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Recipes

Turkish Lamb Koftas Recipe

This recipe for spiced lamb koftas and minted yoghurt dip will bring a taste of Turkey into your home.

INGREDIENTS

For the koftas:

500g minced lamb

1 onion, finely grated

2 garlic cloves, crushed

½tsp chilli flakes (optional)

½ tsp cumin

1 small bunch of flat leaf parsley, chopped

1tsp salt / ground pepper, to taste

Oil for brushing

For the minted yoghurt:

200g/7oz Greek natural yoghurt

2tbsp chopped mint

½ cucumber, grated then placed in a tea towel and squeezed to remove any liquid

1 lemon

 

METHOD

Soak four wooden kebab skewers in water so they don’t burn when you cook them.

Place all the ingredients for the koftas, apart from the oil, in a bowl and mix well. Divide mixture into four and mould into a sausage shape around four kebab skewers, then brush with a little oil. Heat a griddle pan and cook the koftas for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through. 

For the dip, mix the yoghurt, mint and cucumber in a bowl.

To serve, place the koftas on a large plate with the minted yoghurt and lemon wedges on the side.

Categories
Beach Competitions Europe

Win a Luxury Turkey Holiday Worth Over £4,000

LUXURY AWAITS

Exclusive Escapes specialises in small, family-owned hotels and chic villas with pools throughout the Lycian Coast, operating in stylish locations, including the archetypal Mediterranean harbour towns on Kalkan and Kas, and villages along Bozburun Peninsula.

Its ethos is to go that extra mile to make sure families enjoy a hassle-free and indulgent holiday, and children always receive a warm welcome. There are a number of organised activities throughout the school holidays, from farm visits to picnics and barbecues.

A TRIP TAILORED JUST FOR YOU

Your hassle-free break starts with civilised Saturday flights from the private terminal at Stansted, or with BA from Heathrow, or from Manchester with Monarch, departing at a sensible hour while maximising the time spent in coastal Turkey before returning home. Exclusive Escapes’ experienced team can plan a holiday that suits both your family’s style and your budget

Further afield, there are city breaks to Istanbul, adventures in the stunning National Park of Cappadocia, tours of the classical site of Ephesus or the historic Gallipoli Peninsula on the Aegean.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

The super-stylish Dionysos Estate is wrapped around a canyon with stunning sea views over the unspoilt bay of Kumlbuk. There is an impressive array of facilities, but the focal point is undoubtedly the enormous infinity pool. There is also a Decelor and Elemis spa with open-air hot tubs, a gym, mountain bikes, yoga classes, a tennis court, golf net and artificial putting green.

FUN FOR KIDS, HEAVEN FOR FOODIES

The estate opens its doors to families throughout the school holidays, and organises guided walks and fun children’s visits to the hotel’s organic farm where they can help tend to animals, watch the milking and pick fruit and vegetables. During October, families can help bring in the olive harvest, and see the hotel’s extra virgin olive oil being bottled.

A private sandy beach club with gentling shelving waters offers safe swimming, and a range of watersports, including canoes and sea bikes, water-skiing, windsurfing and kayaking, as well as petanque. The hotel has three restaurants, which all use organic fruit, vegetables and herbs grown on the estate; olive oil and wine are also produced.

To find out more about Exclusive Escapes family holidays to Turkey call 020 8605 3500 or visit exclusiveescapes.co.uk

THE PRIZE

One lucky family of four will win:

– A luxury week at the Dionysos Estate, on a B&B basis

– Return flights to Dalaman using Exclusive Escapes’ Saturday services from the private terminal at Stansted, or with BA from Heathrow, or from Manchester, transfers and a day’s sea cruise

Enjoy your prize at any time during the May-October season, subject to availability and make sure you redeem by 31 May 2016.

COMPETITION CLOSES AT 23:59 ON 1 JULY 2015

Categories
Adventure Africa Europe News Story Rest of the World South America Uncategorized

Tourdust Launches Family Trips

What’s new? The brainchild of Anna and Ben Colclough, who have three children of their own, Tourdust has made a name for itself creating off-the-beaten-track adventures for couples and young groups. But now, we’re pleased to hear, it’s turning its attention to families.

 

Destinations: Intrepid travellers can choose from destinations such as Morocco, Turkey, Croatia, Peru, Kenya and Sweden, and rely on Tourdust to arrange flights, accommodation with character and thoughtfully designed interaries – best of all, prices start from £500 per person.

 

Family Sea Kayaking Holiday: An eight-day holiday in Dubrovnik will have the team exploring the Elaphite Islands by kayak with a mix of paddling, snorkelling and playing on the beach and a guide to show you what’s what. You’ll be based on the island of Lopud, surrounded by stunning coastline in charming apartments, owned by local families, all within walking distance of the sea.

Price: £642 per person (based on a family of four), which includes return flights from London, seven nights’ accommodation, seven breakfasts, three dinners in nearby tavernas, a guide, all of the activities on the tour, all transfers by local boat, return transfers to and from Dubrovnik airport and all applicable taxes.

 

Marrakech Trek and Surf HolidayIn just under four hours you can be trekking in the Atlas mountains (accompanied by mules for any tired legs). Recoup in a beautiful riad in Marrakech before heading to the Atlantic coast for a few days surfing.

Price: £654 per person (based on a family of four), including flights, transfers, seven nights’ accommodation, trekking guide, surfing lessons and a selection of meals. 

 

Safari and Maasai Family Adventure: If you’d prefer to go further a field, there’s an eight-day adventure to Kenya, combining safaris and game drives with camping in a Maasai village, – where children will learn to light a fire and shoot arrows– cycling in Hells Gate National Park and a boat trip on Lake Naivasha.

Price: £1,843 per person (based on a family of four) including international flights, all accommodation, meals and transfers, as well as an English-speaking guide, plus the park fees and all camping equipment.

 

More information: For bookings, contact Tourdust on 020 3291 2907.

Categories
Adventure Beach Europe News Story

Book your Summer Holiday with only £49 Deposit

Broadway Travel – a holiday bookings site that has spent 65 years specialising in traditional package holidays – has launched a new scheme today to avoid last-minute price hikes for families.

There are over 40 destinations to choose from, and departures from 29 UK airports, so you can book your holiday for a deposit of £49 per person and pay the rest of the deposit eight weeks after you’ve booked. You’ll then pay the final balance 12 weeks before you depart – so plenty of time to save for your family trip. Many of the holidays also include benefits such as late room check out and free resort transfers, too.

Here are some fab ideas for your family holiday from Broadway Travel.

MALLORCA

Head to the family-favourite of Mallorca for guaranteed sunshine and a relaxed environment. There’s plenty of little beach resorts and villages to head to, but Broadway Travel recommends the four-star Globales America Hotel. Situated just 50m from the town of Calas de Mallorca on the southeast coast of the island, it is also surrounded by beautiful family-friendly beaches with crystal clear waters for tots to play – as well as tourist attractions and plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment to keep you all busy!

Price: £1,619 based on two adults and two children sharing, all inclusive.

Book: broadwaytravel.com

EGYPT

It might be a little too hot for little ones in the summer, but teenagers will love the poolside and luxury atmosphere of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. You’ll get an upgrade to a deluxe room when you book with Broadway Travel as well as free airport transfers. Broadway Travel recommenders the five-star all-inclusive Rixos Sharm El Sheikh, which has seven pools (incase teens want to escape a little…),  an outdoor spa and sauna and baby-sitting service (for you to escape…), and a private beach for you all to spend time together on.

Price: £599 per person for seven nights, all inclusive. Includes an upgrade to deluxe room plus free transfers.

Book: broadwaytravel.com

TURKEY

Warm weather and beautiful scenery, Turkey has long been a family holiday staple, and one where you’re bound to meet other families for the kids to make new friends (and entertain each other while you relax!). Broadway Travel recommends the  five-star Diamond Hill Resort, Alanya, set on the waterfront with both indoor and outdoor pools.

Price: £249 per person for seven nights, all-inclusive. Early bookers get treated to a fruit basket, late check-out and two free a la carte meals for the duration of the stay.

Book: broadwaytravel.com

BOOK NOW WITH BROADWAY TRAVEL AT BROADWAYTRAVEL.COM OR CALL 0800 011 4896

Categories
Beach Competitions Europe Sponsored Post

Win a luxury Turkey holiday worth over £4,000

luxury holiday to turkey

LUXURY AWAITS

Exclusive Escapes specialises in small, family-owned hotels and chic villas with pools throughout the Lycian Coast, operating in stylish locations, including the archetypal Mediterranean harbour towns on Kalkan and Kas, and villages along Bozburun Peninsula.

Its ethos is to go that extra mile to make sure families enjoy a hassle-free and indulgent holiday, and children always receive a warm welcome. There are a number of organised activities throughout the school holidays, from farm visits to picnics and barbecues.win a luxury holiday to turkey

A TRIP TAILORED JUST FOR YOU

Your hassle-free break starts with civilised Saturday flights from the private terminal at Stansted, or with BA from Heathrow, or from Manchester with Monarch, departing at a sensible hour while maximising the time spent in coastal Turkey before returning home. Exclusive Escapes’ experienced team can plan a holiday that suits both your family’s style and your budget

Further afield, there are city breaks to Istanbul, adventures in the stunning National Park of Cappadocia, tours of the classical site of Ephesus or the historic Gallipoli Peninsula on the Aegean.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

The super-stylish Dionysos Estate is wrapped around a canyon with stunning sea views over the unspoilt bay of Kumlbuk. There is an impressive array of facilities, but the focal point is undoubtedly the enormous infinity pool. There is also a Decelor and Elemis spa with open-air hot tubs, a gym, mountain bikes, yoga classes, a tennis court, golf net and artificial putting green.

FUN FOR KIDS, HEAVEN FOR FOODIES

The estate opens its doors to families throughout the school holidays, and organises guided walks and fun children’s visits to the hotel’s organic farm where they can help tend to animals, watch the milking and pick fruit and vegetables. During October, families can help bring in the olive harvest, and see the hotel’s extra virgin olive oil being bottled.

A private sandy beach club with gentling shelving waters offers safe swimming, and a range of watersports, including canoes and sea bikes, water-skiing, windsurfing and kayaking, as well as petanque. The hotel has three restaurants, which all use organic fruit, vegetables and herbs grown on the estate; olive oil and wine are also produced.

To find out more about Exclusive Escapes family holidays to Turkey call 020 8605 3500 or visit exclusiveescapes.co.uk

THE PRIZE

One lucky family of four will win:

– A luxury week at the Dionysos Estate, on a B&B basis

– Return flights to Dalaman using Exclusive Escapes’ Saturday services from the private terminal at Stansted, or with BA from Heathrow, or from Manchester, transfers and a day’s sea cruise

Enjoy your prize at any time during the May-October season, subject to availability and make sure you redeem by 31 May 2016.

COMPETITION CLOSES AT 23:59 ON 1 JULY 2015

WIN A LUXURY TURKEY HOLIDAY WORTH OVER £4,000

Q1. What is harvested at the Dionysos Estate in October?

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