Indian Summer Holiday Ideas

Travel in September or October to make the most of pleasant, balmy temperatures and smaller crowds with these Indian Summer holiday ideas from Travel PR:

UK

Lazy September days in glorious East Sussex – Eastbourne from £173 pp with Canine Cottages
The joys of the UK coastline have taken on added appeal this year, and where better to eke out this extraordinary summer than East Sussex? Set in the picturesque Motcombe Village area of Eastbourne, Baker’s Cottage (sleeps four plus one dog) is the perfect base from which for enjoy all the seaside attractions, whilst your canine companion will have no complaints on the walkies front… Eastbourne is the start of the South Downs Way, so you can stroll straight from the beach into the countryside. A week’s stay in September costs from £173 pp (£690 total). £20 supplement for the dog. Call Canine Cottages on 01237 459821 (www.caninecottages.co.uk).

I’m the King (or Queen) of the Castle –  Rural Devon from £198 pp with holidaycottages.co.uk
Encircled by beautiful countryside in the heart of rural Devon, The Belvedere Tower (sleeps two) is a heavenly spot for a romantic retreat. This newly-converted 18^th century folly offers clever pared-back interiors and a rooftop decked area amid the castellations that’s ideal for Indian Summer sundowners, al fresco dining or a spot of night-time stargazing. Dartmoor National Park and the spectacular North Devon coast are also close by… if you can tear yourselves away. A week’s stay in September costs from £198 pp (£395 total). Call holidaycottages.co.uk on 01237 459888 (www.holidaycottages.co.uk).

EUROPE

See out summer in style on Italy’s Tuscan Coast – from £899 pp, save £180 pp, with Kirker
Offering warm hospitality, exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and stunning coastal views, the secluded five-star Baglioni Resort Cala del Porto is the perfect spot for September sun. Surrounded by pine forest with two private sandy beaches, a wellness centre, swimming pool and three restaurants, serving locally caught seafood, it’ll be hard to leave this idyllic 38-room hotel… although the nearby islands of Capraia and Elba are certainly worth venturing out for. Stay four nights for the price of three from £899 pp (two sharing) – saving £180 pp – including flights (Heathrow), car hire, accommodation with breakfast and Kirker Concierge. Valid 7 Sept – 3 Oct. Call AITO* member Kirker on 020 7593 2283, www.kirkerholidays.com.

Come full circle in Sicily – small group escorted tour for £1,395 pp with Jules Verne
Explore the historic delights of sun-drenched Sicily on a seven-night circular tour that encompasses Catania, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, Palermo, Monreale, Taormina and Mount Etna amongst its many highlights. Travelling in a small group and staying in four-star hotels throughout, visit ancient sites such as Ortigia, Villa del Casale and the Greek temples of Selinunte, and enjoy apertivi during a private visit to Palazzo Conte Federico in Palermo. Departing 22 September, Treasures of Sicily costs £1,395 pp (two sharing) including BA flights (Gatwick), transfers, seven nights’ B&B, excursions, and the services of local guides and representatives. Call Jules Verne on 020 3553 3722 (www.vjv.com).

Balmy late summer on Corfu – from £298 pp with CV Villas
Corfu’s temperatures can reach a very pleasant 23 degrees well into October, making it an ideal spot for some late summer sun. Stay at Villa Zografia, a luxurious five-bedroomed villa positioned above the water of Soukia Bay, and boasting a large infinity pool, several sunny terraces, a path to the beach and its own boat mooring. Nearby, there’s a great selection of rustic tavernas, bars and shops in Kassiopi and St Stephano. If the evenings get a little chilly, guests will enjoy kicking back in the artfully-designed and supremely comfortable living areas and bedrooms. The cost is from £298 pp (£2,984 total – 10 sharing) for a week’s stay, including maid & breakfast service. Flights extra. Call CV Villas on 0207 261 5410 (www.cvvillas.com).

Sicilian wine harvest near Mt Etna – from £705 pp with Sunvil
Belonging to an ancient and noble family of Angevin origin, who arrived in Sicily in 12^th century, Tenuta San Michele is devoted to the cultivation of vines and the production of the famous Etna wine. Due to its elevation, the harvest is later than the rest of the island. Visit in October to see it first-hand and still enjoy lovely daily temperatures in the early 20s. The beautiful property offers an outdoor pool and guided tours of the cellar with wine tasting. Nearby, visit the traditional Sicilian bakery, Lucio Russo, or try a cooking lesson at La Cusina del Sole with food writer, Eleonora Consoli. Departing 8 October, seven nights’ B&B costs from £705 pp (two sharing) including flights (London) and car hire. Call AITO* member Sunvil on 020 8758 4722 (www.sunvil.co.uk).

*AITO is The Specialist Travel Association: more than 120 specialist travel companies providing an unrivalled collection of holiday ideas that cover every corner of the world. Consumers booking with AITO can be assured of high-quality holidays and excellent personal service. Visit www.aito.com for further information.