Thomas Cook Ireland is going where the heat is this winter, with a new emphasis on Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Egypt in its recently launched 2012 Wintersun programme. Among the highlights is a week’s stay in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt coupled with a seven-night Red Sea cruise from €1,059. Early bookers can avail of free children and granny places, free upgrades, free hotel overnight at Dublin Airport, and up to €340 off per booking.
Sharon Harney, Head of Sales and Marketing, said: “Africa and the Middle East have a lot to offer in winter, especially the guarantee of sun and warmth, and are helped by direct flights. This makes the region a good fit alongside the popular European destinations. Wherever customers go, good value is universal this year – not just low prices, but built-on extras such as our Sunscapes entertainment offering, free overnight at Bewley’s Dublin Airport Hotel for early bookers, private taxi transfers, and so on.”
The popular destinations of Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Madeira and Tunisia are all well covered this winter, with weekly flights from Dublin and a choice of over 40 resorts. Thomas Cook’s new Sunscapes offering at selected properties promises entertainment from sunrise to sunset for adults, with workouts, pool activities and cocktail-making by day, and top-class productions, game shows and cabaret by night.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi stand out for their luxury accommodation, and even in the depths of winter, guests can wallow in 24°C temperatures. Five-star luxury is available from €1,425 for four nights at the family-friendly Atlantic, The Palm in Jumeirah, Dubai, with free access to the Aquaventure Water Park.
Close by, Abu Dhabi also offers 5-star indulgence at the ultra modern Yas Hotel, overlooking the marina and site of the F1 race, with four-night stays from €1,289. There is also a nine-night fly cruise taking in Dubai, Fujairah, Muscat and Abu Dhabi from €1,329.
Egypt is well established as a wintersun destination, thanks not least to temperatures in the 20°Cs and great all-inclusive deals. The Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh is complemented this winter by a new 14-night cruise on the MSC Armonia from Sharm el Sheikh taking in Safaga/Luxor, Elat in Israel, Aqaba/Petra in Jordan, and the sulphur springs at Sokhna, from where clients can visit Gizza, the Sphinx and the pyramids, from €1,059.
