This month, AITO’s travel specialists have hand-picked a number of fun, family-friendly holidays that are bound to please parents and children alike.
From a trip to the Loire Valley to learn about the French Renaissance to taking to the streets of Tokyo and Kyoto, this month’s round-up includes cultural sites, tranquil pursuits and activity-based inspiration for your next family trip. Prices are based on a family of four and are flexible, based on individual requirements.
Travellers can book directly through the AITO members featured in this article. AITO members marked * can also be booked through a local, trusted AITO Specialist Travel Agency.
Big 5 & Beach Family Adventure – from £7,450 per family of four with Bushbaby Travel
Here’s a fabulous ten-night family safari adventure that gives you the best of both worlds – wildlife plus beach relaxation. Enjoy three nights in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, staying at family-friendly Thakadu River Camp on a fully-inclusive basis. In the heart of the wild bushveld, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to join the friendly, experienced rangers on Big 5 game-drives. Finish with a fun but relaxing seven nights’ half-board at four-star La Pirogue on Mauritius – beach paradise! With multiple departures from May to August, Big 5 & Beach Family Adventure starts from £2,575 per adult / £1,150 per child under 12 sharing, including flights, car hire in South Africa, private transfers in Mauritius and ten nights’ accommodation. Call 08451 244 455 (www.bushbaby.travel).
Simply splendiferous! Discover Dahl and Blyton in Bucks – from £370 per family of four with Ffestiniog Travel*
Treat the family to a three-day trip to Buckinghamshire devoted to two of children’s literary greats – Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. Ride the Great Glass Elevator, explore sound with the BFG and browse Matilda’s library at the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden. Visit Enid Blyton’s former home village, Beaconsfield, calling at the Red Lion pub in Knotty Green for lunch (not included) and a browse through the treasures in its Enid Blyton room, before dropping in on the Bekonscot Model Village & Railway, the inspiration for Noddy’s Toytown Village. Departing all year round, The Roald Dahl Literary Mini-Break costs from £370 for a family of four, including two nights’ B&B and entry to all attractions. Rail travel to/from Aylesbury can also be arranged (extra cost). Call Ffestiniog Travel on 01766 512 400 (www.ffestiniogtravel.com).
Two-wheeled discovery of the Loire Valley en famile – from £2,360 per family of four with Inntravel*
The Loire Valley, with its magnificent gardens and châteaux, is considered to be the birthplace of the French Renaissance, and 2019 marks a trio of anniversaries – 500 years since the death of Leonardo da Vinci at Amboise, the construction of the Château de Chambord, and the birth of Catherine de Medici. Inntravel’s leisurely self-guided cycling holiday for families brings the history books to life, freewheeling between castles and caves and alongside rivers and farmland. The adventure begins in Amboise, home to the must-see Clos Lucé, a mansion-turned-museum devoted to Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his last years here. With multiple departures from 1 April, From the Loire to the Cher costs from £2,360 for a family of four, including six nights’ B&B accommodation, two dinners, route maps/notes, luggage transportation and cycle hire. Flights extra. Call Inntravel on 01653 617 000 (www.inntravel.co.uk).
Zen & Now Japan Family Holiday – from £6,230 per family of four with InsideAsia Tours*
This ten-night self-guided adventure keeps things as hassle-free and cost-efficient as possible, with extended stays in Japan’s two main tourist hubs – Tokyo and Kyoto. With five nights in each city, there’s less time spent worrying about moving luggage and children from place to place or missing any ‘must-see’ sights. Instead, there’s ample time to explore at a pace that suits the entire family. Tokyo and Kyoto are two of the most exciting cities in Japan, with plenty to keep all generations happy, from theme parks to shrines and gardens. Departing all year round, Zen & Now costs from £6,230 per family (based on two adults, one teenager and one younger child), including five breakfasts, transfers, Tokyo Skytree tickets and a sushi-making lesson in Kyoto. Excludes international flights. Call InsideAsia Tours on 01172 443 380 (www.insideasiatours.com).
Great value active family holiday in Turkey – from £2,280 per family of four with KE Adventure Travel*
This wonderful balance of culture, exploration on foot and water-based activities, many of which are included in the price, makes budgeting for the family easier. Enjoy sea kayaking and visit historic Roman, Greek and Byzantine cities, complete with tombs and amphitheatres, take a visit to Cleopatra’s mud baths and the Loggerhead Turtle beach at Iztuzu, all within one week of multi-active fun. Departing in May, July, August and October, Turkish Coastal Family Active Holiday costs from just £545 pp, including seven nights’ half-board hotel accommodation (with swimming pool), a visit to the loggerhead turtle conservation project, sea kayaking off the Lycian coast, snorkelling and boat trips. Flights are extra (low-cost airlines to Dalaman). Call KE Adventure Travel on 01768 773 966 (www.keadventure.com).
Egyptian Express for Families – from £2,880 per family of four with On The Go Tours*
Take the family on an eight-day Egyptian adventure to see the famous Pyramids, travel by boat along the River Nile, discover ancient treasures and enjoy a camel ride across desert sands. This tour is set at a pace ideal for families with children aged five years and over and offers a fascinating insight into the life, culture and mysteries of ancient Egypt, coupled with plenty of free time relaxing by the pool. Prices start from £795 pp, including four/five star accommodation, airport transfers, all other transport, the services of a fully-qualified Egyptian tour guide (with a degree in Egyptology), some meals and more. Excludes flights. Call 020 7371 1113 (www.onthegotours.com).
A journey fit for the entire family in Greece – from £11,290 per family of four with Peter Sommer Travels*
Set sail on a family adventure that’s as fun as it is educational with this eight-day gulet cruise through the beautiful Dodecanese islands. Led by expert guides Heinrich Hall and Dr. Maria Girtzi, learn about the region’s fascinating past through tales of Byzantine holy men, Crusader Knights, Ottoman warriors and more. Visit fascinating sites including an active volcanic crater on Nisyros, the mansion of a Roman aristocrat on Kos and the Cave of the Apocalypse on Patmos, with plenty of time to relax on deck or to swim, snorkel and kayak. Departing 27 July, Cruising the Aegean: A Family Adventure costs from £11,290 per family of four including full-board accommodation, all crew services, entrance fees and tips on land, archaeological excursions and transfers. Flights extra. Call Peter Sommer Travels on 01600 888 220 (www.petersommer.com).
Sail around the Ionian Islands – from £1,980 per family of four with Sailing Holidays*
Explore the Ionian Islands from the comfort of your own yacht on a Sailing Holidays flotilla this summer. No experience? Not a problem – flotilla lead crews are on hand to guide you through the ins and outs of yacht sailing. All boats have been designed with ease of sailing in mind. What could be better than being able to dive into the crystal-clear water whenever the urge comes upon you? In the evenings, moor up in a traditional Greek island village harbour where you can venture to one of the waterside tavernas for an evening meal. Sail for one week departing from May to October (including half terms), this trip includes return flights, transfers, crew services and on-board accommodation. Call Sailing Holidays on 020 8459 8787 (www.sailingholidays.com).
Dolphin swimming in the Azores: Volcanic landscapes and magnificent marine life – from £5,120 per family of four with The Artisan Travel Company*
Discover the lava lands of São Miguel island in the Azores archipelago for a family holiday filled with adventure, both on land and at sea. Mountain bike over volcanic terrain, kayak across crater lakes, go whale watching, enjoy canyoning, explore lava tunnels and snorkel with wild dolphins on this seven-night family getaway. Departing from 6 April to 19 October, Dolphin Swimming in the Azores costs from £1,485 per adult, £1,325 per child aged 13-18 years and £1,075 per child aged 8-12 years, including return flights (London), transfers, seven nights’ B&B accommodation, five lunches and two dinners, plus all guided activities listed. Call The Artisan Travel Company on 01670 789 991 (www.artisantravelcompany.com).
