DESTINATIONS SUMMER IN THE ALPS | SHORT BREAKS experts ASK THE ts


Victoria Ellison walking product


executive, Inghams “The Alps are a summer


playground for friends, families, couples, solo travellers – you name it! With plenty of space


to run, jump and play, plus less crowding than your average summer holiday destination, it’s one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a complete change of scenery. Dipping


your toes in the crisp Alpine lakes is better than going to the spa. You can find lakes tucked away in all corners of the Alps, ideal for cooling off on a hike – take a picnic and bask in the summer sunshine.”


CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Skiing in Switzerland near the Matterhorn; Lake Bohinj, Slovenia; Gardea SoulFamily Resort; Beausite Zermatt PICTURES: Shutterstock/Vaclav P3k, Fesus Robert


Book it: Tui sells a four-night B&B holiday at the Beausite Zermatt – located a 15-minute walk from the cable car station – from £1,201 per person, based on two sharing a double room. Includes flights from Heathrow on August 22, transfers and luggage. tui.co.uk


Emilie Morard


head of markets in Europe, Valais Matterhorn Region


“The Alps in Valais are


fascinating because of the diversity of activities they offer: hiking tours, mountain


bike networks, viewing points, overnights in cosy mountain


huts, tasting local specialities, or walking along dramatic irrigation channel paths called ‘bisses’. The area is easy to reach thanks to various mountain railways and exceptional transport options.”


travelweekly.co.uk


Or try… Explore Slovenia’s Julian Alps with Regent Holidays’ Bohinj Short Break – the four-night bike holiday is priced from £1,145 per person, based on two sharing and a September 15 departure. Includes flights, transfers, bike hire, breakfast, three dinners, two lunches and a pass to some attractions. regent-holidays.co.uk


WELLNESS BY THE WATER Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, provides an ideal spot for an active family break. With the Alps fringing the northern shore, there’s plenty of mountain hiking and biking fun to be had, as well as swimming and speedboat trips on the cerulean waters.


Clients can base themselves in Riva del Garda to get the best of both worlds: Alpine activity and a Mediterranean lifestyle. Suggest a trip on the funicular to Bastione di Riva, a 16th-century Venetian tower that comes with a panoramic cafe-bar for Italian aperitivo (with mocktails also available). Or, if they want to stretch their legs, a day hike to waterfalls, caves and mountain peaks is the best medicine. Close to Riva del Garda is the Gardea SoulFamily Resort, which


Alpine airports with direct summer connections


fast act ast fact


to the UK are located in Salzburg, Innsbruck, Zurich, Geneva, Lyon, Turin, Milan, Verona, Venice and Ljubljana.


Most flights are no longer than two and a half hours.


opened in 2023 and offers families an easy way to explore: kids can join guided mountain bike rides, climb one of the 60 routes in the Massi delle Traole area, or even make Alpine butters and cheeses. Book it: Kuoni sells a five- night stay from £3,856, based on two adults and two children under 12 staying on a half-board basis. Includes flights departing September 16 and private transfers. kuoni.co.uk


Or try: On Garda’s southern end is the Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa Resort, an ideal setting for a short family holiday. There are five outdoor swimming pools (including one with a whirlpool and two for children), a 3,000sq m spa with an Ayurveda centre and thermal baths, plus four-course Italian menus in the restaurant. Citalia offers a five-night, half-board stay from £1,469 per person, based on two adults and two children travelling together. Includes flights departing August 26 and private transfers. citalia.com


TW 13 JUNE 2024 41


PICTURE: Sedrik Nemeth


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