives, departing 6th April 2010. 7 nights from £2,499 per adult and £750 per child.
Price includes accommodation on a b&b basis at the 4 Star Plus Hilton Iru Fushi Resort & Spa, return flights from London Heathrow with Sri Lankan Airlines and transfers.
Island settings don’t come much more idyllic than this. Set within the quiet Noonu Atoll, the lavish Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort and Spa is surrounded by more than 52 acres of powdery white sand and tropical greenery. Facilities include 6 Restaurants including ‘The Cellar’, an over water wine cellar where guests can enjoy a more intimate dinner with vintage wines, 3 bars, swimming pool with children’s pool area, Infinity edge lap pool, kids club, PADI Gold Palm dive centre, water sports, gym, tennis courts, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, pool tables, cyber cafe and library.
For bookings and information visit www.thomsontailormade.com or call 0871 664 0273

Sharm el Sheik, departing 9th April 2010. 7 nights from £699 per person.
Price includes accommodation on a b&b basis at the 4 Star Hilton Fayrouz Resort, return flights from London Gatwick with Thomson Fly and transfers.
The Hilton Fayrouz is a peaceful oasis located on its own golden beach, right in the heart of Na’ama Bay with its shopping, restaurants and popular terraced bars. From world-class diving and water sports to lazing languidly by the numerous resort pools, there’ll be a perfect distraction no matter what it is you fancy.
For bookings and information visit www.thomsontailormade.com or call 0871 664 0273

Antigua, departing 12th April 2010. 7 nights from £1,499 per adult and £739 per child.
Price includes accommodation on an All Inclusive basis at the 3 Star Jolly Beach Resort, return flights from London Gatwick with British Airways and transfers.
Jolly Beach Resort & Spa has an impressive range of facilities that will appeal to anyone looking for a lively, fun-packed holiday in a great location. Kids will love the new 8,000 sq.ft. fantasy pool and adults will love the swim-up bar! All rooms are ocean facing and families will appreciate the Superior rooms offering more space. The children’s club runs evening parties and teenager’s evenings so parents can enjoy a romantic meal at one of the stunning restaurants on offer. Facilities include 5 restaurants, 5 bars, 2 swimming pools, water sports, tennis courts, beach volleyball and football, games room, fitness centre, evening entertainment, kids club (3-12 years) and teens club (13 – 16 years).
For bookings and information visit www.thomsontailormade.com or call 0871 664 0273

It is no secret Italians love their food and Easter is no exception to the rule. The region of Liguria takes this time of year very seriously; solemn processions and masses are abundant in the three days leading up to Easter
Sunday and the banquets and celebrations quickly follow with equal gusto.

Visitors to Liguria during the Easter period will have the opportunity to feast on the unique foods and festivities which form important parts of Ligurian culture. Pasqualina (Easter Pie) is served during the lead up to Easter in homes and restaurants throughout Liguria, it boasts a rich and full flavour made with eggs and shredded artichokes. Traditionally meat is not eaten during lent, this means Easter Sunday is an opportunity to indulge and bring those forty days to a gratifying end. Banquets vary from place to place, restaurant to restaurant and family to family. For a typical Easter Sunday meal visitors can expect to start with an array of antipasto (sliced Salami, Bresaola, Prosciutto, Coppa and Arista) followed by Ravioli al tocco di carne (mini dumplings filled both with meat and vegetables with a very ancient receipt of meat tomato sauce). A main course of roast lamb with wild rosemary, garlic potatoes, fried vegetables (zucchini, eggplants and artichokes) and a special salad made with hard-boiled eggs is then served. It does not stop there; Colomba Pasquale (Easter Dove) is an Easter counterpart of the two well known Italian Christmas cake, Panettone. This cake is made in a very similar way to Panettone, omitting the sultanas, then fashioned into dove shapes and topped with coarse sugar and almonds before baking; delicious. In common with the UK, chocolate Easter eggs are given as treats and gifts, usually concealing small Easter themed gifts. The Easter Sunday meal in its entirety is a long withstanding ritual of the Italians, fuelled by devotion to religion and each other the meal still symbolises many of the traditional messages Easter represents.

Easter Monday, also known as Little Easter (Pasquetta) is an official Italian holiday which is usually spent outside in the fresh spring weather with family and friends. Walks in and around the countryside are popular with locals and visitors alike. It is not uncommon to find cars parked along the roadside with groups picnicking near by. Make the most of Cinque Terre National Park by taking your walking boots and picnic apparatus; nearby village shops stock plentiful amounts of locally produced bread, cheese, ham, sausage, pesto, olive oil and wine to be enjoyed over the picturesque landscape.

Come the second Sunday of May (9th), the annual food festivity Sagra del Pesce (Fish Feast) takes place in Camogli, a town about thirty minutes east of Genova. In a display of kindness, the fishermen abandon their nets for the day in exchange for sieves, flour, oil and a giant five metre saucepan! Excitable local children are on hand to help share out the freshly caught fish, which is fried and offered free to the flocking crowds or locals and visitors. Arrive at least the day before if you intend to drive as there is no private transport allowed in  Camogli during the festival. Regular coastal train (Trenitalia) services stop at Camogli and ferry services operate from various ports including Portofino. The festival attracts thousands of both visitors and locals so get there early to find a good spot! Camogli offers plenty of friendly boutique hotels to choose from, notably Hotel Casmona which is housed in a traditional 19th century Ligurian villa overlooking the Camogli promenade. Hailed as a place to relax and escape from everyday responsibilities, Hotel Casmona has nineteen sea view rooms to make waking up one of the best parts of the day. Prices at Easter start from €90 per night for a double room,
www.casmona.com.

One of Liguria’s culinary charms for all times of year is Stella Maris restaurant, specailising in freshly caught fish and traditional Italian dishes, it is found tucked away on top of the San Rocco hillside with stunning views over Golfo Paradiso, www.stellamaris.cc. Gli Ulivi, another restaurant gem can be found perched high above Riomaggiore on the cliffs of Cinque Terre National Park. The menu consists of ten local dishes which change everyday depending on what is fresh and available, one of the specialities being fresh fish caught in the morning and served almost straight from the sea.

Spending Easter in the city of Genova is just as fascinating. Flocks of people crowd the streets during religious processions on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday before celebrating Easter Sunday. Statues of Mary and Jesus are paraded to and from churches whilst the streets are laden with palm and olive branches. The Bentley Hotel offers five star treatment in Genova’s buzzing city centre, complete with spa and wellness centre The Bentley makes a perfect base to explore the nooks and crannies of Genoa city whilst knowing you can return to utter relaxation.

Alternatively, Hotel Loconda di Palazzo Cicala is an ultramodern and contemporary hotel boasting elegant rooms and can be found in Genova’s historic centre a stones throw from Piazza San Lorenzo, with easy access to the city’s many historic churches and art galleries including the St Lorenzo Cathedral. See if you can find The House of Cristoforo Colombo which hosts a collection of ancient items and documents relating to explorer Christopher Columbus. The San Matteo (St. Matthew) church is also worth an investigation; it was built in 1125 and has a very unusual black and white facade with a striking byzantine mosaic over the door, additional Easter decorations can only add to its splendour.

Easter weekend rates at The Bentley start from €188 for a double room, there is also a 15% on-line discount available for a non-refundable rate (€160),

http://www.thi-hotels.com/hotels/bentley-hotel/luxury-5-star-hotel-genoa.html. Hotel Loconda di Palazzo Cicala has availability over Easter weekend with double room rates starting at €190 per night, visit

http://www.hotels-genoa.co.uk/ for more information.

British Airways flies regularly from London Gatwick to Genova, prices starting from £105 return in February (£150 April), www.britishairways.com. Alternatively RyanAir flies from London Stansted to Genova on a daily basis, prices starting from £40 in February (£140 April), www.ryanair.com.

Feast of Culinary Delights on EAT! at Sea Mini Cruise to Amsterdam

Imagine the finest chefs cooking special gourmet menus, cocktail masterclasses, tutored beer tastings and a mini food market while you sail to Amsterdam. DFDS Seaways is partnering with the renowned EAT! NewcastleGateshead festival of food and drink, for their EAT! at Sea Mini Cruise to Amsterdam.

Now in its fourth year, EAT! champions local North East producers, restaurants and culinary talent through a programme of adventurous special events.

Choose the EAT! at Sea Mini Cruise and enjoy a smorgasbord of fabulous foodie fun onboard.

Wander through the Food Heroes mini market featuring the North East’s best producers demonstrating their artisan skills, brush up your mixology skills with a cocktail masterclass, or whet your appetite at the cookery demonstration theatre on deck.

Then it’s a real treat for your tastebuds as North East star chefs Terry Laybourne (Café 21) and Dave Kennedy (Brasserie Black Door) join forces to showcase their culinary magic with the DFDS Seaways chefs in the galley kitchen. Expect exceptional gastronomic delights!

And if your senses can take any more stimulation, slip on your glad rags and head for the cocktail parties, or join Alistair Gilmour, award-winning beer writer, to taste beers from both sides of the North Sea.

But its not just haute cuisine for the adults, kids can get creative at chocolate art workshops run by North East chocolatier Davenport’s, and there’s even a giant ship-shaped cake for all to share.

After all the foodie fun, you arrive in Amsterdam the next morning, just after breakfast. With approximately five hours in this vibrant city, wander the canals, explore the museums and art galleries, enjoy a spot of shopping or simply sit back and relax, before you board the cruise ferry for your return journey to Newcastle and more gastronomic delights! What’s more, customers will be able to join a free food walking tour of NewcastleGateshead after the ferry docks on 20th June.

EAT! at Sea departs Newcastle upon Tyne on 18th June 2010. Prices start from £99pp and include two nights onboard in an en suite cabin, EAT! events as detailed, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam city centre and approximately 5 hours in Amsterdam.

But add the special meals and you can save up to 21% on bookings made before 10 May.

The Scandinavian and North East buffet plus breakfast on both crossings costs from only £117pp. While the exceptional gourmet à la carte dinner plus breakfast on both crossings costs from only £135pp. You can also choose the Scandinavian and North East buffet on one crossing and the exceptional gourmet dinner on the other crossing for a taste of both meal options.

For more information, or to book go to www.dfds.co.uk/eat or call 0871 882 0885.

DFDS Seaways has recently been awarded Europe’s Leading Long Sea Ferry Operator 2009 at the World Travel Awards, the industry’s “Oscars”. This is the third successive year that the cruise ferry operator has received this recognition.

Feast of Culinary Delights on EAT! at Sea Mini Cruise to Amsterdam

Imagine the finest chefs cooking special gourmet menus, cocktail masterclasses, tutored beer tastings and a mini food market while you sail to Amsterdam. DFDS Seaways is partnering with the renowned EAT! NewcastleGateshead festival of food and drink, for their EAT! at Sea Mini Cruise to Amsterdam.

Now in its fourth year, EAT! champions local North East producers, restaurants and culinary talent through a programme of adventurous special events.

Choose the EAT! at Sea Mini Cruise and enjoy a smorgasbord of fabulous foodie fun onboard.

Wander through the Food Heroes mini market featuring the North East’s best producers demonstrating their artisan skills, brush up your mixology skills with a cocktail masterclass, or whet your appetite at the cookery demonstration theatre on deck.

Then it’s a real treat for your tastebuds as North East star chefs Terry Laybourne (Café 21) and Dave Kennedy (Brasserie Black Door) join forces to showcase their culinary magic with the DFDS Seaways chefs in the galley kitchen. Expect exceptional gastronomic delights!

And if your senses can take any more stimulation, slip on your glad rags and head for the cocktail parties, or join Alistair Gilmour, award-winning beer writer, to taste beers from both sides of the North Sea.

But its not just haute cuisine for the adults, kids can get creative at chocolate art workshops run by North East chocolatier Davenport’s, and there’s even a giant ship-shaped cake for all to share.

After all the foodie fun, you arrive in Amsterdam the next morning, just after breakfast. With approximately five hours in this vibrant city, wander the canals, explore the museums and art galleries, enjoy a spot of shopping or simply sit back and relax, before you board the cruise ferry for your return journey to Newcastle and more gastronomic delights! What’s more, customers will be able to join a free food walking tour of NewcastleGateshead after the ferry docks on 20th June.

EAT! at Sea departs Newcastle upon Tyne on 18th June 2010. Prices start from £99pp and include two nights onboard in an en suite cabin, EAT! events as detailed, coach transfers to and from Amsterdam city centre and approximately 5 hours in Amsterdam.
But add the special meals and you can save up to 21% on bookings made before 10 May.
The Scandinavian and North East buffet plus breakfast on both crossings costs from only £117pp. While the exceptional gourmet à la carte dinner plus breakfast on both crossings costs from only £135pp. You can also choose the Scandinavian and North East buffet on one crossing and the exceptional gourmet dinner on the other crossing for a taste of both meal options.
For more information, or to book go to www.dfds.co.uk/eat or call 0871 882 0885.

DFDS Seaways has recently been awarded Europe’s Leading Long Sea Ferry Operator 2009 at the World Travel Awards, the industry’s “Oscars”. This is the third successive year that the cruise ferry operator has received this recognition.
====================================================================
Menton – Mimosa and Lemon Festival
10 Feb 10
Trees laden with oranges and lemons, the scents of mimosa and genista in full bloom and the warmth of the sun in late February give a perfect escape from the northern winter. The Mimosa and Lemon Festival in Menton in the south of France, is a time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the vivid colours.

Huge fruity floats of oranges and lemons sway through the streets and sleepy Menton bursts into a riot of colour for this huge, annual festival. This year Menton celebrates the Musics of the World.

We soak up the atmosphere on our 8-day tour but also visit some secluded gardens of exceptional beauty among terraces of olive groves and citrus trees.

This year’s excellent crop of avocado are ready to pick. They thrive in Menton’s gentle microclimate as do subtropical plants being protected to the north by the Alpes Maritimes. We explore La Serre de la Madone, the garden created in the 1920s by Lawrence Johnston of Hidcote fame, and La Mortola, one of the greatest Riviera gardens just over the border in Italy.

Susan Worner Tours has only one room left on this eye-catching tour departing on 24 February. With a maximum of 20 in the group, fully guided by Susan Worner, this tour gives a wonderful insight into the botanical and historical places of this beautiful region. We stay in a comfortable, contemporary-style hotel, overlooking the old perched Italianate town and port.

The tour runs from 24 February – 03 March 2010. Flights from London Gatwick or Heathrow. £1185 per person, based on 2 people sharing, bed & breakfast with dinner on 3 evenings and 1 lunch.

No.1 Traveller launches on Monday 1 February – a new approach to catching a flight that combines chauffeured airport transfers, airport concierge services and exclusive lounges, to create a seamless journey for the discerning passenger, from driveway to runway.

Created by innovative travel company, the No.1 Group, which last year opened stylish new lounges at Gatwick and Stansted airports (called No.1 Gatwick and No.1 Stansted), the No.1Traveller experience finally makes catching a flight a real pleasure.

No.1 Traveller is available to everyone, from companies to the individual business traveller, to the holidaymaker or honeymooner.

No.1 Traveller offers a tailored service at each step of the journey to and through the airport, with a focus on exceptional service, delivered at great value. No.1 recognises the need for a stress-free, and reliable experience when catching a plane. And, as airport security once again becomes more time-consuming, No.1 offers havens within the airport, where the traveller can make the most of their time, working or relaxing as they choose.

Airport Transfers The company boasts a modern fleet of Mercedes-Benz E, S and V class vehicles, with punctual, experienced and immaculately-presented drivers, and prices comparable to the cost of a standard people carrier from London’s leading minicab operators. Prices to Heathrow from London’s West End start at £58.20.

Concierge Whether printing off vital documents, arranging a return car journey or sorting out what to do with the house keys, No.1’s concierge service is an invaluable safety net for any traveller, and is available to all our members and anyone using our services on the day.

Lounges No.1 lounges are a haven within the airport. Each lounge has a number of areas in which to relax, work or socialise, features a fully-tended bar and offers table service from our welcoming and attentive team. The complimentary food and drink offering includes a range of cakes, savoury snacks and fresh fruit, with light bistro-style dishes available to order. The bar serves a full range of hot and cold drinks, wines, beers and spirits. A range of champagne and cocktails is also available for purchase. Lounge access can be purchased for £17.50 per adult (or less, if booked as part of a package with a car, or by using a No.1 card).

Corporate Membership & the No.1 Card Companies can optimise their staff’s travel time in one easy move by taking a corporate membership for five or more employees.

Each member gets a No.1 card, which also offers discounts on cars, lounges and complimentary use of the concierge service – which employees can also use for their own leisure travel, as an added perk. Individual travellers can subscribe to the No.1 Card for just £28 per annum, which includes one free lounge entry.

The No.1 Group is a British company, founded by the multi award-winning West End theatre producer, Phil Cameron. “As a frequent traveller, I know how stressful and unpredictable getting to the airport can be. We’ve created No.1 Traveller to take the hassle and stress away, and to let the traveller actually enjoy catching a flight again.

“We’re excited about this major launch in the UK and to building a reputation as the obvious choice for getting you, the passenger, to your flight. Whether it’s for work or a wedding, everyone wants their trip to get off to a good start, and for the best possible price. We’re here to make sure our customers feel their journey is happening their way.”

The company opened its first lounge at JFK International Airport in 2007 and, since then, has served hundreds of thousands of satisfied passengers. It will continue to extend its services to major airports across the UK during 2010 and 2011, with coverage of over sixty percent of the UK travel market in the next eighteen months.

Last week airBaltic announced a new route from London (Gatwick) to Vilnius, Lithuania.

“The airBaltic decision to relaunch direct flights between London and Vilnius will definitely help to attract more tourists from the UK to Lithuania. The airline is already established in the UK market as the major carrier to the Baltic Countries and we are happy to cooperate with them marketing Lithuania to the British travel trade and to British travel writers.” – states Augusta Jaudegyte, the Director of Lithuanian National Tourism Office in the UK.

Direct flights to London will commence on March 4 and will operate twice a week on Thursdays and Saturday. Additional flights on Mondays and Wednesdays will be introduced on March 27, increasing the frequency to four times a week.

Tero Taskila, Chief Commercial Officer of airBaltic: “Due to, its recently reduced charges, Vilnius airport has now become more attractive for airlines, and we are delighted to offer the new London-Vilnius service for leisure and business travellers.”

Neil Taylor, author of the Bradt Guide to the Baltic Cities: “It is good that an airline eager to work with the travel trade and with the travel media has returned to this route. airBaltic are bound to make a success of it and I am sure we can look forward to increased services from them between Britain and Lithuania”

Passengers will board a Boeing 737 aircraft for a flight of two hours and 55 minutes. One-way ticket prices start at around £23, including airport fees and service charges. A full schedule of flights can be found at www.airbaltic.com.

Croatia is tipped to be one of the most popular destinations in 2010 for British holiday-makers with its non-Euro currency, high quality, good value tourist accommodation and excellent flying links from UK airports. Here is Hidden Croatia’s pick of some of the best hotels and holidays on Croatia’s islands and mainland:-

Easter on the cosmopolitan island of Hvar, 4* b&b £735

For travel over Easter 2010 Hidden Croatia has a 7 night b&b stay at the 4* Hotel Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour for £735 per person, based on 2 sharing and including return flights from Gatwick to Split, road and ferry transfers. The hotel is located on the chic harbour front of Hvar island, reminiscent of an upmarket French Riviera resort, and is a member of the Small Leading Hotels of the World, offering contemporary styling in a wonderful location. Contact Hidden Croatia on 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

Remote island off the tourist track, 3* b&b £599

The remote island of Vis is as impregnable as a Bond villain’s lair and as beautiful as Capri before the tourists. It has no big hotels, no big resorts, and despite its magnificent unspoilt scenery and deserted beaches has only recently opened up to tourism. The island’s Hotel San Giorgio is a charming 10 rooms boutique 3 star hotel and Hidden Croatia offers 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation from £599 per person (April 2010), including flights from London Gatwick to Split and road and ferry transfers, based on 2 sharing. Contact Hidden Croatia on 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

5* Dubrovnik and drinks on the house!

Hidden Croatia are offering a complimentary bottle of wine with dinner each day for guests spending a week at the 5* Grand Villa Argentina, a classic water-front, Dalmatian building made up of three noble villas, renowned as the most exquisite hotel in Dubrovnik. A week’s half board stay costs from £675 per person (child £499) over Easter, including flights from Gatwick to Dubrovnik and airport transfers.

Croatia’s Makarska Riviera, boutique hotel

80kms south of Split is the tranquil town of Tucepi, with its turquoise fringed golden beaches, where the family-run, delightful boutique style 3* Hotel Villa Andrea offers a friendly and unpretentious welcome right beside the sea. Hidden Croatia offer a 7 night stay from £495 per person in April 2010, including b&b accommodation, return flights from London Gatwick to Split and airport transfers. Contact Hidden Croatia on 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

School holidays all inclusive 4* Grand Hotel Orebic

For those worried about family holiday `extras’ at the 4* Grand Hotel Orebic in a wonderful seafront location `all inclusive’ includes seasonal watersports, breakfast, lunch and dinner with house wine, beer, water and juices (lunch and dinner), a supervised children’s club with daily programme, adult entertainment programme and evening entertainment, boules, table tennis and use of multi-purpose sports ground, free pool sunbeds and loungers. Hidden Croatia offers 7 nights at the Grand Hotel Trebic from £505 (adults) and £345 (children) in April, (July / August prices £825 adult, £529 child) including flights from London Gatwick to Dubrovnik and transfers. Contact Hidden Croatia on 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

Boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Bled

On the shores of Slovenia’s Lake Bled Pension Mlino is a charming boutique hotel with just 11 rooms and a renowned home cooking a la carte restaurant, offering views of the lake, the castle and the island. Hidden Croatia has 7 nights b&b accommodation in spring 2010 for £489 (Easter) and £475 during May, including return flights from London Gatwick to Ljubljana and transfers. Contact Hidden Croatia on 0844 477 9999, www.hiddencroatia.com

Car free Croatian island, 7 nights £409

Croatia’s Kolocep island, the smallest of the Elafiti islands, is completely car free, has just one hotel, the Hotel Villas Kolocap, and a population of less than 150 inhabitants, which combined with its low-rise, unspoilt landscape makes for very good walking and cycling opportunities. Unusually for Croatia the island has a sandy beach. Hidden Croatia offers 7 nights room and breakfast at the 3* Hotel Villas Kolocep from £385 in April 2010 (children £285), including return flights from Gatwick to Dubrovnik, road and ferry transfers.