THE TOP 20 BARGAIN GETAWAYS

1

Med cruise

Find your sea legs on a Mediterranean cruise aboard the Costa Concordia. Sailing out of Barcelona and back, ports of call include Palma, Tunis, Valletta in Malta, Palermo, Civitavecchia and Savona.

The deal: Costa Cruises (020-7940 4499; costacruises.co.uk) offers a seven-night fully inclusive Mediterranean Magic break from [pound]984 per person, based on two sharing a two-bed inside cabin, including return flights from Heathrow or Gatwick to Barcelona and transfers. Departs 13, 20 May and offers a saving of [pound]240 per person.

2

Malta

Enjoy the countryside of Malta before the heat of summer hits. Your base is the four-star Gillieru Harbour Hotel on the water's edge in St Paul's Bay, a family-owned hotel with swimming pool and roof terrace.

The deal: Chevron Air Holidays (0844 412 4440; chevron.co.uk) offers a seven-night half-board break at the Gillieru Harbour Hotel from [pound]185 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights from Gatwick and car hire. Valid for departures 9 to 24 May and offers a saving of [pound]95 per person.

3

Germany

Self-skipper a five-star Europa motorboat and discover the waterways and lakes that connect Hamburg and Berlin.

The deal: Cardinal Boating Holidays (0845 450 5229; cardinalboating.com) offers a seven-night self-catering river- cruising break from [pound]378 per person, based on six sharing, including return flights from Stansted to Berlin. Valid for departures 9 to 24 May and offers a saving of [pound]96 per person.

4

Tuscany

Hole up in Tuscany at Il Bagnese, a rural villa which sleeps six and is close to the village of Montagnano. The villa has a well- equipped kitchen, pool table and large garden with a pool.

The deal: James Villa Holidays (0870 085 0722; jamesvillas.co.uk) offers a seven-night break from [pound]244 per person, based on six sharing, including flights from Gatwick to Pisa and two hire cars. Departs 16 May, saving [pound]111 per person.

5

Corsica

The Villa Castagni is a traditional two-bedroom villa with a large private pool, just a 10-minute drive from Porto Vecchio and the sandy beach at Pinarellu. Set in peaceful surroundings the property offers easy access to walking in the mountains.

The deal: Voyages Ilena (020-7924 4440; voyages ilena.co.uk) offers a seven-night break at Villa Castagni for [pound]499 per person, based on two sharing, including flights from Gatwick to Figari and car hire. Departs 13 May and offers a saving of [pound]258 per person.

6

Helsinki

Stay at the Seurahuone Hotel, a four-star 19th-century Art Nouveau property within walking distance of the top sights including the Old Market Hall and Market Square.

The deal: Expedia (0871 226 0808; expedia.co.uk) offers a four- night b&b break from [pound]288 per person, based on two sharing, including flights from Heathrow. Departs 17 May and offers a saving of [pound]140 per person.

7

Azores

Stay on Sao Miguel, the largest of the islands at the three-star Avenida Hotel in the main town and port of Ponta Delgada.

The deal: Sunvil Discovery (020-8758 4722; sunvil.co. uk) offers a three-night b&b break from [pound]337 per person, based on two sharing. The package includes a whale and dolphin-watching trip, flights from Gatwick and transfers. Departs throughout May and offers a saving of [pound]166 per person.

8

Mallorca

The five-star Son Net hotel is a converted finca with a wellness centre and one of the island's top restaurants.

The deal: Original Travel (020-7978 7333; original-travel.co.uk) offers a seven-night b&b break with an upgrade to a superior room from [pound]1,105 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights from Heathrow to Palma and car hire. Valid for departures from 6-31 May and offers a saving of [pound]457 per person.

9

Ravello

Stay at La Villette apartments near the centre of Ravello above the Amalfi coast. Each apartment has a private patio or balcony and there is a shared pool.

The deal: Citalia (0870 909 7554; citalia.com) offers a seven- night self-catering break from [pound]299 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights from Bristol, Gatwick, East Midlands, Glasgow or Manchester. Departs 18 May and offers a saving of [pound]300 per person.

10

Greece

Enjoy water sports at The Retreat Neilson Beach Club on the Ionian coast, near the port of Sivota.

The deal: Neilson (0870 909 9099; neilson.com) offers a seven- night break from [pound]399 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights from Gatwick, transfers, half-board accommodation, four evening meals and all activities. Departs 20 May and offers a saving of [pound]320 per person.

11

Cyprus

Enjoy complimentary half-board at Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort.

The deal: Harlequin (0845 450 6433; harlequinholi-days.com) offers a seven-night half-board break from [pound]795 per person, based on two sharing, including return flights from Gatwick to Paphos and transfers. Valid for departures throughout May and June, saving [pound]245 per person.