Family Holiday Inspiration

Want some ideas on how to entertain the kids next February half-term? What about a bit of Winter sun in the gloomiest month of the year? There are some great ideas for holidays with a bit of a difference. Why don't you have a look at our family holidays website to gain some inspiration?

Trip Report: Michaela in Italy & Croatia

During December it’s usually pretty quiet in the office so it gave me a great opportunity to visit our colleagues in Italy and Croatia for some last minute fine tuning of our new trips and enjoy some late winter sunshine. The Bay of Naples is one of the most fascinating and beautiful regions I have ever visited. At school you learn about Pompeii but I was amazed to see how the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD destroyed, homes, lives and the city in two days! Remnants of this former magnificent city remain, including the Forum, the Amphitheatre, Barracks, shops, villas and Roman baths, even the cart tracks in the road and underground copper pipes for water. Many of the mosaics, frescos, statues and earthenware from Pompeii and Herculaneum are preserved in the Archaeological Museum in Naples, well worth a visit when in town. Naples is a vibrant busy city, with four castles – each with a story to tell, the beautiful Galleria Umberto shopping mall and you must visit the famous Café Gambrinus for a coffee and a sticky cake. It is a little strange, as you have to order and pay for your coffee and cake first and then collect from the counter and then enjoy sitting outside and people watch.

Sorrento is a great location for families, I love the friendly atmosphere, the blend of beautiful coastal scenery, great shopping and good food. The shops range from designer to souvenir shops selling a range of local produce, lemoncello liqueur, olive oil, coffee, lemon honey to the beautiful pottery and ceramics made on the Amalfi Coast. A great place for families to wander around also is the fishing harbour, the restaurants and cafés are reasonably priced too – from pizza, pasta to delicious fish and meat dishes. From Sorrento, there are boat trips to Capri and along the Amalfi Coast to Positano and Amalfi a great way to view this stunning coastline, with its sheer cliffs and small villages clinging to the lush green mountainside. Further along the peninsula is Paestrum, a less well-known but very impressive three Roman Temples dating back as far as 550 BC, and directly opposite are the water buffalos and the agriturismo farm, here I learnt about the production of mozzarella cheese and sampling was included! Last time I saw buffalo was in the middle of the bush in Malawi so was a bit of a shock to see them herded like normal cattle. I also never knew you could get so many different varieties of Mozzarella cheese – my favourite was the smoked variety.

Our base is the fresh and modern Esperidi Resort. The studio apartments are set back in the peaceful gardens, surrounded by lemon, orange and banana trees and are either one or two bedrooms and/or 2 sofa beds in the living room with a small kitchen area (sink, kettle, microwave, hob + fridge). Next to the reception is the Jackie Hall, a large lounge/bar area, with adjoining breakfast room. In the garden is the large outdoor pool with a pool bar where you can get snacks (sandwiches, pizza) during the day. The resort is located in Sant Angello, a residential suburb of Sorrento, with shops, banks, cafes, and a small supermarket within a 5-8 minute walk. The train station is located here too and this is the easiest and quickest way to get into the city centre, or Pompeii or Naples. I don’t recommend walking into Sorrento as the roads are very busy and Italian drivers are a little ‘unpredictable’. Close to the resort (5 minute walk) is the ‘beach’. The beach is small with black volcanic sand – it is a very steep walk down the cliff or take the lift to the bathing platforms too, above the cliff is a café with stunning views across to Capri and the bay.

Click here for our Family Adventure holiday in Italy

My next stop was Croatia, our holiday offers a great combination of cultural and activity holiday. Even on a cold and wet day, you cannot fail to be impressed by Dubrovnik. The Old City of Dubrovnik dates back to the 16th Century, some parts of the walls date back to the 7th Century. It is a beautiful honey coloured medieval stone city, a myriad of narrow streets and alleyways, with tiny shops, numerous of churches and restaurants through narrow doorways. It is popular with visitors and cruise-ships and with the sun’s rays reflecting off the city walls it can get pretty hot during the day so I recommend you go early morning or early evening to explore Croatia’s ‘pearl of the Adriatic’. During 10 July – 25 August is the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, art, music, theatre and street entertainment take over the city, visited by 1000’s.

Fortunately, our base is in the resort of Cavtat, in the picturesque coastal bay of Zupa, only 25 minutes from Dubrovnik, but away from the crowds and city traffic. The Iberostar Epidaurus Resort is the perfect location for families it has a choice of three dining options, buffet restaurant, outdoor grill and a pizzeria, one children’s pool and one large swimming pool, a children’s playground with swings, slides, climbing frame, a children’s club (ages 4-12), tennis courts, football and volleyball all set in beautiful landscaped gardens. The rooms are a good size with en-suite facilities, two beds and an option of a third ‘pull out’ bed, as well as a few interconnecting rooms too. It is only a 15 minute walk along the promenade, fringed with palm trees running along the harbour front to the charming town of Cavtat with street cafes, banks, pharmacy and shops. A great place to return to after your morning of fun-filled activities from sea kayaking passing by the impressive city walls of Dubrovnik, Lokum Island and exploring Bettina Cave, to mountain biking through the delightful countryside of Konvale and the walks up to Mount Srdj and see Napoleon’s Fort and the amazing views of Dubrovnik Old City.

To explore further afield I recommend the optional visits to Mostar, a fascinating town where East meets West, a true melting pot of cultures, walk over the famous Old Bridge, wander through the bazaar, visit a mosque or an old Turkish house. Alternatively, if you prefer something a little more adventurous enjoy the jeep safari as your make your way through mountain villages, vineyards and streams. For thrill seekers the option to go white-water rafting through deep canyons, pine forests and pitching your wits against the surging waters is a must!

Click here for our Family Adventure Holiday in Croatia

RURAL ANDALUCIA - FREE Kids Holiday

Did you know that if you book a holiday with Families Worldwide to Andalucia in Spain, the first child gets a free holiday? (land only - flight must be paid)

You can get away from the economic doom and gloom and enjoy a peaceful, rural Spanish life in a beautifully restored traditional villa.

Prices from £549 adult and £399 child (land only). Dates available all year round.

You can have log fires in winter or sunshine from Spring onwards, why don't you click on this link http://www.familiesworldwide.co.uk/holiday/rural_andalucia.html to find out more?

To recieve this special offer, you must book before before 14 February 2009.

Chameleon Club Loyalty Discount

Did you know that if you have travelled with us, or one of our sister companies before, you could save as much as £100 per person when you book your next holiday with Families Worldwide or any company in Chameleon Worldwide. Why don't you click here to find out all about it.

Charles Darwin’s Bicentennial 2009

Did you know that Charles Darwin wrote his famous book “Origin of the Species” following his extended stay in the Galapagos in 1835? To find out more about this remarkable man, click here .

Childrens outdoor gear - minicontgego.com

Families Worldwide have teamed up with online retailer Mini Contego to bring you a fabulous range of childrens outdoor gear from some of the leading names in outdoor leisure. So whether you’re after skiwear for a Lapland trip or UV swimwear for warmer climates this winter, check out their website at www.minicontego.com. Enter "worldwide" at checkout for your exclusive 15% discount!