Summer Holiday Guide – Part 1

Here at WideWorld we thought it was the perfect time to check out some of the hottest events and holiday offers taking place in the coming weeks. Each fortnight we will be profiling some great sporting activities and great holiday destinations to help make your summer one to remember.

European F1 Grand Prix

Date: 24th - 26th June
Where: Valencia

The European F1 Grand Prix in Valencia is a great treat for anyone with a passion for fast cars. The harbour-side course, built to rival Monaco, always generates a fantastic fiesta atmosphere. Cars rarely leave the waterfront and even cross over the canal on a swing bridge before passing through the historic fish market.

Valencia is one of Spain's most vibrant cities with a great mix of culture and entertainment. It is even home to Spain's most famous dish - paella.

Package

On Saturday 25th June 2011, watch the qualifying rounds at Circuit de Valencia to find out the final positions before watching the big race on Sunday 26th June.

Prices start from £350pp including 3 nights B&B accommodation at the 3* Expo Hotel, Valencia (24th - 27th June 2011).

Weekend Grand Prix tickets are available from £205pp. Flights are available on request.

Sport Abroad (08456 803086 / www.sportabroad.co.uk).

Henley Royal Regatta

Date: 29th - 3rd July
Where: Henley, UK

If cars are not your thing and you prefer something a little more relaxing and theraputic and have a keen interest in rowing, then the Henley Royal Regatta, will be right up your street.

It's a very traditional and and typical English event on a beautiful stretch of the River Thames, in the picturesque surroundings of the Oxfordshire countryside. There are a number of races throughout the day and the banks of the river are always bursting with people soaking up the sunshine and enjoying a fabulous day out.

Package

The Sportsworld package costs from £190pp (plus VAT) and includes access to The Riverside Enclosure which is based at the start of the course with great views of the action.

Also included is access to a private garden area, morning coffee and patisserie, a champagne & Pimms reception, four course lunch with wine, a complimentary bar, traditional afternoon tea, entertainment from a jazz band and magician and car parking (1 per 2 guests).

Sportsworld (01235 555844 / www.sportsworld.co.uk).

Cycle the bridges and canals of Italy

Date: Selected dates until October 22nd
Where: Emily Romagna, Italy

If you're in to keeping fit on your summer break, Emilia Romagna may be best known as being the gastronomic capital of Italy, but it also offers some of the greatest - and gentlest - cycling in the country.

This new independent hotel-to-hotel cycling holiday explores the eastern part of Italy, where you can travel through hidden hamlets, forgotten farming villages and pretty riverbanks.

There are also the stunning gold-sand beaches of the Adriatic, which align with the undiscovered art cities Ravenna and Ferrara, Italy's ‘cycling capital'.

Package

The Cycling in Emilia Romagna tour, departing 18th June, costs £1237pp including flights and transfers, half board accommodation, luggage transfer, bicycles, route notes, a regional information booklet and local map kit.

Headwater (01606 720199 / www.headwater.com).

Pick the Picos de Europa for protected wildlife

This incredible 8-day trip offers provides you with the opportunity to explore Europe's largest national park, the Picos de Europa. The area still remains of few truly unspoilt places in Spain that few visitors have discovered. It is an area of dramatic beauty and home to many protected species and birdlife and boasts a spectacular range of limestone peaks, ridges and deep valleys.
The trip also includes the chance to participate in activites such as caving, canyoning or canoeing.

Package

The Picos de Europa walking holiday, departing on 18th June, costs £758pp including flights, 7 nights hotel accommodation, transport (minibus, bike & horse), most meals (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 5 dinners) and an experienced group leader.

The Adventure Company (0845 287 1198 / www.adventurecompany.co.uk).

Take to the trails of the Italian Dolomites

When: Selected dates until 24th September
Where: Alta Pusteria Valley

The new 8-day scenic walking holiday explores the majestic Alta Pusteria Valley to the region's north. If you love walking then you will love the paradise this region provides. There are a number of well-marked trails (thousands of kilometres accessed by local cable cars).

The area is renowned for its 3000m jagged peaks of heavily eroded limestone which are recognised by UNESCO as one of the most unique and spectacular mountain environments in the world.

Package

The Walking in the Italian Dolomites trip, departing on 18th June, costs £964pp including flights, half board accommodation, route notes, map kit and a local representative. Headwater (01606 720199 / www.headwater.com).