Are We There Yet?

School's out for summer in many places – which means thousands of sun-starved, cash-strapped parents are scrabbling to get a decent last-minute deal outta here. And I've found three great new deals that offer a taste of something different.

First stop the Lucan Dolomites, where a 13th-century monastery, Foresteria di San Leo, offers enticing family apartments away from the crowds. This glorious Italian hidey hole has a huge pool, rolling grounds and optional cookery classes. And, to cap it all, Real Holidays (020-7359 3938; realholidays.co.uk) is offering around 15 per cent off bookings for August.

For a truly cool summer holiday, Iceland awaits. Take a nine-day trip with Equine Adventures (0845 130 6981; equineadventures.co.uk) and you and your little trekkers will cross glacial rivers and explore lava fields on horseback. Under 12s get 25 per cent off.

And if you really must do the beach thing, why not go the whole hog and visit lots of them at once? easyCruise Life (0871 210 0001; easycruise.com) is offering a leisurely trip around the Aegean islands and western Turkey at the end of August: a family of four pays just £720 for a cabin.

With deals like these, it can be worth waiting to book at the last minute.

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