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Make the most of the royal Bank Holiday bonanza

21st February 2011 Print
Titan HiTours

The announcement that the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton is cause for more than one celebration as it brings with it the news of an additional public holiday on 29th April. Savvy travellers have also taken a look at the calendar and worked out that it's now perfectly possible to arrange a decent length of holiday at minimal cost to one's annual leave.

With Good Friday falling on 22nd April this year and Easter Monday on 25th April, plus the Royal Wedding on 29th April, swiftly followed by May Bank Holiday on 2nd May (plus two lots of Saturdays and Sundays), they should be able to redeem several days of their holiday entitlement and enjoy an extended, 11-day break.

Of course, travellers heading overseas around Easter-time generally face the double-edged sword of peak prices and limited availability; however Titan HiTours (titanhitours.co.uk), the escorted tours specialist, still has spaces available on a number of tempting tours that are scheduled to depart during this period and has come up with some ideal suggestions of how best to make use of this Bank Holiday bonanza, whilst offering exceptional value for money on every departure.

One such holiday that's still taking bookings is the Rocky Mountain Railtour, an 11-day overland odyssey through western Canada that departs on Easter Saturday (23 April). Starting with a city break in Vancouver (often cited as the world's most liveable city), the journey continues through spectacular mountain scenery aboard the famous Rocky Mountaineer rail service. Next, it's on to Jasper, Banff and scenic Lake Louise, said to be one of the most beautiful spots in the entire country. Better still, this 11-day holiday uses up only four days of annual leave and costs from £2,095 per person, to include flights, transfers, accommodation, some meals, excursions as detailed in the itinerary, the services of an experienced Tour Manager and Titan's exclusive VIP Home Departure Service (which collects clients from - and returns them to - their own front door).

Closer to home is a delightful Norway Adventure which departs on 22nd April explores the coastline and waterways of Norway all the way from Bergen up beyond the Arctic Circle aboard the MS Polarlys. This is an opportunity to share the relaxed and picturesque way that the locals get from town to town, so the 14 day holiday is not a cruise in the traditional sense as it stops in 34 ports along the way but much of the pleasure of the journey is mixing with the local people on the different sections of the voyage. It requires just six days annual leave and cost from £1,245 per person with flights, full board cruise, excursions as detailed in the itinerary, and Titan's exclusive VIP Home Departure Service.

For a no fly cruise option departing from Southampton on 23rd April set sail over the Easter weekend for an 11 day Springtime Iberian Sunshine voyage on board the Fred. Olsen Balmoral. This delightful cruise takes in a glorious tapestry of cities including La Coruna and Lisbon with a wide range of optional shore excursions at each port bringing alive the colourful sights and sounds of both ancient times and contemporary life on the Iberian coastline. For those not wanting to miss the Royal Wedding it will be shown on board and the holiday only requires four days annual leave. The cruise costs from £1,095 per person including 10 nights full board cruise and Titan cocktail party plus the services of an experienced Tour Manager and Titan's exclusive VIP Home Departure Service.

Those tempted by something a little more tropical might prefer a journey to discover the Best of Sri Lanka. Highlights of this 12-day tour include the natural wonders of Yala National Park (home to leopards and Asian elephants) and the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned and injured elephants are rehabilitated until they can be returned to the wild. Other incredible experiences range from visits to World Heritage Sites (notably the Sigiriya Rock Fort and the ancient city of Anuradhapura) plus temples, monuments and cultural attractions galore. Accommodation on this tour is also on half-board basis, with the price leading in at £1,895 per person (to include flights, transfers, excursions as detailed and the VIP Home Departure Service). Departure is scheduled for Tuesday 26 April, which coincides with both the wedding and the May Bank Holiday - which means this 12-day trip costs just seven days of precious annual leave.

Commenting on these Bank Holiday departures, Marketing Director, Dan Whitehouse said, "With the Good Friday and Easter Monday Bank Holidays, Easter is always a great time to travel without using up too much annual leave - and this year it's an even more attractive prospect than ever! Although demand - and prices - are high across the board, we fortunately still have availability on some incredible touring experiences; and with all flights, accommodation and transfers being included in the price, not to mention the services of a guide throughout and all stated meals and excursions (including entrance fees), our customers can rest assured that they're getting the very best value for money on the market with every Titan HiTours holiday."

For details or to book visit the website: titanhitours.co.uk

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Titan HiTours