Seven new airline routes & package hols for Brits in 2025 from Cape Verde with easyJet to Nile river cruises with TUI
A NEW year is fast approaching and with it comes a fresh travel calendar of hot spots waiting to be explored.
Airlines and tour operators are launching some exciting new destinations for 2025, from bucket-list cruises around Egypt to reindeer adventures in Norway.
Sophie Swietochowski shares her top picks.
OLBIA, ITALY
THE Sardinian coastal city of Olbia is just one of three new Italian routes being launched by British Airways next year.
The pastel-coloured buildings and pretty little marina make for the perfect holiday postcard – although the views are even better from the beach at the 4H Grand Hotel Smeraldo Beach.
The teeny cove has the clearest waters and there are plenty of umbrella-sheltered loungers dotted around the surrounding flat rocks and on the sands.
Enjoy a boat trip to the Maddalena Archipelago National Park or go horseback riding along panoramic trails, both bookable through the hotel.
A seven-night B&B stay at the Grand Hotel Smeraldo Beach, if booked by December 20, starts from £949pp, including flights from London City on selected dates in June.
See britishairways.com/sardinia or call 0344 493 0787.
KARPATHOS, GREECE
WITH its rugged mountains plunging down to azure coves, the Dodecanese isle has a wild beauty that feels straight from an ancient Greek myth.
The island is new to Greece specialists Olympic Holidays for 2025.
Located between Crete and Rhodes, Karpathos is known for its ancient villages celebrating age-old customs in colourful festivals.
Follow the scenic road to Olympos, a historic village, and head to Finiki Beach as well as Apella Beach, known as one of the prettiest in the Med.
Seven nights’ at the Arhontiko Hotel, Finiki, is from £714pp with Gatwick flights to Rhodes and transfers to Karpathos in April 2025.
See olympicholidays.com.
CAPE VERDE
LOW-COST airline easyJet will be whizzing holidaymakers to Cape Verde for the first time in spring next year, where the sands are fiery red and seas are the bluest blue.
Packages for plush five-star resorts include seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Melia Tortuga Beach Resort & Spa for £780pp.
The price includes 23kg of luggage per person, transfers and flights from Gatwick on May 15, 2025.
The palm-tree covered hotel features an outdoor pool and a spa where guests can indulge in a water circuit complete with a footbath, cold shower, aroma shower, sauna and Turkish bath.
LEROS, GREECE
NEW package holidays to this relaxed Aegean island are on offer for 2025 through Jet2holidays with flights via Kos from Birmingham, Stansted, Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool and Newcastle from May 1.
The island is ideal for those looking for a relaxed, authentic Greek experience.
While there are no long stretches of sandy beaches, this stunning island offers deep, crystal clear bays and taverna-lined coves with pebble beaches.
Seven nights’ self-catering at the Marilen Hotel is from £769pp including flights from Birmingham on May 7, 22kg luggage and return transfers.
For details and to book, see jet2holidays.com.
THE NILE, EGYPT
FOLLOWING the success of its first Nile river cruise ship, TUI Cruises is launching a second ship.
The TUI Bahareya has 68 cabins for 138 passengers and will sail two different itineraries in Egypt.
The newly-refurbished ship will have dedicated Egyptologists on the sailings.
It has a top-deck swimming pool, massage tent, entertainment area and al-fresco dining.
Its seven-night all-inclusive Ancient Gods And Famous Pharaohs trip leaves from Luxor and calls at Kom Ombo, Aswan and Edfu.
Prices start at £1,599pp including superior balcony cabin, Gatwick flights on Nov 4, 2025, 25kg luggage, two excursions and transfers.
For more, go to tui.co.uk/river-cruises.
TROMSO, NORWAY
HEAD off on a frozen adventure with easyJet in 2025 with its new flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol to Tromso, the gateway to the Arctic.
The surrounding fjords and mountains are perfect for spotting the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun and for reindeer rides and husky sledging.
Cut the cost with a budget stay in the city centre at the Comfort Hotel Xpress, close to the Troll Museum.
This modern hotel, with compact, contemporary rooms, features a “Barception” serving breakfast, and snacks all day.
A seven-night, room-only stay at the hotel starts from £445pp, including flights from Manchester on March 22, 2025.
Find details at easyjet.com/en/holidays.
PULA, CROATIA
THE delightful seafront city is a new route in 2025 for the UK’s largest tour operator, Jet2holidays, with flights from Stansted, Manchester and Birmingham from the start of May to October 18.
The perfect destination to combine history, culture and nature, the city is known for its many ancient Roman buildings including Pula Arena, one of the world’s best preserved Roman amphitheatres.
There are also gorgeous scenic beaches and a working port and marina . . . as well as fabulous fresh seafood.
A week self- catering at the 3H Resort Belvedere Apartments is from £699pp, including flights from Manchester on May 1.
See jet2holidays.com.