Travel Challenge: Last-minute family getaways
Each week, we invite companies to offer us their best deal for a specific break. Today, a special edition: last-minute family summer holidays. All prices include a week's stay for four (two adults, two children), with start dates from 21 July to 25 August.
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£1, 418
Airtours
Includes Thomas Cook Airlines flights from Gatwick to Dalaman on 26 July, transfers and a self-catering studio at the Lunamar Apartments in Marmaris. "This relaxed, family-run establishment in the Armutalan area of Marmaris offers spacious apartments close to the sandy beaches, bars and restaurants," says Trish Hughes of Thomas Cook (0844 412 5970; thomascook.com).
French camping
£799
Canvas Holidays
Includes return Dover-Calais ferry on 23 July and a two-bedroom mobile home at Camping la Pointe St Gilles, Bénodet in Brittany (self-catering). "The campsite is ideally located close to the centre of Bénodet. There is a fantastic swimming pool on site, plus wonderful spa centre for some relaxation," says Margaret Robertson of Canvas Holidays (0845 268 0827; canvasholidays.co.uk).
Tenerife
£1,796
easyJet Holidays
Includes flights from Gatwick to Tenerife North on 22 August and all-inclusive accommodation at the Isla Bonita Hotel in Costa Adeje. "All-inclusive holidays are a great way to plan your budget and offer excellent value for money. The Isla Bonita offers a wide range of activities on site, such as a childrens' club and playground, tennis, squash, badminton and four swimming pools," says Mandy Round of easyJet Holidays (0843 1041000; easyjet.com/holidays).
Italian Dolomites
£1,999
Inghams
Includes easyJet flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck in Austria on Saturday 4 August, as well as transfers and a fully-catered stay at Chalet Hotel Al Pigher in La Villa. "This traditional Italian resort is the perfect base for a family holiday set in the beautiful Dolomite mountain range. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from including mountain biking and walking. There are also climbing tours and via ferratas to explore more isolated areas," says Lisa Tyrrell of Inghams (01483 791111; inghams.co.uk).
Cornwall
£990
Looe & Polperro Holidays
Includes the rental of Foxglove Barn, near Liskeard, from 28 July, 11 or 25 August. "This is a true Cornish gem – just 25 minutes from the fishing village of Fowey, 10 minutes from Bodmin and just a mile from a fabulous pub with great food and ales," says Marie Carnell of Looe & Polperro Holidays (01503 265330; looeand polperroholidays.co.uk).
British boating
£1,215
Waterways Holidays
Hire of a 49ft Grebe boat, for Friday to Monday departures between 21 July and 25 August from Wrenbury on the Llangollen Canal, for a boating holiday around Cheshire and North Wales, with tuition. "Narrowboat holidays represent a great activity break without having to spend extra on daily excursions and amusements for the kids. Each boat offers full self-catering facilities and is ideal for first timers and experienced boaters alike," says Nigel Richards of Waterways Holidays (01252 339023; waterwaysholidays.com).
Greek villa
£1,380
CV Travel
Includes rental of the two-bed St Thomas Beach House on the island of Kefalonia from either 22 or 29 July, and 5, 12, 19 and 26 August. Includes car hire but not flights. "A beach with a taverna five minutes away and a villa with a private pool – what more could anyone want? This wonderful, air-conditioned stone villa in the south of Kefalonia also has lovely coastal views and sun-terraces," says Carolina Brooke of CV Travel (020-7401 1026; cvtravel.co.uk).
The Azores
£2,592
Sunvil Discovery
Includes SATA flights from Gatwick to Sao Miguel on 11 August, transfers and B&B in two rooms at the Hotel Royal Garden in Ponta Delgada. "August is wonderful in the Azores. You can swim in natural rock pools, spot whales and dolphins, or take a 4x4 safari to see spectacular volcanic scenery," says Rosanna Melaragni of Sunvil Discovery (020-8758 4722; sunvil.co.uk).
Active Spain
£3,356
Families Worldwide
Includes B&B at the Casa Rural farmhouse near the Catalan town of Sant Pere Pescador from 28 July, with activities such as high-rope walking, abseiling, archery, riding and mountain biking. Flights extra. "This trip is centre-based, so Mum and Dad don't have to keep packing and unpacking. The activities are all optional, so people can do as much or as little as they like," says Mark Wright of Families Worldwide (0845 051 4567; familiesworldwide.co.uk).
California
£3,755
Virgin Holidays
Includes Virgin flights from Heathrow to Los Angeles on 21 August and room-only at the Knotts Berry Farm Hotel in Anaheim with car hire. "Anaheim is the perfect destination for families combining all the thrills of the theme parks, such as Knotts Berry, Legoland and Disney, with gorgeous beaches just a drive away," says Paul Lennard of Virgin Holidays (0844 557 3859; virginholidays.co.uk).
Miami
£3,756
BA Holidays
Includes BA flights from Heathrow to Miami any day between 21 July and 25 August and room-only at Days Inn Oceanside. "Miami is perfect for families looking for a beach break combined with lots of fun activities, such as The Everglades nearby. The hotel is in a great central location with direct access to Miami Beach's famous boardwalk and minutes from South Beach's Art Deco district," says Caroline Smith of BA Holidays (0844 4930758; ba.com/miami).
West Sweden
£4,490
Simply Sweden
Includes SAS flights from Heathrow to Gothenburg Landvetter on any day of summer holidays, with car hire and B&B in Gothenburg, Lysekil, Dalsland and South Koster island. Activities include sea kayaking, guided cycling and horseriding. "Summertime in Sweden is magical," says Chris Graham of Simply Sweden. "Families can enjoy the great outdoors and the lighter days, while seeing the cities, coast and lake district." (0845 8900300; simplysweden.co.uk)
Cyprus
£4,249
Sovereign Luxury Travel
Includes easyJet flights from Gatwick to Paphos on 24 July, transfers and half-board at InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel. "This stunning hotel allows families to really relax and enjoy quality time together. The childrens' club has plenty of activities to keep the family entertained, such as trampolines and an adventure playground, all included in the price," says Stephanie Pritchard of Sovereign Luxury Travel (0844 415 1936; sovereign.com).
Portugal
£6,502
Prestige Holidays
Includes easyJet flights from Gatwick to Faro on Monday 30 July, transfers and half-board at the Sheraton Algarve in Praia da Falesia. "This resort offers a spectacular location as it's set on a cliff, overlooking a wonderfully sandy beach. It has its own golf course, a great choice dining options and excellent childrens' club, making it perfect for families with kids of all ages," says Nicky Shafe of Prestige Holidays (01425 480400; prestigeholidays.co.uk).
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