Is holiday too good to be true?
Q I RECENTLY joined Cycling UK so I can do regular rides with a nearby group. Its magazine Cycle had an insert in the most recent edition advertising – as “our special thank you to you as a loyal reader of Cycle” – an eight-day “cultural tour” to Cyprus reduced from £1,049 to £149. This includes flights, seven nights bed and breakfast as well as coach trips to sites with admission fees. Is this simply too good to be true? Jane F
A THIS deal comes from Northamptonshire firm RSD Travel. This holiday – now £1,149 according to the tour operator’s website – is available for £149, provided you travel from Manchester in December or January (not the most attractive months for Cyprus).
Given your address, you would probably opt for Gatwick. This is £35 extra. Whichever airport you choose, there’s an extra £120 to £180 if you want to holiday in March, April or May – probably the best months for Cyprus. And there is £49 additionally for Easter period trips. Plus another £199 if you want a single room.
The leaflet warns hotels are “located in idyllic natural settings and therefore a little outside the towns” meaning evening meal options may be limited to the hotel buffet – a further £119 for seven nights. The leaflet shows hotels but these are “examples” and not necessarily where you will stay. There are social media reports of selling extra excursions.
It’s largely a coach tour where you will see a number of “factories” producing souvenirs for you to buy, although some days are free.
It’s unclear how long the flight is. Your stay is in Turkish North Cyprus which the UK government (nor any other bar Turkey) recognises. The EHIC medical care card won’t work. Flights must land in Turkey where you generally change planes before flying to North Cyprus.
The £149 is possible. Or you could spend more than £700. Plus lunches.
Cycling UK says: “We strive to ensure adverts are relevant to readers, but do not endorse any products or services that appear. RSD Travel has been advertising since 2016, during which time we have not received any complaints from readers taking up the holiday offer.”