The best short break deals for summer

Suggest a deal for clients looking to book a short break this summer, says Adam Shaw

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For clients who want to beat higher prices by booking a shorter break this summer, or those still keen to squeeze in a long weekend in addition to their usual fly-and-flop holiday, there are a host of Europe deals out there.

Whether it’s a long weekend hiking in the mountains, a quick city break or a few days chilling at a beachside or country hotel, we’ve rounded up six deals for clients looking for a speedy summer jaunt.

In the city

Valletta, Malta

Best for…culture vultures

Home to stunning architecture – from the baroque Grandmaster’s Palace to the star-shaped Fort Saint Elmo – Valletta is a city to admire.

Small enough to cover comfortably on foot during a short stay, the Unesco World Heritage Site boasts several museums including the National War Museum, charting Malta’s role in the Second World War, and the National Museum of Archaeology, which has artefacts dating back to the Neolithic period.

Clients can sample street food, such as pastizz, a savoury pastry traditionally filled with ricotta or curried peas, or, for something a bit fancy, suggest Italian-inspired Guzé, where à la carte and tasting menus cover everything from slow-cooked rabbit to lobster spaghetti.

Book it: A four-night stay at Osborne Hotel with Olympic Holidays starts at £566, flying from Stansted on June 6. Includes a discount of at least £130, plus a further £100 off if booked by February 28.
olympicholidays.com/agents

Bruges, Belgium

Best for…romance

Ralph Fiennes’ character in the black-comedy classic In Bruges referred to the West Flanders capital as “a fairytale town” – and few descriptions are more apt. With its network of canals dotted with elegant swans, and countless crisscrossing bridges (there’s even one called The Lovers’ Bridge), Bruges certainly is a romantic setting.

Clients can cosy up in one of the city’s appealing pubs for a fruity beer and a plate of frites, or pop into a chocolate shop to sample silky-smooth truffles. Bruges’ main square, the Markt, is a magical date spot day or night, with the adjoining Belfry of Bruges providing the perfect backing tune to any romantic stay.

Book it: Kirker Holidays offers four nights for the price of three at The Pand Hotel and Eurostar tickets from £756, valid for bookings until October 31.
kirkerholidays.com

Hot hotels

Lindos, Rhodes

Best for…a grown-up escape

Over-18s can head to the charming and secluded adult-only Lindos Village Resort & Spa on the biggest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands. Here they can soak up some sun on the roof terrace or take a dip in the sea from the hotel’s private stretch of beach.

There’s a choice of restaurants for lunch, from poolside Ydor to Mediterranean dishes at Pomodoro E’Basiliko and grilled specials at Burger & Hot D. Dinner is served at Asian Ginger Root and Greek venue Gia Ouzaki.

There’s also a relaxing spa (charges apply) and activities including beachfront yoga and clifftop guided walks.

Book it: Five nights’ all-inclusive at Lindos Village Resort & Spa with easyJet Holidays starts at £862, including transfers and flights from Luton, departing July 15. Includes a discount for this property of £388.
easyjet.com

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Best for…poolside relaxing

Gazing over the azure waters of the Dalmatian coast and the Elafiti Islands is enough to chill anyone out – and that’s exactly what clients can expect with a stay at Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.

This five-star hotel has four pools, including one overlooking the sea, as well as a waterfront taverna and swim-up bar. When it comes to wellness, the hotel’s Energy Clinic offers a range of treatments (starting at around £60), alongside a Finnish sauna and Jacuzzis.

Those wishing to stretch their legs can wander the trails of the Petka pine forests.

Book it: Five nights’ B&B at Hotel Dubrovnik Palace starts at £926 with easyJet Holidays, including flights from Gatwick and transfers, departing June 24. Includes a discount of £171.
easyjet.com

Active trips

Albufeira, Portugal

Best for…golf enthusiasts

Golfers can expect warm weather, the dramatic backdrop of the Algarve coastline and impeccable greenkeeping at Club Med’s Da Balaia, just outside Albufeira. Guests have unlimited access to the nine-hole course, as well as the driving range, putting green and chipping area at the nearby Balaia Golf Club.

Guests can also sign up to free group golf lessons six times a week. It’s also great for families, with kids’ clubs, a mini-golf course and children’s pool, as well as an ocean-view restaurant, The Balaia.

Book it: Five-nights’ all-inclusive at Club Med Da Balaia starts at £2,247 for two adults, including flights from Gatwick, departing June 11, and transfers. Includes a discount of up to 15% when booked at least three months in advance.
clubmed.co.uk

Bohinj, Slovenia

Best for…scenic hikes

Slovenia is not only relatively affordable compared with neighbours Italy, Austria and Croatia, but it’s also something of an untapped gem, with impressive mountain ranges waiting to be hiked.

Some of its best trails can be found in Bohinj, on the edge of Triglav National Park in the heart of the Julian Alps and home to Lake Bohinj, one of the largest lakes in Slovenia.

Suggest clients stay at the Bohinj Eco Hotel, which is lit by LED bulbs, insulated with wood fibre and sources its water from a nearby well.

Book it: A three-night stay at Bohinj Eco Hotel with Inghams starts at £597, including unlimited access to the aquapark and one visit to the sauna, plus flights from Heathrow, departing June 7. Includes a discount of £30, valid until March 31.
agents.inghams.co.uk

PICTURES: Shutterstock/ZGPhotography, Fesus Robert, Marina Detsenko

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