How about doubling your holidays with the newly introduced two countries, two centre holidays from Topflight? This year you could combine lakes and mountains, or cities and beaches, and visit two countries in one holiday.
For example, you could go to Verona in Italy for the opera festival, and then on to Austria to Seefeld to walk, golf or mountain bike in the mountains. Further details from your Topflight brochure at your local travel agent.
It is impossible to imagine how you could make attending the World Cup in France this summer a family event. However, David Dryer Sports Tours has come up with what seems like the ideal solution. Between June 9th and July 13th, in partnership with Club Med and Club Aquarius it has created three International Villages of Football, at Pompadour, Forge-les-Eaux and Montpezat. Offering fully inclusive holidays centres with excellent sports facilities from £60-80 per night per person. So while the family has fun you can go on day trips to the matches in the vicinity. More details from 4th Floor, 73 Farringdon Road, London EC1M 3JB Tel: 00 44 171 831 7799, Fax: 831 848
One of my favourite little guides every year is the Friendly Homes of Ireland. Charming family homes and small hotels.
This year there are 18 new finds. Places such as Farran House, near Cork, that hides in a beech wood with tubs like swimming pools. Diamond Lodge in Letterfrack, and Fermoyle Lodge near Costello beings a whole new meaning to remote solitude in Connemara.
Druid Lodge in Dublin's pop star belt of Killiney is only £28 per night. Hard to make a choice from such a selection. Available from tourist offices or FHT PO Box 2281, Dublin 4, Tel: (01) 668 0109 email: info@tourismresources.ie.
Apple blossom time in Normandy, where they make the lovely apple liqueur Calvados. Irish Ferries' is offering a two night April Break from £99 per person, based on four adults sharing, inclusive of return ferry travel on the new cruise ferry Normandy with cabin and two nights hotel accommodation in France. Ideal for a mini-break and to stock up on the wine.
Barcelona, one of Spain's most architecturally inspiring cities is the capital of Catalonia which conjures up images of dance, artists, flamenco, museums and food.
Cultural Tours of Spain's (01 285 8508) escorted tour from - April 14th-21st takes in the wonders of Catalonia, from £579. Barcelona, Girona, Figueres, Montserrat and Cordorniu. If, on the other hand, southern Spain beckons, then you might like to visit Seville for the Feria de Abril or the April Festival. Dating from the 14th century, it took its style from the baroque period.
The form of the floats and pentitents' attire was influenced by the Romantic style. Each day of Holy Week the floats take to the streets. Horsemen and carriages drive elegantly along the streets, moving from tent to tent where they are feted with wine and tapas. You could be part of this festival: contact Tel EMT Leisure Marketing for more details (01) 679 3811.