16 Jul 2014
Here are some of the best last-minute summer holidays available for July, August and beyond, with members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators* (AITO, www.aito.com).
PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS (01425 480400)
Departure Date: 18 July 2014
Enjoy seven nights at the Leo Apartments in Mallorca. Set in lush green gardens there's plenty to keep the children entertained, with two swimming pools and a children's pool, table tennis and a small playground. The self-catering apartment is based on four/five people sharing.
SPECIAL OFFER: The seven-night holiday now costs from £489 pp.
For more information, click here.
PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS (01425 480400)
Tenerife this July: Save £86 per couple
Departure Date: 18 July 2014
Built in 1950 and situated in a residential setting, the Iberostar Grand hotel Mencey in Santa Cruz is a truly famous landmark hotel. Santa Cruz, quite undiscovered by tourists, oozes Canarian charm and is a great place to shop. The Mencey offers a luxurious base to discover this part of the island and would also make an ideal base as part of a twin-centre holiday.
SPECIAL OFFER: The seven-night holiday now costs from £759 pp.
For more information, click here.
SERENITY HOLIDAYS, CORSICAN PLACES (0845 330 23345)
Departure Date: 20 July 2014
Set in a large mature garden right in the heart of Calvi town, these apartments are ideal for a family holiday. The gardens are well kept, with an abundance of palm trees and Mediterranean plants, and there are plenty of sun loungers available around the large pool area, too.
SPECIAL OFFER: The seven-night holiday now costs from £549 pp.
For more information, click here.
ACACIA OVERLAND TOURS (020 7706 4700)
Departure Date: 23 July 2014
Travel from Africa's premier attraction, Victoria Falls, to its most beautiful city, Cape Town, on this overland safari which offers a superb introduction to Southern Africa, filled with adventure and activities. Journey via the world's oldest desert, the Namib and the tranquillity of the Okavango Delta, dramatic Fish River Canyon and Etosha and Chobe game reserves.
LATE AVAILABILITY: The 19-day tour now costs from £722 pp (was £850) + USD720 (Mandatory Local Payment).
For more information, click here.
ACACIA OVERLAND TOURS (020 7706 4700)
Departure Date: 27 July 2014
This overland safari tour is a perfect combination for the tourist wanting a well-rounded holiday with a mixture of East African experiences. Go on safari in the world-renowned 'Big Five' game parks - the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater - followed by relaxation on the palm-fringed Indian Ocean beaches of the exotic island of Zanzibar.
LATE AVAILABILITY: The 13-day tour now costs from £761 (was £895 pp) + USD1230 (mandatory local payment).
For more information, click here.
OASIS OVERLAND (01963 363400)
Grand Adventurer, Nairobi to Cape Town: Save 15%
Departure Date: 28July 2014 or 29 August 2014
Trek to see the mountain gorillas, swim with dolphins, walk with lions or relax on sandy tropical beaches. Add in a few adrenaline activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, gorge swings or quad biking, before visiting the stunning game parks, such as the Serengeti, Etosha and Ngorongoro Crater.
SPECIAL OFFER: The 75-day trip now costs from £1,403 pp + USD850 (mandatory local payment).
For more information, click here.
ANATOLIAN SKY (0121 667 6499)
Luxury Turkish gulet cruise: Save over 50%
Departure Date: 28 July 2014
Book a luxury gulet cruise at an unbeatable price. A Turkish gulet cruise is the perfect way to relax, enjoying superb views, soaking up the sun, and stopping off to swim in the crystal-clear waters and explore hidden coves, discovering Turkey's rich history along the way. Once on board, everything is taken care of, with all meals included in the price of your holiday.
SPECIAL OFFER: The seven-night holiday now costs from £499 pp.
For more information, click here.
ACACIA OVERLAND TOURS (020 7706 4700)
Departure Date: 30 July 2014
This superb insight into Southern Africa will take visitors from Livingstone / Victoria Falls to the Atlantic coast, through the tranquil wilderness of the Okavango Delta, and prime game reserves at Etosha and Chobe NP, skirting the Kalahari.
LATE AVAILABILITY: The 12-day tour now costs from £489 pp (was £575 pp) + USD550 (mandatory local payment).
For more information, click here.
IF ONLY (0141 955 4000)
Departure Date: Selected dates in July & August 2014
JA Ocean View Hotel, part of the renowned Jebel Ali Resort Group, is Dubai's only four-star hotel on Jumeirah Walk. Dine in six bars and restaurants, relax and unwind at the Calm Spa or indulge in some retail therapy, with a complimentary shopping mall shuttle from the hotel.
SPECIAL OFFER: The five-night holiday costs from £989 pp.
For more information, click here.
KIRKER HOLIDAYS (020 7593 2288)
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, Italy: Seven nights for price of five
Departure Date: Selected dates in July and August 2014
Enjoy seven nights for the price of five at this grand five-star hotel. The Italian Lakes are one of the most spectacular regions in the world, with breath-taking scenery, delicious local cuisine and verdant gardens. Lake Maggiore stretches from Northern Italy all the way into the Swiss Alps, and is home to the elegant lakeside town of Stresa, with views of the pretty Borromean islands. One of the most famous hotels on the lakes, the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, is a grand Belle Époque property set in its own grounds, with a large outdoor swimming pool, spa, a fine lakeside restaurant and a bar which has played host to Ernest Hemingway, Clark Gable and George Bernard Shaw.
SPECIAL OFFER: The seven-night stay now costs from £1,098 pp (saving £286 pp).
For more information, click here.
EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP (020 7924 7133)
Burma Special Cruise & Adventure: Save £550 pp
Departure Date: Selected dates in July & August
Visit magical Burma on a luxury seven-night cruise up the Irrawaddy River, with accommodation in quality four-star hotels. Enjoy private travel throughout, taking in all of the unique experiences and sites along the way.
SPECIAL OFFER: The seven-night luxury cruise now costs from £2,982 pp.
For more information, click here.
DISCOVER THE WORLD (01737 214291)
Above the Arctic Circle - Finland, Norway & Sweden
Departure Date: From July to September 2014
The midnight sun glows over Lapland during the Arctic summer and now visitors can experience the best of this Sami heartland on a 14-night self-drive itinerary. Great for walking, fishing, cycling and canoeing, 'Above the Arctic Circle' is a comprehensive exploration of Lapland's lakes, fjords and national parks, providing a lovely backdrop to the sweeping open roads. From the lakes and forests of Finland, venture north to the rugged mountains of northern Norway and marvel at the prehistoric rock carvings at Alta. Stand on the North Cape and look out to where the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans meet and explore the beautiful island of Senja with its fine white beaches.
LATE AVAILABILITY: The 14-night self-drive trip costs from £1,630 pp.
For more information, click here.
BEACHCOMBER TOURS (01483 445 610)
Luxury Mauritius long stay offer: Save 30%
Departure Date: From July to 30 September 2014
The Paradis Hotel & Golf Club is set on the stunning Le Morne Peninsula - along a stretch of five kilometres of beach - and offers guests a choice of eight restaurants, a free children's club for three to 12 year olds, an 18-hole golf course and a whole host of free land and water sports. And, for those looking to be a little less active, the hotel also offers the beautiful Spa by Clarins. Stay 13 nights or more before 30 September 2014 and enjoy a superb 30% off accommodation costs.
SPECIAL OFFER: The 13-night stay costs from £1,859 pp.
For more information, click here.
SUNVIL HOLIDAYS (020 8758 4758)
Departure Date: From July to 24 October 2014
Experience an exhilarating holiday on the islands of Corfu, Crete, Lefkas or Samos, or in the Peloponnese (Greek mainland) – which also, in Tolon, offers free bikes and canoes and taster watersport sessions. Offering hand-picked accommodation in unspoiled areas, daytime flights (Gatwick and Manchester), no hidden extras and excellent service.
LATE AVAILABILITY: The seven-night holiday now costs from £309 pp.
For more information, click here.
Part II of the AITO Summer Sale will be issued early next week, featuring some more last-minute summer holidays for August and beyond.
*AITO is a highly-respected travel organisation that provides an unrivalled collection of exciting, specialist holidays from award-winning tour operators. Its 120-plus members are all focused on quality of customer experience and personal service, and aim to offer sustainable travel options.
Ends – 16 July 2014
Press: For more information about AITO (www.aito.com) please contact Sue Ockwell, Rebecca Milne or Laura Manning at Travel PR (020 8891 4440, s.ockwell@travelpr.co.uk, r.milne@travelpr.co.uk or l.manning@travelpr.co.uk).
