Don’t blow the whistle on Europe this summer

Euro 2008 is in full swing and promises to be a celebration of European football, so no excuse is needed to get out there and explore some of the countries competing. Soaking up the sun (so no need for McClaren’s umbrella) should ensure a ‘brolly’ good time.

GREECE
Greece pulled off one of the biggest shocks in football history to beat Portugal in the Euro 2004 final and will be eager to repeat that form and reach that ‘Plato’ again. A visit to the beautiful sun drenched island of Crete should have you crying out for extra time toga-round all it has to offer. Youth brand, Freestyle provides everything from a lively weekend get-away to a full blown clubbing experience and is offering seven nights at Hotel Gramatikakis in Crete from £281 per person based on two sharing. Price includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, flights from Bournemouth Airport departing 19th June 2008 and transfers.

To book visit thomson.co.uk/freestyle

FRANCE
Corsicans may have an eye on the fortunes of the French team, winners in 2000 and will be expecting to Triomphe again! If you have the Va Va Vroom, of cors-you-can always rent a Simply Travel Villa on this beautiful French island. Seven nights at La Cuve apartments from £319 per person based on two sharing. Price includes accommodation on a self catering basis, flights from London Gatwick departing 15th June 2008 and transfers.

To book visit simplytravel.co.uk

ITALY
Italy last won the Euro’s in 1968 but you shouldn’t go on that alone as a form indicator. Since then they have won two World Cups! The Italian’s - known for their free flowing espresso-ism also provide spot-on holiday locations such as the stunning coastline of the Neapolitan Riviera. Thomson is offering seven nights at Hotel Continental in Sorrento from £429 per person based on two sharing. Price includes accommodation on a half board basis, flights from Manchester Airport departing 13th June 2008 and transfers.

To book visit thomson.co.uk

TURKEY
The Turkish team has grown in stature as a side after first qualifying for the tournament in 1996. Kick off a visit by exploring the Mediterranean coastline and superb historical sites, and if the national team continue in their current vein of form, they could even come home to roost with championship medals in their pockets. Portland are offering seven nights at Hotel Sunrise in Dalaman from £295 per person based on two sharing. Price includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, flights from Manchester Airport departing 19th June 2008 and transfers.

To book visit portlandholidays.co.uk

IBIZA
Ibiza plays host to world class DJs, and English footballers may well be joining them after having a little time on their hands. 2wentys holidays offer a clubs by night, pools by day experience which may well be interrupted with cries of ‘Vamos!’ if Spain can progress. 2wentys is offering seven nights at the Poniente apartments in San Antonio from £371 per person based on two sharing. Price includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, flights from London Gatwick departing 28th June and transfers.

To book visit 2wentys.co.uk

PORTUGAL
Portuguese football may well be remembered for knocking England out of the last World Cup on penalties. Fortunately a holiday to Portugal is a special one and offers Mour with some very enticing sandy beaches and great locations to put previous rivalry to one side and concentrate on the Goals of the Port. First Choice is offering seven nights at the Poniente apartments in San Antonio from £371 per person based on two sharing. Price includes accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, flights from London Gatwick departing 28th June and transfers.

To book visit firstchoice.co.uk