Freewheeler package

THOMAS Cook Sport, one of the four official, licensed operators for the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa next year, has put together a Freewheeler package for Irish fans; those who like independence and want to avoid transfers through London.

The packages will operate out of Dublin via Paris, and they offer fans the chance to arrange their own accommodation and travel within South Africa.

The Freewheeler package from Dublin includes official tickets for all three test matches, as well as the Emerging Springboks match in Cape Town, and access to the supporters’ Big Bar. Packages start from €3,044.

Details at www.thomascooksport.com.

INGHAMS have added another programme to its range for the Irish market. The Villas website offers 10,000 holiday properties across 20 countries in Europe and the USA. The website includes villas, country houses, farmhouses, cottages, apartments, ski chalets, and palaces suitable for large family reunions.! Bookings are being taken for summer 2009 and prices start from €374 for an apartment for four people in Vinci, Italy. A two-bedroom villa for four people is available from €474 per week in Pornic, in the French region of Brittany.

Details from Ingham’s Villas reservations: 00353 (1890) 929340, or book online at www.inghamsvillas.ie.

TOPFLIGHT has launched a preview of the company’s 2009 summer brochure, with special family deals to popular holiday destinations in Italy, Portugal, and the sun-kissed islands of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. Many families book holidays six months in advance, not only to guarantee best choice within peak dates, but also to ensure they reserve the best, child-friendly locations.

Topflight says it has brought out this preview brochure earlier than usual, in response to a growing demand from families. The company offers savings of €150 per couple for bookings made before September 12. Other special offers include free child places, free group places, and free insurance for children.

To order a brochure or for more information, call 01-2401700, or visit www.topflight.ie.

MAURITIUS specialists, John Galligan Travel, have a package for honeymooners in the idyllic destination this year. The company offers the fashionable four-star Beachcomber Le Mauricia Hotel, in the centre of Grand Baie, on full board basis for six nights, for €999 plus taxes.

This must be booked before November 30, for stays between April 25 and June 30 next year. Similar deals are available for longer stays, other hotels, and other dates. Call [phone], or email [e-mail].

ABBEY Travel is offering short breaks to Istanbul, Budapest and Prague. City break packages for three nights, Thursday-Sunday, available from October 23 to December 11. With direct flights ex-Dublin, the starting price in a three-star hotel in Budapest is €239, Istanbul from €269, and Prague from €289. Prices are per person sharing and exclude taxes, which have not been specified.

Call Abbey Travel on 01 804 7107 or book online www.abbeytravel.ie.