How much can you save by arranging seven days in Italy for yourself?
Where: A week in Lake Garda
When: June 7th-14th
With a travel agent Falcon Travel is offering seven days' half-board in Lake Garda's four-star Hotel Garden. Situated 150 metres from the lake shore, the hotel promises "stunning views" and an elevated and sunny aspect. Flights depart Dublin on Saturday at 5.30pm and leave Verona seven days later at 10pm, arriving home in the early hours of Sunday morning. The package includes airport transfers and a baggage allowance of 20kg.
How much?The trip costs €2,094.65 per couple.
On your ownWe could find no direct flights to Verona from Ireland so went with Ryanair through Stansted, increasing the travel time significantly. Flights depart London on the Saturday at 11.40am and leave Verona a week later at 3.05pm local time, arriving back in London at 4.15pm, with connecting flights to Ireland an hour later. The total cost of the flights when taxes, charges and baggage fees for all for legs of the journey are factored in is is €470.01. The hotel has a website accepting online reservations; bed and breakfast for two people costs €1,316. (www.garden garda.it).
Airport transfers:about €50.
How much:€2,046.01 (including a fairly mean €30 per couple evening-meal allowance).
Independent savings:€48.64 (but a lot of time and work involved).
