Half Term holiday deals

A Moroccan family adventure…
The Palmeraie Golf Palace offers a variety of activities for children (mini-club, horse-riding, tennis, golf and excellent swimming facilities); however, it is well worth stepping outside this magnificent oasis to explore the wider world of Marrakech. Within minutes, the hotel’s courtesy bus takes you to the medina, a fascinating and beguiling place full of colourful sights, contrasting images and wild experiences, which are sure to light up any child’s eyes. A visit to the Djemaa el-Fna, a bustling square in the medina, will excite children of all ages – the jugglers, storytellers, snake charmers, musicians, acrobats, henna artists, fire-eaters and belly dancers make this a spectacle not to be missed.

Just as exciting is a stroll through the labyrinthine and busy streets of the souqs (markets), where you can watch artisans at work fashioning slippers, hammering jewellery and weaving rugs. A three night half term break costs from £459 per adult and £241 per child (seven night’s from £747 per adult and £257 per child). Prices include breakfast, return flights and private transfers. For reservations contact Cadogan Holidays on 0845 615 6793 or visit www.cadoganholidays.com


Whale-watching in Tenerife…
Tenerife is far more than just sun drenched beaches and clear Atlantic waters; it is also home to 24 different species of whales and dolphins. From aboard the Lady Shelley, a deluxe catamaran owned by the five star Mare Nostrum Resort, guests have the chance to observe these magnificent mammals in their natural habitat, making a truly unforgettable day-trip. Prices start from €20 per adult and €10 per child for a two-hour excursion. A seven night holiday at the five star Mare Nostrum Resort departing on 21 or 23 October costs from £2640 for a family of four (two children under 12). Prices include breakfast, return flights and private transfers. For reservations contact Cadogan Holidays on 0845 615 6793 or visit www.cadoganholidays.com

B.O.B. Diving in Tenerife…
For a James Bond underwater experience try a BOB (Breathing Observation Bubble) diving safari in Tenerife, the only place in Europe where you can ride a scooter under the waves and come face to face with the fish. No previous diving experience is needed. The two-hour trip includes the boat ride out to the dive spot situated at Puerto Colon, Playa de las Americas, use of equipment and costs from 42 euros per person.

Further details are available at www.bob-diving.com A seven night holiday at the five star Mare Nostrum Resort departing on 21 or 23 October costs from £2640 for a family of four (two children under 12). Prices include breakfast, return flights and private transfers. For reservations contact Cadogan Holidays on 0845 615 6793 or visit www.cadoganholidays.com


Football, fish and fun in Barcelona…
I want, she wants, he wants……For most families it’s hard to please everyone on holiday. Not anymore. The five-star Hotel Princesa Sofia in Barcelona has launched a special short break package for families looking for that perfect mix of culture, entertainment and relaxation. Included in the package is a visit to Barcelona’s world renowned Football Club, Camp Nou and museum.

Stepping into Ronaldinho’s boots for the day, guests get an insiders tour of the famous club, with the opportunity to visit the presidential box, the changing room area and pass through the tunnel onto the pitch, where you can experience what it really feels like to be a professional Barcelona FC player.

For the underwater explorers in the family, this unique experience also includes a visit to the Barcelona Aquarium, an educational and leisure marine centre, considered to be one of the most important centres in the world for Mediterranean subject matter. Boasting 35 aquarium tanks, 11,000 examples of 450 marine species, 6 million litres of water and an 80 metre transparent tunnel where you can see sharks in their natural habitat. The Barcelona Aquarium is sure to amaze.

Shopaholics beware… this luxurious hotel is located on the exclusive Avenida Diagonal in the heart of Barcelona’s business and shopping district. Avenida Diagonal has everything from independent boutiques to large department stores and is also home to trendy designer names such as Gaultier and Miyake.

After a hard days shop guests can retreat to the harmonious Aqua Chill Out zone at the Hotel Princesa Sofia to relax and recuperate on sumptuous canopy beds whilst sipping cocktails under the stars. All beer monkeys can also find a relaxing retreat in the exclusive Biergarten, a German themed beer garden where staff dressed in dirndl costumes serve ice cold Erdinger Weissbier and traditional German cuisine.

EXTENDED SPECIAL OFFER - A family weekend package at the five-star Hotel Princesa Sofia including two night’s accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in a standard room, entrance for three people to Camp Nou Tour, Barcelona Museum and to the Barcelona Aquarium costs from £125 per person. Subject to availability and based on two sharing.

Valid until 31 October 2007. For reservations call 00 34 93 508 10 00, email psreservas@expogrupo.com or visit www.expogrupo.com. Flights to Barcelona are available with easyJet, www.easyjet.com, departing from a number of UK regional airports and prices start from £41.98 return including taxes.


All aboard for the Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta! Half term starts with a bang in Malta as the annual Rolex Middle Sea Race comes to town. Said to be one of the most scenic of all the great offshore races in the world, budding sailors both old and young will love the carnival atmosphere of Valetta harbour where two action packed days of inshore racing around Malta and Gozo on 20th and 21st October serve as a warm-up for the fleet before they head for Sicily on an exhilarating 607 mile loop. For flight and hotel bookings visit www.airmalta.com


Free nights in the Malaysian Jungle! Get back to nature this half term at Tanjong Jara Resort, set on the wild east coast of Malaysia. From Batik painting classes and cooking lessons with Chef Ann to bike rides through the local villages and jungle treks with Captain Mok, every aspect of this luxury resort gives a true taste of Malaysia. Visit during half term and get a free night for every one you stay.

Eight nights in a Bumbung room (4-nights free) costs from £1110pp including international economy flights and taxes, private transfers and lounge access at Heathrow. Children under 12 sharing receive free accommodation. For reservations contact Bailey Robinson (www.baileyrobinson.com 01488 689 700) or visit www.tanjongjararesort.com for resort information.