THE continuing noshow by US tourists has meant that Italy, particularly Tuscany, is underbooked compared with previous years, while concerns over the economy have left luxury villas in the South of France going begging and Spanish operators kicking their heels as bargain-hunters switch their attention to Greece and Turkey.
Here's the best of what's left.
Italy
Operators admit to taking a tumble this summer - with prices following suit.
Bridgewater Travel (0161 703 3000, www.bridgewatertravel.co.uk) is offloading properties in coastal Tuscany at half-price in mid July, with offers for late July and August on the way. From 13 July, a week at an ultramodern, architect-designed villa with hillside terracing and pool for eight near medieval Pietrasanta has been reduced from pounds 2,995 to pounds 1,500, flights extra.
Tuscany Now (020 7272 5469, www.tuscanynow.com) is shaving 10 per cent off the brochure price of pounds 1,426 on a traditional cottage for four with pool surrounded by 1,000-year-old olive trees, overlooking the Niccone Valley near Cortona, flights extra, depart 27 July.
Magic of Italy (020 8939 5453, www.themagictravelgroup.co.uk) is lopping pounds 200-pounds 300 off brochure prices on properties in Tuscany, Umbria and Sardinia in July, with plenty of August availability.
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