Cape Town for May
It may be coming into winter in Cape Town in May but the weather is mild and sunny. Cape Town is a melting pot of different cultures, cuisines and landscapes with the stunning backdrop of Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles. A five-day break in May with flights from Dublin and staying in the four-star Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel, B&B from €695pps, ref 116954, must be booked by December 21st, sunway.ie, 01 2311800.
Walk off Christmas in Mayo
Gerry Greensmyth will be leading his 10th New Year walking festival from December 29th - January 1st, 2018 in Westport. Stay three nights in the Clew Bay Hotel with one dinner for €215pps, walking days costs €35 for one day €60 for two days. You can book places on walkingguideireland.com and 087 2333295.
Stunning Provence
The stunning five-star Crillon le Brave hotel in Provence is enticing guests to book early with some great discounts of up to 30 per cent. The charming hotel with fantastic views of Mont Ventoux and the surrounding landscape is perfect for walking and cycling. The weather is lovely all year and you can indulge in fine food and wine of the region. Book between now and December 31st for travel from April 3rd to November 17th, 2018. Discount off normal B&B rates, 30 per cent in April, October and November, 20 per cent off in May, June and September and 15 per cent off in July and August. Rates are from €273 per night. To book, email reservations@crillonlebrave.com, or telephone +33 -04 90 65 61 61.
Titanic is 20 - the movie that is
Titanic Belfast the world's leading attraction in 2016, at the World Travel Awards, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the movie with a very special afternoon tea on Tuesday December 19th. Titanic Suite will be the venue for a red-carpet movie themed Afternoon Tea with Prosecco, by the replica Grand Staircase. Beginning at 7pm the film show, afternoon tea a la White Star line will cost £35/€40 pp or stay overnight in the recently opened Titanic Hotel from £139/€158 per room including Titanic breakfast. Make a booking on titanicbelfast.com for tickets and titanichotelbelfast.com for reservations.
Flee to Toronto
There are still seats on a special flight to Toronto for Christmas this year and you could surprise a loved one. Airtransat will have a one off flight on December 20th to Toronto from Dublin and returning on January 2nd, 2018 from €359 return. You can upgrade to Club seat with meals and two bags for €1,058, airtransat.com, 00800-87267283.
Five star in January on the Algarve
Though the temperatures may not be high, expect 6-16 degrees in January on the Algarve but a five-star break in the Real Marina Hotel and Spa would be a nice treat from €299pps. The package includes direct flights from Dublin with Aer Lingus and seven nights B&B with transfers, from clickandgo.com, 01-9069414.
Escape to the Midlands
From December 17th - 23rd the Wineport Lodge on the Shannon will have an overnight for two with afternoon tea, mulled wine, B&B in a lake view room. A mini getaway before the madness will cost €200 for two, Wineport.ie, 0903 6439010.
