If you want to start planning this year’s holiday but haven’t even decided on a destination yet, why not let Vintage Travel do your deciding for you? We have many stunning villas on the Greek islands of Skopelos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Peloponnese, all offering something distinct and matchless, in the most stunning of surroundings. The only difficult bit now is choosing which Greek island to head to.

Rhodes

On the Island of Rhodes, we have villas boasting views of the particularly picturesque Vlicha Bay. Lay at the southern end of the Dodecanese chain of islands, Rhodes skirts the Turkish coast, with its southern situation ensuring the island has more than 300 days a year of beautiful sunshine. Known as the ‘Crusader Island’, Rhodes is an historian’s paradise, with the ancient sites of Lindos, Lalyssos and Kamiros just waiting to be explored.

Rhodes unique diversity means it caters for every tourist’s taste – Lazing on a beautiful sandy beach, visiting medieval fortresses, enjoying nightlife that rivals any European destination, or exploring the island’s magnificent countryside, Rhodes has it all.

Kefalonia

The island of Kefalonia offers an intriguing mix of the ancient and the modern. Since Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was set on Kefalonia, it has become one of the most sought-after resorts in Greece, and with good reason. Mountains capped in forests and tortuous mountain roads, provide for some sensational vistas, whilst several interesting attractions such as the caves at Melisani, attract thousands of visitors each year.

If you are wanting to experience a Greek holiday with a difference, then Kefalonia is calling.

Corfu

Since the Victorian times, Corfu has been a popular holiday destination. Its intense plethora of bars, restaurants and nightclubs in the bigger towns, means the island remains particularly popular with young people. Although Corfu does have a lot more to offer than just its buzzing, lively nightlife.

Romantic villages, steeped in history and culture, interesting coves and pretty beaches scatter this island, which provides some breathtaking views, dominated by mountains and some rich and fertile farmland.

Crete

Crete is the largest and most southerly of the Greek islands, and is therefore blessed with a sensational climate. Although the weather is far from Crete’s only sensational feature. With more than 1000 kilometres of coastline, visitors can literally spend their whole holiday seeking out many deserted and beautiful beaches and coves. Crete, with its warm and friendly hospitality and insistence on tradition and folklore, gives tourists a real taste of true Greece.

Peloponnese

One of the less well-known Greek islands, Peloponnese, with its medieval castles, remarkable ancient remains, white sandy beaches and quant and charming villages, hidden amongst some truly breathtaking scenery, is one of the most pure and unblemished places in the whole of Greece.

Skopelos

For those who prefer your beaches more rugged, then Skopelos, with its rough and craggy hillsides, protruding into many rocky and interested coastal outlets, may be the destination for you. This beautiful island is practically all forest, with 80 percent of inland Skopelos being cloaked in sweet-smelling pine trees.

It is because of this eclectic mix of rugged coastline, pine woods, fruit orchids, chapels and monasteries and friendly locals, that has guaranteed the island of Skopelos is featured in our 2011 portfolio of magnificent properties.

The Marensin region of France is a land of forests and lakes. Amongst the many beautiful lakes, fringed by the sweet smelling and luscious woodlands, lies the town of Soustons, which, with its mighty ‘Etang de Soustons’, provides a hive of water sports and activities.

From relaxing on pedal boats, enjoying the lush and fertile scenery, to mastering some serious sailing, Soustons will cater for your every water activity whim.

If you are wondering where to stay to make your visit to Soustons as stunning and memorable as the area itself, then look no further than Manoir Atlantique.

Vintage Travel is especially proud to add this beautiful 19^th century Basque style mansion to our properties, which provides an additional ‘uniqueness’ to our portfolio.

Relaxing is one of the most fundamental objectives of being on holiday, and, by providing a fully catered service, those staying at Manoir Atlantique can lie back and enjoy being waited on hand and foot, some exceptional gourmet cooking and complimentary local wines, giving guests more time and energy to take advantages of all the activities Souston offers.

Inside Manoir Atlantique a regal oak staircase, marble fireplaces, stunning wood panelling and original parquet floors, allows guests to quickly surmise that they have arrived at somewhere special. Although their jaws drop even further as they visit the property’s delightful nine en-suite bedrooms.

But the ‘crème-de-la-crème’ of this mansion has to be when clients enter the grand dining room, dominated by a stunning Venetian chandelier. Without having to worry about buying and preparing food, guests will enjoy many delicious evening meals in this grand and impressive dining room.

This awe-inspiring property’s exterior is as jaw-dropping as its interior.  It’s large, heated, fenced off pool with poolside barbeque areas, lies within beautiful landscaped gardens, with a hot tub, croquet lawn and an all weather tennis court.

Catered stays include a champagne reception, daily full-English or Continental breakfast, daily afternoon tea, a gourmet barbeque lunch, with beer, wine and soft drinks, and an exquisite evening meal, with complimentary wine.

Manoir Atlantique is available for 2^nd April until 22^nd October. Prices start from £3995 per week for self catered to £17,496 per week fully catered.

Availability and bookings for Manoir Atlantique can be made at Vintage Travel.

Villa Magnolia

Snuggled high on the hillside above the mighty yet magnificent lake, amongst the olive groves, woodlands and wildlife, lies the striking, spacious and sensually renovated Villa Magnolia.

This four bedroom villa provides a unique blend of fresh and contemporary living with a rural and tranquil location in the beautiful Umbrian countryside.

The villa’s high ceilings, original features, arched balconies, offering magnificent views of the valley and beyond, creates a romantic, idyllic and truly stunning place to stay to experience this unique part of the world. All amenities are nearby in the quant and charming villages of Paciano and Panicate, whilst the larger town of Castiglione del Lago is 14 kilometres away, offering a greater choice of shops and restaurants.

Typical of Tuscany local history can nearly always be investigated and guests of Villa Magnolia can vary their daily activities by taking an excursion to the Castello del Leone, a spectacular 13^th century fortress, which, at its pinnacle, provides a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view.

Click the link for further information on this breathtaking beautiful villa in Tuscany and for availability, prices and bookings.

From an immensely impressive Italian retreat, to equally as stunning accommodation in the south of France, Vintage Travel is thrilled to have added Lou Calvel to its portfolio.

Lou Calvel

In a small break amidst the densely forested landscape, brimming with a diverse mix of wildlife, flowers, orchids and plants, the imposing stone walls of the beautifully renovated Lou Carvel can be seen.

Its huge pool surrounded by vast lawns, gently rippling under the southern French sun, beckons guests to take a dip, whilst the shaded terraces provide refreshing shade from the sun.

Internally, Lou Calvel possesses an equal ‘wow factor’ to its grounds and location. Heavy wooden doors swing open, inviting guests to excitedly muse over the property’s many charms, including an original fireplace, beamed ceilings, an open-tread staircase and a stone basin set into the wall.

The interior justly encapsulates the very essence of the villa’s traditional, rural and tranquil atmosphere and setting.

When guests eventually prize themselves away from Lou Calvel, they will discover the many treats and delights of the local area.

The village of Cazals, with its fine restaurants, bars and shops, is just five kilometres away, whilst the larger town of Cahors, renowned for its fabulous, full-bodied red wines, is 30 kilometres away. The region is a true rapture for cyclists, walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, eager to explore the limestone gorges, majestic chateaux and infinitive amount of natural delights the area is blessed with.

Click on the link for availability, prices and to make a reservation for Lou Calvel, A stunning south of France Villa.

Vintage Travel’s ‘Discover’ brochures 2011

To provide you with an even greater understanding of the location you have chosen to take your holiday, the accommodation you will be staying in and the many treasures you are likely to uncover, Vintage Travel has composed three glossy, glamorous and ‘brimming with information’ brochures, new to 2011.

Aptly titled ‘Discover’, the brochures have been designed to deepen our clients’ comprehension of the journey they will soon be embarking on. Or to help indecisive travellers make their final destination choice, Vintage Travel’s “Discover”, will act as a definitive decision-maker.

The three brochures cover the vast and diverse European locations our extensive profile of villas are located in – One being dedicated to Spain, Lanzarote, Balearics and Portugal, another to France, Italy, Gozo and Croatia, and the third covering Greece and Turkey.

As all our properties are personally visited by our team of travel experts, descriptions of the locations and properties are a personal and honest account, accompanied with the most stunning and visually transparent of photographs.

These carbon neutral publications provide a comprehensive overview of each of the countries and islands featured by Vintage Travel, which includes answers to the vital questions travellers often have prior to their trip. First-hand experiences about climate, local cuisine and local festivals are featured frequently in these highly informative yet entertaining magazines.  Important travel information is also included, such as information about sea crossings, flights, train travel, car hire, travel insurance and other information considered essential to the modern traveller.

Comprehensive details about each individual property are provided in our brochures, including testimonies by previous visitors, prices, availability and a booking form.

Staying in private accommodation gives you the freedom, privacy and the ‘own space’ you deserve on holiday. Vintage Travel supplies only the very best this unique freedom offers. Our highly readable, riveting and photographically stunning ‘Discover’ brochures, enables our clients to leisurely muse over which of our extended quality properties especially catches their eye.

Click here to view ‘Discover’ online or to order a hard copy by post.

There's lots to explore around the Algarve

Portugal has a lot to offer – culture, romance, stunning scenery, history, adventure and of course an enviable climate of year-round sun. Traversing with rich, hilly valleys and bound by golden sun-kissed sandy beaches, the Algarve, the most southernmost region of mainland Portugal, is a particularly fascinating place to visit. Vintage Travel, with its uncanny knack at locating the most splendid of villas in the most striking of surroundings, has added six new properties to its Algarve portfolio for 2011.

Gazeio, a grand and stunning detached house, situated less than five kilometres from the vibrant town of Lago, is included in Vintage Travel’s exclusive Algarve portfolio, and, like all the properties we feature, guests will be not be disappointed by this beautiful and unique house. Resonant of the whole of the Algarve, there is an emphasis on spending time outdoor s at Gazeio. This family-friendly villa has as private pool with a poolside studio, containing a kitchenette, dining area and shower room. The property’s immaculately groomed lawns include a built-in barbeque area and a children’s play area.

Rental prices for Gazeio, which sleeps four, begin at £950 a week in April rising to £1695 in peak season.

Gazeio is fantastic for families and sleeps 4

Situated in the tranquil hamlet of Azinheiro, a 20 minute drive from Faro, the five-bedroom, five bathroom, Casa Nova da Eira, is the perfect property for larger parties wanting to escape to peace amidst perfection. This simply stunning, colonial style house welcomes its guests with a cobbled courtyard. Internally the house comprises of some hugely impressive features and artwork, including a vaulted Portuguese ceiling, model boats in glass enclosures and many imposing paintings.

Casa Nova da Eira sleeps up to 11 with its generous accommodation

Possessing balconies boasting views of the Atlantic Ocean, the double bedroom with its imperial en-suite bathroom and dressing room, takes up the whole of the first floor. Externally, Casa Nova da Eira, is equally as grand. The property’s extensive grounds and gardens have been landscaped by Jose Meixa, one pf Portugal’s most influential and famous landscape gardeners. Amongst the delightful gardens guest will stumble upon a beautiful private pool, surrounded by open and covered terraces.

Rental prices for Casa Nova da Eira, which sleeps 11, start at £1350 a week in May and rise to £3195 in peak season, which includes a maid service for five days a week.

Check out our latest villas in Kefalonia

Looking for a villa holiday in Kefalonia? Look no further, these are the hottest properties on the island.

With an air of sweet smelling citrus fruits circling jagged and rocky peaks and floating across long, sandy beaches, it is hardly surprising that the Greek island of Kefalonia remains a popular holiday destination. Intent on finding you the highest-quality of properties off the beaten track, we’ve introduced a new portfolio of properties for Kefalonia 2011.

Surrounded by rolling verdure hillsides clad with pine trees, fir trees and olive groves, at the bottom of a private road, the house of Hlazeika, will guarantee to satisfy yearnings for breathtaking scenery, tranquillity, stunning sunsets and accommodation exuding quality and character. This stunning villa sleeps eight and is made out of locally hewn granite which enhances its charm, uniqueness and exquisiteness endlessly. The captivating views and mesmerizing sunsets can be enjoyed by the property’s impressive private pool, which can be heated in the ‘brisker’ months, or accompanied with a barbeque in the built-in barbeque area.

Hlazeika, a very family friendly villa in Kefalonia

Hlazeika is just four kilometres from the lively town of Scala, sheathed by a 3km Blue Flagged beautiful sandy beach.This magnificent property which perfectly blends tradition with modernity costs £950 a week in May rising to £2895 in peak season.

For travellers seeking a ‘cottage’ accommodation with a Greek twist, Katelios Bay View is the property you are looking for. This two bedroom, two bathroom country cottage has retained many traditional features, such as wood beamed ceilings and exposed brickwork and stone and oozes with character and charm. Step outside Katelios Bay View and sunbath next to the private infinity pool, dine on some of the delicious local produce in the built-in barbeque area, or simply breath in the fresh and sweet smelling Kefalonia air.

Katelios Bay View has two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and some rather breathtaking views

This delightful property is located just one kilometre from the small and laid back fishing village of Katelios, which, with its heavenly seafood restaurants, intriguing mini markets, attractive little harbour and beautiful beach, is a highly pleasurable place to experience this truly magnificent Greek island.

A week’s rental at Katelios Bay View costs £750 in May rising to £1995 in peak season.

Finca Romera, La Gerla

Vintage Travel, with its uncanny knack in seeking out the most exclusive accommodation in the most heavenly of locations, really have excelled in its meticulously selected Lanzarote collection, new for 2011. As ever, attention to detail is paramount, although on the island of Lanzarote attention to detail is a dominant feature in all walks of life. Lie back, visualize and imagine what soon could be a reality…

Finca Romera, La Gerla

Spawning spectacular views across Lanzarote’s uniquely varied landscapes, Finca Romera lies deep in the heat of the wine growing region in the verdurous valley of La Gerla. Wine dominates the scene here with many beautiful bodegas lining the road running through the valley, proudly displaying the finest local produce.

In keeping with the local style, the dazzling whitewashed Finca Romera contrasts stunningly with the azure and cloudless sky above and the deep emerald valleys framed by the magnificent distant mountains of the Timanfaya National Park. A large patio area with terraces and a crystal clear pool with Roman steps, alluringly beckons for a bottle of the local ‘vino’ to be opened and savoured whilst taking in the sublime views. This spacious and traditional property sleeps up to six, having three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Casa Mariola, Las Brenas

Situated in the southwest corner of Lanzarote, Casa Mariola, being just minutes from golden sandy beaches amidst rolling hillsides, grand gorges and quaint pretty villages, satisfies for every scenic taste.

This stylish, light and airy cortijo sleeps six and although it indulges in some tastefully modern furnishings, its whitewashed walls stylishly comply with the features seen in the nearby white village of Brenas. A garden of cacti eases the walk from this delightfully appealing property to the fenced patio and pool area.

Casa Mariola, Las Brenas

Cited by many as being ‘Lanzarote’s most beautiful village’, the pueblo of Yaiza is just 7 kilometres from the house and with its sea of brightly coloured flowers lining the window frames, is well worthy of a visit. Exploring the unspoilt beaches and tranquil coves in the area provides for fascinating journeying of one of Lanzoraote’s prettiest regions.

Casa La Graciosa, Isla Graciosa

Time seems to have conveniently overlooked Isla Graciosa, which lies a mile across the water from Lanzarote’s northern shores. While other regions and resorts are often described as being the epitome of solitude and tranquillity, the island of Graciosa, free from the pollution of any vehicles, really is an embodiment of peace.

Given its dedication to tracking down the most secluded of accommodation, Vintage Travel is proud to have added Casa la Graciosa to its books. Gazing out across the ocean just yards from the waters edge, this beautiful and spacious villa sleeps eight and its heated pool is the only known swimming pool on the island.

Casa La Graciosa, Isla Graciosa

Situated in the town of Caleta del Sebo visitors can enjoy meandering through the many charming shops, restaurants and bars the town possesses.

Cortijo de Cabreron, Costa Teguise

Costa Tequise, with its palm lined beaches is one of Lanzarote’s more sophisticated shorelines that is bustling with both life and tradition. Located in an idyllically rural setting, Cortijo de Cabreron enjoys panoramic views of sweeping picturesque countryside.

Cortijo de Cabreron, Costa Teguise

Having been lovingly restored, Cortijo de Cabreron has retained much of its original character, and its stone walls, colourful ceramics, intricate paint work, rustic stone terrace and vibrant garden, a cocktail of cacti and flowers, guarantees to enchant visitors and leave them begging to return.

There's no better way to welcome Autumn than attending 'Le festival des Soupes'

Like pop star wannabies battling it out on X Factor, aspiring cooks from Vaison la Romaine and 13 surrounding villages compete over three weeks to produce the best tasting soup. Visitors can sample over 200 different types of soups, with the final showdown being on the last night when the winner of the Grand Final is chosen.

If you are debating where to stay to see this particularly ‘French’ festival, which produces the very finest of French cuisine, during an exceptional beautiful time of the year in France, we recommend Le Gustave, in the heart of the lovely Luberon.

Le Gustave - Provencial charm at its best

Retaining the traditional building materials and ancient features of the area, this pretty two bedroom stone cottage boasts its own stone borie – an ancient cone shaped shelter and an emblem of the area’s bucolic history.

Le Gustave, which has the capacity to sleep four, is situated upon extensive grounds comprising of an abundance of olive groves, covered terraces, table tennis and a barbeque. For those visiting Provence when the weather is cooler, under floor heating is available throughout the property.

Le Gustave offers a wealth of charm and original character

Whilst Le Gustave may cater for the activity tastes of all its guests, a visit to the nearby hilltop village of Gordes is a must, if not only to capture some of the most stunning views in Provence. Likewise, if you are visiting in October, a trip to the Soup Festival to sample some of the local cuisine at its most celestial is a must.

A week’s stay in Le Gustave starting 2, 9 and 16 October costs £995. Flight and car hire is not included in the price but can be arranged on request. Click here for more information on Le Gustave.

A luxutious villa in Andalucia for up to 7 people

If peace, privacy, tranquillity and harmony, away from the obtrusive reach of any telephone signals, ensuring your phone cannot possibly disturb you sounds like heaven, than Huerta de las Vegas in the hills of the Grazalema Natural Park, Andalucia, Spain is the place to go to satisfy yearnings of serenity.

Situated amidst the woodlands on an acre of Grazalema Natural Park, one of Spain’s most ecologically gifted and aesthetically outstanding natural parks lies the irrefutably impressive house known as Huerta de las Vegas.

This spacious and airy three-bedroom, two bathroom property has the capacity to sleep seven. Within its extensive grounds visitors can enjoy relaxing and shading from the warm Spanish sun under shaded terraces. Or for the more action-seeking guests, Huerta de las Vegas’s grounds have mini-golf, table tennis and of course a pool to cool down in.

Enjoy your own mini-golf course

With all this activity and beauty on the villa’s doorstep, it would be understandable if you never wanted to leave the Huerta de las Vegas premises. Although exploring the nearby area is advised, if not just to experience the leather produced at Pueblo Blanco de Ubrique. Lying at the foot of a sheer cliff face, this picturesque town has made its mark on the world with the proficiency of its leather products, and is well worth a visit.

The whitewashed hilltop town of El Bosque, is also nearby and as its name ‘El Bosque’ – Spanish for ‘the forest’ – suggests is enclosed by the dense and pretty woodlands the Grazalema Natural Park is blessed with.

Prices to stay at Huerta de las Vegas vary, but typically a week’s stay in September or October costs, £695. Prices exclude flights and car hire, but can be arranged on request. Book Huerta de las Vegas here.

With this property you’ll get breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, air con, wireless internet connection, a spacious and well equipped gym, games room, enclosed pool, built in BBQ and a few covered terraces.

El Balcon comfortably sleeps 6

In terms if positioning, the ‘pueblo blanco’ villages of Olvera, Algodonales and Zahara de la Sierra are all within easy reach and historic Ronda is just a 30-minute drive – well worth a visit too!

Enjoy El Balcon's views from the comfort of the pool

A week’s rental for 2011 leads in at £595 in April rising to £1495 in peak season.