Great value Italy breaks for all the family in a world of fascinating history, culture, sunshine and stunning coastlines
Summer Holidays are fast approaching and many have still yet to decide what to do with their families this summer.
Whilst the perception ofItalyis often that for romance and love, it is increasingly becoming a hot spot for families. Those looking for great weather, exquisite food, beautiful coastlines and an immensely warm family friendly culture will find no other Mediterranean destination like it. History and culture go deep into this country and a visit to some ofItaly’s most famous heritage sites is guaranteed to give children a rich understanding to impress history teachers.
Citalia (0844 415 1956 www.citalia.com), the leading holiday specialist toItaly has increasingly seen a rise in family holidays and has continually enhanced its family programme to meet this changing market.
Resorts such as the popularForteVillagein Sardinia have by no doubt helped makeItalyan appealing choice for families of all ages and around 50% of Citalia’s product inSardiniahas now become family focused. The 1000 miles plus of stunning safe beaches has meant thatSouth Sardiniahas become focused on beach life and the clear blue waters mean kids love the watersports.
WhilstSicilyis one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean and offers a perfect option for families looking for an all-inclusive option;Pugliaoffers the award winning and family inspired Borgo Egnazia. Lake Garda also remains a popular choice with nearbyGardaLand, home toItaly’s largest theme park or a trek in the surrounding mountains.
As well as sunshine, sandy beaches and divine food,Italyis home to a wealth of culture and architecture. Sorrentooffers the older child a perfect base for exploring Roman ruins inPompeii, whilstVeronais home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet that introduce the world of opera in its ancient Roman Arena.
“At the heart of Italian culture is family, making it an extremely child friendly nation and the perfect place to holiday with a family” says Stephanie Pritchard, Programme Director for Citalia.
“There is no doubt thatItalyremains a more high-end destination packed with fascinating history and culture and it is unlikely to compete with destinations such asSpainandCyprus. However family packages are extremely affordable and make the perfect holiday choice to experience a wealth of culture and beautiful surroundings. Children are welcome long into the evening and the fact that there is no better place on earth to experience the love for Italian food with its famous Pizza, Pasta and Ice Cream makes food choices for children extremely appetising.”
Citalia prides itself on its knowledge and expertise of this stunning country and its extensive programme boasts a diverse range of winter and summer holidays throughoutItaly. Below, Citalia highlight its best holiday options for those families still looking for their summer holiday.
Best for families with young children, Citalia suggest the four star Chia Laguna Resort inSouth Sardiniawith a wide range of facilities forming part of its Family Collection of Hotels. During high season this hotel even goes as far as having its own children’s restaurant as well as baby dance in the evenings. It has an immaculate white sandy beach and a compete range of children’s facilities. A nursery is offered for 0-2 year olds, with a Mini Club for 3-12 years and a Junior Club for teenagers. Family cottages are available and children stay free when sharing with an adult during summer.
A week’s holiday in summer starts from £3045 based on a family of three sharing. Price includes return flights from London Stansted, seven nights half board accommodation and transfers. Price includes one free child place as well as a saving of £620 per family, based on departures 24 August 2012 (www.citalia.com, 0844 415 1956).
Best for families with older children, is the four starHiltonSorrentoPalacein the hills aboveSorrento. Boasting an impressive array of swimming pools, as well as a kid’s club for up to 12 years olds, this particular hotel offers a perfect base for culture kids to take in a visit toPompeiiorHerculaneum. Free child places are also offered.
A week’s holiday in summer starts from £2439 for a family of four departing 23 July 2012. The price includes return flights from London Gatwick and seven nights bed and breakfast accommodation. Two free child places are included as well as a saving of £280 for the family (www.citalia.com, 0844 415 1956).
Best for families wanting activities, is by no doubt one of the world’s best family hotels – theForteVillageinSouth Sardinia. Spanning 55 acres, theForteVillagehas one of the most extensive range of activities that even includeRugby, Soccer and Tennis academy’s with sporting legends. Other activities include dancing, Italian cooking, creative writing – all in unique laboratories surrounded by beautiful white beaches and crystal waters.
An impressive saving of up to £1600 per family is currently being offered by Citalia with two free child places included. Departing 25 August from London Stansted, prices start from £4699 for a family of four including return flights, transfers and seven nights half board accommodation (www.citalia.com 0844 415 1956).
Best for families looking for luxury, Citalia highly recommends the award winning luxury five star Borgo Egnazia inPuglia. With an accolade of awards to its name and most importantly the Tatler Travel Award for Best Family Hotel, the Borgo Egnazia offers the perfect choice for luxury. It offers an immense range of activities for children from the age of eight months with a wide choice of accommodation in the main building to townhouses and villas. And whilst the kids are at play, Mums can make the most of the award winning and extensive spa whilst Dads can access the San Domenico Golf Course next door.
Departing 24 July 2012 a week at the five star Borgo Egnazia starts from £3689 for a family of three. The price includes a saving of £470 per family and includes return flights from London Gatwick and seven nights bed and breakfast accommodation (www.citalia.com, 0844 415 1956)
Best for great value all-inclusive, is theFiestaGardenBeachin the seaside town ofCefaluinSicily. This hotel offers excellent value for money for those looking for an all-inclusive option and is one of Citalia’s Family Collection of Hotels. It is situated directly on a private beachfront with a kids club and range of sports activities that include archery, football and tennis. As well as breakfast, lunch and dinner, all snacks are included at theFiestaGardenBeachfor those hungry children as well as international alcoholic drinks for the adults.
A week’s all inclusive holiday starts from just £2239 for a family of three in the height of summer with a saving of £390 included. Based on departures 26 July 2012, price includes flights from London Gatwick and seven nights all-inclusive accommodation (www.citalia.com, 0844 415 1956).
For more information on these and other holidays throughout Italyvisit www.citalia.com or call 0844 415 1956 for a peek at its extensive collection of holidays.
- ENDS -
Notes to Editors:
Prices correct at time of print. Images available upon request.
Press Enquiries:
Naomi Moreno-Melgar, Public Relations Manager
Tel: 01293 457891
Email: Naomi.Moreno-Melgar@specialistholidays.com
Twt: @NaomiMoreno