Fabulous holidays for fantastic fathers

On June 21st 2009 it’s Father’s Day, the one day of the year where dads deserve to get spoilt rotten. And what better way to treat your dad for being so great all-year-round than to whisk him away on holiday, either as a family or as a couple with mum, with First Choice and Thomson.

Dads with a younger family can spend some quality time together – whether that’s playing football, swinging on high ropes, or roaring along on a rollercoaster with some top deals from First Choice, whereas those whose offspring have flown the nest can enjoy a unique holiday experience thanks to Thomson, whether he’s a golf enthusiast, nature lover or water sport adrenaline junkie.

Here’s a pick of the best deals for dad from First Choice and Thomson, to keep active families busy, and older papas happy.

First Choice for Families…

Holiday Village Viva, Majorca
Dads in need of a football fix now the season’s over can combine a family holiday with the opportunity to have a kick about at the Lads and Dads Football Academy at the First Choice Holiday Village Viva in C’an Picafort, Majorca. Run as part of the Reebok Football Academy, this is a great opportunity for dads and their teens to team up and play together in five-a-side tournaments against other adults and the coaches, from just £5 per person a session. And the in-house In2Action team provide plenty of activities to entertain families, from raft-building to circus workshops, or high-rope courses to mini-golf – boredom will never be an issue here.

First Choice offers seven night family holidays to the 4 SUN Holiday Village Viva from £665 per adult and from £275 per child, based on two adults and two children, staying on an all inclusive basis, flying from London Gatwick on 30th June 2009. Price includes return flights, accommodation, in-resort transfers, taxes/ charges and fuel supplement.

For further information or to book visit firstchoice.co.uk/holidayvillage

Hotel El Paso, Spain
Active families will love a holiday in Costa Dorada at PortAventura Theme Park on the Spanish coast. Staying at the Hotel El Paso, set within PortAventura, families will be able to enjoy the delights of one of Europe’s biggest theme parks, jam-packed with rides that promise plenty of thrills and spills, plus splash about at the Caribe Waterpark, or relax at the Private Beach Club. For dads there’s a choice of three new golf courses, or, those still missing their football can soak up some football culture on an excursion to Camp Sou, home to the newly crowned European Champions League winners, Barcelona.

First Choice offers seven night family holidays to the 4 SUN Hotel El Paso from £515 per adult and from £429 per child, based on two adults and two children, staying on a half board basis, flying from Manchester on 26th June 2009. Price includes return flights, accommodation, in-resort transfers, taxes/ charges and fuel supplement, plus unlimited access to PortAventura.

For further information or to book visit firstchoice.co.uk.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Florida
Release the inner child in dad by whisking him away on a family holiday to Walt Disney World in Florida. A treat for kids big and small, there’s never been a better time to experience this once-in-a-lifetime holiday, especially as bookings made before 15th July can enjoy a fantastic free dining offer at Walt Disney World, where families will be able to enjoy meals while out and about in Disney, safe in the knowledge they’re paid for in advance.

Also, staying at one of the Disney hotels, such as the Caribbean Beach, families are able to take advantage of some exclusive benefits, like complimentary transportation to all of the Disney Parks or free parking, plus Extra Magic Hours at the theme parks, with extended opening hours especially for Disney guests so not a second is wasted.

First Choice offers seven night family holidays to the 3 SUN Plus Disney Carribbean Beach Resort from £1119 per adult and from £419 per child, based on two adults and two children sharing, staying on a room only basis, flying from East Midlands on 4th August 2009. Price includes return flights, accommodation, in-resort transfers, taxes/ charges and fuel supplement and the free Disney dining offer.

For further information or to book see firstchoice.co.uk.

If two’s company:

Hilton Dalaman Golf Resort and Spa, Dalaman, Turkey
For golfing dads, a holiday in Turkey at the Hilton Dalaman Golf Resort and Spa is a must. The facilities at this resort include an 18-hole championship course, driving range and 9-hole gold academy in the grounds. When he’s taking time away from the tee, there are 21 bars and restaurants to enjoy, with cuisine from around the world to experience. A private beach with a great selection of watersports provides alternative activities if golfing is not on the agenda every day and the town of Sarigerme is located just two kilometres away for fun further afield.

Thomson offers seven night package holidays in Dalaman staying at the 5T Hilton Dalaman Golf Resort and Spa on an all inclusive basis from £1419 per person departing London Gatwick Airport, 20th July, 2009 based on two sharing. Price includes return flights, accommodation, resort transfers and fuel supplements. To book visit thomson.co.uk.

Solar da Bica, Madeira, Portugal
Nature lovers will love the Solar da Bica, a rural lodge built around a traditional Maderian house and is ideal for those keen to explore this beautiful and rugged island, known as the ‘Garden Island’. Walking the renowned levadas or ‘aquaducts’ of Madeira takes you past some stunning scenery, with the Caves of Sao Vicente and the Forno da Cal, (the limekiln), being just two of many sights situated in this area of breathtaking natural beauty.

Thomson offers seven night package holidays in Madeira staying at the Solar da Bica on a bed and breakfast basis from £649 per person departing London Luton Airport, 6th July, 2009 based on two sharing. Price includes return flights, accommodation, resort transfers and fuel supplements. To book visit thomson.co.uk.

Fire and Ice Cruise - Thomson Spirit
Macho dad’s who like to explore will love the Fire & Ice cruise aboard the Thomson Spirit as a stunning itinerary takes in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Departing from Newcastle, the Thomson Spirit sails north towards the Faroe Islands and then on to Iceland. Full of national parks, Viking heritage, maritime museums and rugged landscape it is the perfect ‘masculine’ cruise for all Dad’s!

Thomson Cruises offers a thirteen night Fire and Ice cruise onboard the Thomson Spirit for just £758 per person, a saving of £510 per person. Departing from Newcastle on the 27th June, the ship visits Torshavn (Faroe Islands), Reykjavik, Isafjord, Akureyri, Flam, Bergen before heading back to Newcastle. The price includes all taxes and charges, accommodation in a deck 3/4 inside cabin on a full-board basis and access to all the amenities onboard ship. For more information, see thomson.co.uk.