Great getaways: From cookery tours in Tuscany to a week in Sardinia

Florence: the dazzling Duomo (Firenze Turismo)

TUSCAN TASTE

On 26 April and 3 May, Flavours Holidays has a cookery tour of Tuscany. The price of £1,599pp includes a week's B&B at the Villa Arezzo in the Chianti Hills, all meals, five three-hour lessons and sightseeing trips. As well as learning to master dishes such as pollo alla cacciatore (chicken stew), there will be trips to Florence or Siena, alfresco meals and time to chill out beside the pool. Transfers are included, but flights are not (flavoursholidays.co.uk).

AFFORDABLE ALGARVE

For a good-value spring break, consider a week in Portugal's Algarve, where Destinology has a stay at the Sheraton Pine Cliffs Resort for £619pp on departures up until 14 May. The price includes easyJet flights from Gatwick to Faro, and breakfast, The property has a cliff-top location within easy reach of Albufeira town. Book by 30 April (destinology.co.uk).

FARE GAME

Until Tuesday, Virgin Atlantic is discounting off-peak air fares to many long-haul destinations. Return fares from London include New York (£379), Miami (£529), Los Angeles (£509), Cancun (£529), Delhi (£479) abd Cape Town (£679). Prices apply for travel on a range of dates this year (virgin-atlantic.com).

ISLE ESCAPE

If it's Mediterranean sunshine you're after, how about a week in Sardinia? On 18 May, Citalia has a seven-night stay at the Hotel La Bisaccia for £749pp, with half-board meals and easyJet flights from Gatwick to Olbia. Located on the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), the hotel has a huge pool overlooking the sea. Book by 28 April (citalia.com).