
Jet2 slashes £100 off trips to European 'paradise' after UK travel company folds
Holidaymakers have been left 'devastated' after Balkan Holidays shut down with immediate affect, cancelling hundreds of holidays.
But Jet2 could be coming to the rescue, as they're giving £100 off on all trips to Bulgaria – the destination that Balkan specialised in.
A statement from Jet2holidays said they're 'making rebooking simple and easy for those impacted by the closure of Balkan Holidays.'
By using the discount count BULGARIA100, customers can save £100 per booking on all Summer 25 holidays to the European hotspot.
The deal even extends to Summer 26 holidays too.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2holidays said: 'The closure of Balkan Holidays is very sad news indeed, and our thoughts are with everyone who is impacted.
'We know there are many customers wanting to enjoy their well-deserved holidays to the Bulgarian sunshine, so we are making it easier for them by offering them money off, as well as a simple and easy way to book.'
Jet2 is already in the midst of their Big Jet2 Price Drop, which gives customers £100 off per person if they have a myJet2 account (and £90 off without one).
Combined, it means the two deals can offer up some pretty big savings, both of which can be combined with their Free Child Place Holidays, where one child can holiday with two full-paying adults for no extra cost.
Known for golden sands, rich history and verdant forests, Bulgaria is fast becoming an alternative to traditional hotspots, as travellers move away from overcrowded resorts in Spain and France.
It was even named in the prestigious New York Times 52 places to go in 2025 (ranked at 50). The publication dubbed it's capital city, Sofia, a 'cultural crossroads' and praised its 'many underrated wines.'
You also get more bang for your buck in Bulgaria.
Paul Scott, founder of travel comparison site My Budget Break, previously told Metro that wallet-friendly prices in Bulgaria are key to its appeal.
'When you compare it to the likes of the Canary Islands and even Turkey, you can often get more for your money for a package holiday, especially as the tourism infrastructure is already there,' he said.
And visitors seem to love Bulgaria. One TripAdvisor reviewer called its seaside town, Sozopol, 'paradise on Earth', while another said it was 'an absolute gem… offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and seaside charm.'
Meanwhile, visitors have praised the capital, Sofia, for its 'breathtaking' cathedral, and 'lovely vibe'.
Balkan Holidays ceased trading on April 25, after nearly 60 years of providing package holidays.
The operator, which launched in 1966, specialised in Bulgarian holidays and offered departures from 17 UK airports – more than any other British tour operator. It also ran trips to Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Malta and Northern Cyprus.
At its peak, the company served 130,000 travellers a year. However, in recent years, figures have dropped significantly, and the provider was licensed to carry just 27,817 ATOL-protected passengers in the year to the end of March 2026.
In a statement shared on its social media accounts and website, the tour operator offers its 'sincere apologies' to customers. More Trending
It read: 'We regret to inform you that Balkan Holidays Ltd has, as of 24th of April 2025, closed for business in the UK. Clients currently on holiday will be unaffected.
'The company remains solvent, but has ceased trading, however all forward holiday bookings have been cancelled. All clients will be notified and refunded in full. May we kindly ask for patience as we process the refunds and appreciate your understanding.
'Thank you for your past business and please accept our most sincere apologies for the disappointment and inconvenience.'
Metro's senior foreign reporter Gergana Krasteva grew up in Bulgaria. For the first 18 years of her life, she spent summer exploring the country's Black Coast, and now she's given us its secrets.
'One ancient legend about the Black Sea says it holds the entrance to the kingdom of the dead. Nowadays, if you follow the sound of music rolling over its shores, you will find something far livelier,' Gergana says.
'Sunny Beach holds the crown for the most popular resort, visited by millions of tourists from the UK, Russia, and Scandinavia every year.
'But beyond the glitz, people wanting to experience the true spirit of the Black Sea should visit Cape Kaliakra, a secluded cove framed by cliffs. For 18 years, I spent three months every summer holidaying at Kaliakra and the nearby Rusalka beach, and trust me, the water alone is worth it.
'The beaches of Durankulak and Krapets are secrets that Bulgarians have been holding onto for decades, sending all tourists to Sunny Beach instead.'
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: Italian island with perfect 'little Tahiti' beach gets new direct UK route
MORE: 'The only place that still does free tapas': Your favourite Spanish cities that aren't Barcelona or Madrid
MORE: European gem that's 'better than Monaco' is 23°C in May with £55 flights
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
'Pre-alert' activated for Brit tourists heading to these 4 Canary Islands
A cluster of popular Canary Islands have been put under an emergency 'pre-alert' from the government - resulting in British tourists being told to follow a series of strict rules UK holidaymakers jetting off to the Canary Islands must follow strict advice, following an emergency warning from the government. Tourists and locals have both been warned that select islands across the archipelago are currently at 'high risk' of wildfires. The 'pre-alert' - which came into effect on Sunday, June 1 - comes as hot, dry winds from the Sahara travel over to the holiday hotspots months combined with a sudden drop in rainfall. This meteorological phenomenon, known as Calima, often results in a thick layer of dust covering the Canaries - drastically reducing visibility and air quality. According to reports, it can also increase the risk of wildfires due to drying out vegetation and increasing the 'flammability of materials'. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro are all covered by the warning. "Given the current climatic, meteorological, and environmental circumstances, having passed the usual period of precipitation in the Canary Islands, it is estimated that the conditions are in place to declare a Pre-Alert Situation due to this being a period of medium to high risk of forest fires," the Canary Island's government announced. Tourists are now being urged to follow 'self-protection' advice provided by the General Directorate of Emergencies. This includes many obvious but effective recommendations such as: Do not throw lit cigarette butts or matches, either while walking or out of a car window. Do not launch rockets, firecrackers, fireworks, or other fire-producing devices in dangerous areas, even in open fields, agricultural land, or, especially, in residential areas surrounded by forests. Never leave trash or debris in the forest. Use appropriate collection services and containers. Remove branches that touch the facade of your house/ apartment. Have basic firefighting tools (hoses, axes) and some water supplies ready. While no wildfires have yet to break out across the four islands since the warning, previous incidents have wreaked havoc on the archipelago. In 2023, forest fires in Tenerife ripped through more than 15,000 hectares of land and resulted in 12,000 people being forced to evacuate. This particular blaze was later blamed on arsonists - but demonstrates how quickly fires on the islands can spread. If you're ever caught in a wildfire while in the Canary Islands, you should call 112 and follow the instructions of the authorities. Always follow recommended evacuation routes, avoiding shortcuts, and move away from the direction of the wind if possible. The General Directorate of Emergencies advises tourists caught in a fire to 'stay calm' and follow the accommodation's protocol when evacuating. "In open country, move away from the wind and, if possible, enter an already burned area," they said. "Wet a handkerchief and cover your face to avoid the smoke. Do not take shelter in wells or caves. Near the sea, go near the water and, if necessary, go inside. If you are in the car, take a break in a sheltered place, close the doors and windows, and turn off the car's ventilation. Turn on your headlights so you can be found in the smoke."


Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Top European theme park that mums say is better than Disneyland shows off new Wes Anderson-style hotel
Plus, a huge new Premier Inn will open near major airport and will be the largest of its kind in the north of UK SUITE DREAMS Top European theme park that mums say is better than Disneyland shows off new Wes Anderson-style hotel Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TOP European theme park is welcoming a new premium hotel that looks like it's out of Wes Anderson's world. Dutch theme park Efteling will be opening a new hotel this summer called the Efteling Grand Hotel. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Dutch theme park Efteling will be opening a new hotel this summer Credit: 6 It will follow the fairytale-theme of the park Credit: 6 In total, it will have 140 rooms and suites complete with themed decor Credit: The theme park is already well known for its fairytale theme, with one TikToker - The Travel Mum - dubbing it "better and cheaper than Disneyland". The new addition to the attraction will be the first hotel located within the theme park itself and will open on August 1. The hotel will be themed around a traditional grand dame hotel with stories woven into the design throughout, appearing like a Wes Anderson story. There will be digital check-in, valet parking and luggage handling, upon arrival. A bellhop and Efteling's two princesses will guests in the lobby, where the air will also be infused with the hotel's signature fragrance. The hotel will be spread across seven floors offering 140 rooms and suites, with a total of 644 beds. The biggest room will be able to host six people. The hotel rooms will also overlook the park with different views of the Aquanura water show the House of the Dive Senses entrance, the Fairytale Forest or the Pardoes Promenade Lane. All of the rooms include breakfast at Brasserie 7 and half an hour of early access to the park before it opens to the public. Other features of the rooms include each one having an Efteling Grand Hotel fairytale book. Inside Universal Epic Universe with incredible thrill rides and amazing food The lower ground floor of the hotel will have a swimming pool - availabel only to hotel guests - with spa facilities including a steam room, sauna and massage room. There will also be a multifunctional serenity room where guests can unwind, pray or meditate. The hotel will have two restaurants with Brasserie 7 located on the ground floor and Restaurant-Bar Mystique on the first floor. While Brasserie 7 will serve up a range of classic dishes - which include seven 'magical' ingredients such as princess tears and snow from Mother Holle - Restaurant-Bar Mystique will offer a more premium dining experience. 6 There will also be two restaurants at the site and one cafe Credit: 6 There will also be a swimming pool at the hotel, and spa facilities Credit: Each table will be decorated with edible decorations and the restaurant will be open to the public, as well as park and hotel guests. Café Biscuit will also be a part of the hotel, where baristas will serve coffee and the signature Grand Hotel biscuit. Plans have also been revealed for incredible new 240-room hotel with huge swimming lake, golf and spa near to iconic racetrack. Plus, a huge new Premier Inn will open near major airport and will be the largest of its kind in the north of UK.


Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Unassuming UK village is an absolute gem for foodies with ‘exceptional' restaura
If you were to head 11 miles north of Liverpool or 16 miles west of Wigan, you'd stumble across a rather unassuming village that's home to around 8,300 people. While those who've visited say it's a 'peaceful' and 'wonderful' little spot in reviews online, it's fair to say there's not exactly a lot to keep you occupied in Aughton, Lancashire. According to Tripadvisor there are just three main things to do in the village – head to church or visit the Oaks Golf Club for either a round of golf or a pamper session at the on-site spa. Despite this, people from all over Europe and even as far out as the USA, keep on flocking to the village each year and there's one very good reason why – the food. Aughton is a real must-visit for foodies with not one, not two, but three Michelin Star restaurants – which have an impressive five stars between them and are all within walking distance of one another. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Moor Hall, a hotel with a modern British restaurant is the most notable of them all, with the eatery having three stars to its name – this means the cuisine has been deemed 'exceptional'. If that weren't enough, the restaurant also boasts a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable practices (most of the seasonal produce is grown in the grounds of the hall), as well as five AA Rosettes and a third place prize at The National Restaurant Awards 2024. Headed up by chef patron Mark Birchall, the restaurant offers a Provenance tasting menu for dinner which is priced at £235 per person (and this is going up to £265 from July 1). There's also a four-course lunch menu for £125 per person (£145 as of July 1). The restaurant has a cheese room containing some of 'the best British and Irish Farmhouse cheeses' as well as a wine cellar. The AA Awards 2024 awarded Moor Hall's wine list as the 'best in England and overall', and there are two options for wine pairings with a meal, including a £145 Prestige pairing or a Rarity pairing for £295. An alcohol-free pairing is also available for £85 and features single vintage teas from around the globe. There are hundreds of five star reviews on Google, which hail the food as 'amazing', 'fantastic' and 'the best in the country'. Kate Weil wrote: 'Been here several times […] it is quite simply the best restaurant in the country. Staff are exceptional, food is beyond belief and the wine is everything. Michelin and quality hospitality at its best. Love coming here, worth every penny.' Similarly, Saveena Pomian said: 'Difficult to express this experience in words. You feel every course is the best thing you have ever tasted, only to be beaten by the next! From the amuse bouche including a delectable warm black pudding in a crisp shell to the most amazing beef tartare that burst with freshness on the palate. This was followed up by native lobster with a delicate flavour and then a moist Guinea hen with a perfect side of offal ragout. 'The carefully chosen ginger ice cream freshens ready for an apple and blackberry pudding. There is an amazing choice of English cheeses followed by an exciting choice of petit fours. We had 12 'courses' in all and the wine pairing was perfect.' They added: 'The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is spot on. Attentive without being obtrusive. An absolutely fantastic gastronomic experience' Moor Hall is also home to the second of Aughton's three Michelin Star restaurants, known as The Barn. This is a sister restaurant to the main dining space and shares the same ethos, however dining here is much more affordable. Set in a rustic barn, a three course lunch will cost £48 per person, while a set dinner menu is £56 per person. Example dishes might include Chalk stream trout, radish, sea greens and malted wheat or Roasted Sladesdown duck served with organic carrots, red kale and girolles. On Sundays, you can tuck into a hearty roast dinner with 60-day-aged Belted Galloway Sirloin or Herdwick Lamb Rump with yorkshire puddings and some other fabulous trimmings. The third and final spot is sō–lō, another modern British restaurant, but one set in an 'understated' and informal setting. Created by chef Tim Allen, the menu features culinary influences from all around the world, mixing flavours and textures with seasonal ingredients. Guests can choose between a £105 tasting menu for dinner, a £52 three-course lunch or a £64 Sunday lunch menu that features dishes such as Cumbrian Heritage Sirloin, Ham, Egg & Chips and an artisanal cheese plate. The unassuming 'unstuffy' sō–lō has also garnered a big following online with dozens of impressive reviews. Phil Steele posted on Google that his meal there was 'incredible excellent', while Nidtima Maroengsit commented: 'Had an amazing experience. The food is fantastic, especially the Sunday roast – truly a must-try. The staff are so friendly and helpful, making the whole dining experience even better. Highly recommend it!' And Steven Smith boldly claimed it was 'as close to perfection as you can get'. If you're in London, you'll have to be prepared to spend a good chunk of time getting to Aughton. The train is going to be the quickest way to get there but you won't be able to get one direct service. You'll want to start at London Euston and take an Avanti West Coast train to Liverpool Lime Street. From here, you'll want to head to Liverpool Central and then get the Merseyrail towards Ormskirk, getting off at Town Green (Aughton). Moor Hall is a 15-minute walk from the station, while sō–lō is just five minutes away. Aughton is mostly residential, so there's not too much to do but the wider parish does have two shopping areas, two train stations, churches and a village hall. More Trending As well as visiting the local Michelin star restaurants, there are a few other pubs and eateries in the village, including The Dog and Gun Inn, Daily Dose Coffee, The Stanley Arms and Arthur's of Aughton. And nature lovers can head to the Gorse Hill Nature Reserve to see various wildlife or visit the cafe. For more to do, you can head to nearby Ormskirk, where you'll find farms to visit with the kids, the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, the West Lancashire Light Railway, Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve, and various walking and cycling routes. Beach lovers aren't far from the coast, as Formby Beach is just a nine mile drive from Aughton, or if you're more of a city person, Liverpool is a little over 30 minutes by car or train. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Wizz Air launches £18 flights to 'enchanting' European gem where pints are just £1 MORE: Owner of 'pocket bully' which mauled boy, five, blames child for attack MORE: Devastated and broken, I headed to the Himalayas to heal my heartbreak