Cities & Short Breaks TTG Features Autumn appeal


From Lisbon to Washington DC, Debbie Ward asks operators to reveal city breaks worth pushing for the coming months


The WalkingTown DC festival takes place September 19-27


and boutique shops across the city traditionally cut prices during the month, while between September 19 and 27 dozens of free walking tours are available as part of the annual WalkingTown DC festival. One of the largest celebrations in the US capital, Fiesta DC also runs September 19-20. The festival highlights Latino culture through live music and international cuisine. Funway Holidays marketing executive Rebecca Evans says: “Autumn is my favourite time of year to visit Washington. The weather [18-29C] is often warm during the day but the sweltering summer heat is gone.” Book it: A three-day Funway break at the four-star Washington Hilton costs from £779pp, including flights, based on travel September 24-27. ■ funway4agents.co.uk


Lisbon temperatures reach 28C in September W


ith autumn just around the corner in the UK, now is the perfect time to start


encouraging clients to think about city breaks to escape the chill. Choosing the right destination will allow your clients to extend their summer, grab an off-peak bargain and sightsee without the crowds. Eight operators give us their pick of the best.


Ohrid, Macedonia New direct twice-weekly flights between Luton and Macedonia’s second city Ohrid open up the relatively unknown south of Macedonia, which, Regent Holidays says, combines great value, natural beauty and a fascinating history. “Ohrid enjoys really pleasant average temperatures of around 24C


throughout September, so it’s a great option for anyone looking to escape the UK as the autumnal weather starts to kick in,” says general manager Andrea Godfrey. “It’s a beautiful town, set on the banks of a stunning lake and steeped in history, and thanks to the new direct flights from Wizz Air, it is now far more accessible for British tourists.” Book it: Regent offers seven nights’ B&B at the Hotel Vila Sveta Sofija in Ohrid this September from £350pp including flights and transfers. ■ regent-holidays.co.uk


Lisbon Temperatures in Lisbon can still reach 28C in September and 23C in October, plus it’s a city that’s easy on the pocket, according to Classic Collection. “Portugal has always offered conspicuous value for money,


but it’s even more the case with sterling so strong against the euro,” says Classic Collection Holidays’ head of purchasing, Gary Boyer. He recommends clients enjoy Lisbon’s architecture, parks and trams, as well as eating out and enjoying the art at Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. The beaches of Estoril and Sintra are just a 20-minute drive away. Book it: Classic Collection, which has a new dedicated Portugal brochure, offers three nights at centrally located Altis Avenida from £567pp in September/October including breakfasts, flights and transfers. ■ classic-collection.co.uk


Washington DC Clients can land retail bargains and free walking tours to boot when they visit Washington in September. Malls


Palma, Majorca SuperBreak recommends combining beach and city for the best of both worlds with savvy end of summer savings. “While autumn is traditionally high season for many city break destinations such as Paris, Amsterdam and Rome, lower flight pricing following the end of the main school holiday period can make some of the gateways to the beaches incredibly attractive,” explains Chris Hagan, head of overseas at SuperBreak. “Cities such as Palma, Alicante, Malaga, Nice and Valencia are often overlooked but are all exceptionally well suited to city breaks with some wonderful hotels, cultural attractions and great nightlife.” New Palma hotspots include the San Juan gastronomic market offering tapas, cocktails and coffee. Book it: SuperBreak offers three nights’ B&B in Palma


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