. There’s also a spa and four romantic restaurants. European fly-cruises cost from £2,276 per person departing July 12 for seven days, including flights, transfers and full board, but book one full-fare stateroom before March 31 and you will be able

The results of my informal Family Holiday Highlights Survey took me by surprise. Devised and carried out by myself – the mother of three children, aged ten, nine and five – it involved one simple question: what was the best day of your Italian

This is a promotional feature brought to you by the Post Office Any first time parent will understand both the allure and complication that a holiday presents – some time out, away from the everyday routine, but also the daunting thought

has special family rooms and suites and a children’s concierge who can organise grand days out and  furnish your child with books and DVDs. From £660 per night for a family of four. Visit www.athenaeumhotel.com

– then promptly shut, as the air con won’t work with open windows and, as we soon learnt, to keep those pesky mosquitoes out.The villa is set on a hectare of land, with a shady pergola which overlooks the surrounding hills, dotted with medieval spires, and full

, a giant trampoline to bounce on, swings and a heated pool, and enough amusements to keep imaginations (and little legs) running riot for days. Grown-ups can indulge in me-time with a massage, and, after the children have had an early supper and are tucked

with good, healthy food, and show them how it’s produced, how it’s processed, how to cook it and what it tastes like. There are visits to beekeepers and cheese makers, cooking lessons and lots of tasting and eating.Children can also spend a day in a magical

CroatiaWhy visit? Of all the countries in Eastern Europe, Croatia is the one that cries out “family holiday”. Not only is its beautiful coast bathed in crystal-clear waters and warm sunshine, but it is also endowed with enough islands and cultural

and opulence on the rue de Rivoli. Eminent guests from days gone by include Picasso, who hosted his wedding dinner here, Coco Chanel, and Salvador Dali, who once demanded a herd of sheep be brought to his room and, upon their arrival, took out his pistol

to arrange babysitting with a local nanny for you; alternatively, laze by the pool while your children splash about with inflatables in the shallow end. Le Lodge Kerisper is a great place for frazzled parents to get a few days’ respite.- Worth getting out