Easter breaks aren’t just for kids

For those who are unable to take a week or two off work for Easter yet still want to make the most of the four-day weekend, Cadogan, leading luxury tour operator celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, is offering some fabulous three night breaks.

To get your fill of culture, sunshine, or beaches and colourful Easter tradition on a blissful four-day break, head to Spain, Portugal or Italy. Short haul enough to slip away for a long weekend and with much more predictable spring climates than the UK, these predominantly Catholic destinations go all out for Easter; their most important holiday.

All regions welcome the festivity of Easter with processions, pilgrimages and a celebration of life, colour, music and dance which, together with beautiful coastlines, buzzing cosmopolitan cities or traditional towns and fishing villages, will make for the perfect Easter escape.

Andalucía is the place to go in mainland Spain to witness the celebrations for Holy Week. Streets across the entire region come alive with processions, floats and religious icons and it is truly entrancing to become entangled in the sway of the parades and their chants. Southern Spain also offers stunning and diverse scenery, fascinating history, charming whitewashed villages and is famed for its glorious golden coastline.

Whether looking for the sophistication and luxury of resorts such as Marbella or a more rustic, undiscovered and less populated coastline such as the Costa de la Luz - the perfect place to sample true Andalucían culture – couples are sure to find themselves entirely distracted from the daily routine back home.

Sample rate: Andalucía: From £611pp (5 star Don Carlos)*

Easter week in Italy is a joyous celebration, with cultural and religious festivals galore. Magnificent religious processions and parades are followed by festivals, games and concerts across the country. For something quite unique, head to Florence to witness a thrilling fireworks display - the Scoppio del Carro, or exploding cart. Undoubtedly one of the most romantic countries in the world, couples can begin a lifetime love affair with the country (and reawaken their love for each other!), whilst visiting cultural cities, chic coastal resorts, idyllic lakeside retreats or the romantic rolling hills in Tuscany.

Sample rate: Florence from £695pp (5* Villa Mangiacane)*

As in Spain and Italy, street celebrations in Portugal are the highlight during Easter week and these culminate with bonfires and the burning of straw dolls on Good Friday. Couples looking for endless white sand beaches and traditional fishing villages, might like to head to the Algarve but for something a little different this Easter you can discover the less well trodden beaches of the Estoril Coast near Lisbon, combined perhaps with the chic sophistication of Lisbon, perfect for a relaxing luxury holiday in Portugal away from the crowds.

Sample rate: Algarve from £370pp (4 star Dom Pedro Marina)*

*Rates are per person and include return flights with Easy Jet (Algarve and Andalucía) or Meridiana (Florence), departing London Gatwick on Friday 10th April, three nights accommodation on a B&B basis, guide book and taxes. Return private transfers are included in the Algarve and Andalucía packages. Based on two adults sharing a double room. Subject to availability. Alternative destinations and accommodation options available.

For more information and bookings, log on to Cadoganholidays.com.