Even with the ongoing conflict in Iran affecting travel plans, it’s very tempting to book a getaway in June: one of the best times for a holiday.
Chill out on the Neapolitan Riviera before temperatures soar or bag a spot on a laid-back beach in Crete. Soak up the sunshine on one of Croatia’s prettiest islands or drive your own boat along the southern waterways of France.
If you’re looking for that big-ticket adventure, go gorilla tracking in Rwanda or embark on an unforgettable journey through the Caucasus.
Wherever you decide to go on holiday in June, take a look at these ideas for inspiration.
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Italy
Welcome the arrival of summer on the Italian island of Ischia and enjoy lovely views of the Bay of Naples from Hotel Le Querce. Swim in its open-air thermal pool after a soak in the natural spring waters of the indoor pool. The views are just as splendid in the panoramic restaurant. Citalia has a five-night break departing 20 June with prices starting at £887pp, including flights, transfers and breakfast.
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Greece
Enjoy quiet beaches and gentle landscapes of olive groves and rolling hills on Crete’s eastern coast when you stay at Glaros Beach Suites. You’ll have the broad expanse of Kouremenos beach a brief walk away, not to mention a handy beach taverna. These contemporary one-bedroom bungalows have large terraces where you can relax, dine and take in the sea views and breezes. Simpson Travel has a week’s self-catering from 16 June with prices starting at £1,299pp, including flights and car hire.
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Croatia
Base yourself in one of Dalmatia’s most appealing towns when you book a stay at Younique Hotel Liburna, a short walk from the venerable walls of Korcula Town. You’ll have wonderful sea views and beaches, plus the chance to take water taxis to Badija island and the fishing village of Lumbarda. Or hop on the ferry to the mainland at Orebic for a day out. Sunvil has a seven-night break departing 1 June from £1,319pp, including flights, transfers and breakfast.
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Scotland
Take in the beauty of Scotland with McKinley Kidd’s “Slowly Through the North Highlands by Train” holiday. Over eight nights, you’ll be on Scotland’s Far North Rail Line, meandering from Inverness to Cromarty and Dornoch Firths with a side trip on Loch Ness, plus a guided tour of the north coast and Flow Country. Prices in June start at £1,675pp and include rail travel, breakfast, two dinners and guided tours.
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France
Relax on a slow boat along the waterways of the Petite Camargue on this self-drive boating holiday with Riverly, formerly known as Nicols. Get a tantalising taste of the Languedoc on a three-night journey along the Canal du Rhone a Sete between Bellegarde and the walled town of Aigues-Mortes. Prices in June start at €528 (£456) for three nights in a one-cabin boat that technically sleeps four but comfortably sleeps two. You’ll get training beforehand, so no boating experience is necessary.
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Shropshire
Enjoy long walks in woodland and nature reserves while indulging in a gourmet break in Pen-y-Dyffryn Hotel. This handsome old stone country hotel near Oswestry is within spitting distance of the Welsh border, and the hotel can supply you with maps for about 20 walks right from the doorstep. Bed and breakfast prices start at £95pp, but treat yourself to dinner in the refined restaurant and pay from £145pp a night.
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And if you want to splash out…
Rwanda
Trekking with gorillas in Rwanda certainly qualifies as a once-in-a-lifetime trip. You’ll be immersed in the rainforests of Nyungwe National Park on the trail of chimpanzees and going on canopy walks before swimming and kayaking in Lake Kivu. Then head to Volcanoes National Park, where an expert guide leads you to silverback gorillas. Wexas Travel has a 10-day tailor-made tour starting at £7,675pp including flights, UK airport lounge, transfers, transport, most meals, entrance fees and tracking permits.
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Caucasus
Get to know Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan on this epic 23-day group tour with Wendy Wu Tours. It’s an incredible itinerary, taking in all three countries’ immense cultural, historical and culinary highlights, from Azerbaijan’s mud volcanoes and ancient cities of the Silk Road to Georgia’s wineries and Armenia’s dramatically sited monasteries. Prices for a 6 June departure start at £5,290pp, down from £5,890pp, and include all flights and transfers, most meals, guided tours and entrance fees.
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Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
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