Travel experts' top ten Easter breaks

Easter is becoming an increasingly popular time to holiday as more and more Britons take the opportunity to beat the rush and scorching temperatures of summer.

But with the choice of destinations getting ever wider thanks to new airline routes, cheaper fares and more flexible package breaks, some holiday inspiration may well be needed.

With this in mind the travel experts at AITO (the Association of Independent Tour Operators) have named their top ten Easter break destinations.

1 - Lucerne, Switzerland
Lucerne in central Switzerland is a cultural hotspot set among the natural beauty of the Swiss mountains and Lake Lucerne.

Around an hour's drive from Zurich, the city boasts a three classical music festivals every year (e.lucernefestival.ch), held at the ultra-modern KKL Luzern Culture and Convention Centre building, a sight in itself.

In 2007, the main Easter festival runs from March 24th to April 1st, but if you miss it there will also be many other concerts taking place in April, from brass bands to international jazz groups (www.kkl-luzern.ch).

In contrast to the modern culture centre, holidaymakers can see Lucerne's historical side in the old town, with the rebuilt Kapellbrucke bridge another top attraction.

The 200 metre-long wooden bridge dates from the 14th century, and is one of Switzerland's must-sees.

For more information on the city see www.luzern.org

Among the AITO tour operators with breaks to Lucerne is InnTravel. Other tour operators with holidays in Lucerne include Inghams, Thomson and Leger holidays.

2 - Crete, Greece
Warm sunshine and blooming flowers set against a snowy mountain backdrop can be enjoyed with an Easter visit to Crete. The Greek island will also be busy celebrating Easter with festive biscuits and candle-lit processions outside the Orthodox churches.

Among the AITO tour operators with breaks to Crete is Pure Crete. Other tour operators with holidays to Crete include First Choice and Simpson Travel.

3 - St Lucia, Caribbean
The lush natural surroundings of the Caribbean island of St Lucia make it a lavish way to spend Easter. Once you are there you do some serious relaxing at one of the island's spa resorts.

Among the AITO tour operators with spa holidays in St Lucia is Erna Low. Other tour operators with holidays to St Lucia include Virgin holidays and Responsible Travel.

4 - Mallorca, Spain
The summer holiday hotspot of Mallorca offers Easter and springtime travellers a chance to avoid the crowds and get the most out of Spain's largest island.

Active holidaymakers can go cycling through the island's flat plains, play golf or head for the rugged and hilly cliffs in the north of the island for walks.

More of a city break can be had in Mallorca's biggest city, Palma, with the gothic Palma de Majorca cathedral one of the top sights to see.

Among the AITO tour operators with holidays to Mallorca are Prestige Holidays and InnTravel. Other tour operators with holidays to Mallorca include Simpson Travel and Thomson.

5 - Tunis, Tunisia
April promises mild and warm weather in Tunisia at Easter time, as well as attractions such as the covered markets (souks) of Tunis, desert towns and the ancient city of Carthage.

Among the AITO tour operators with holidays to Tunisia are Aspects of Tunisia. Other tour operators with holidays to Tunisia include Portland Holidays and Thomson.

Also in AITO travel experts' top ten

The Netherlands - Tulip fields in bloom make a visit to the Netherlands at Easter time great for taking spectacular photos.

The Azores, Portugal
Portugal's Azores archipelago is great for active holidaymakers who want to get the most seeing the island's natural sights on foot.

Muscat, Oman
Seriously hot and sunny in April, with highs over 30 degrees, Oman's capital Muscat is definitely an up and coming destination with lots to discover, both in terms of seeing centuries-old historical sights as well as experiencing its more modern side.

9 - Whistler, Canada
For experienced and novice skiers and snowboarders alike, there is still time to visit Whistler, one of Canada's best known winter sports resorts.

10 - Rome, Italy
Easter is a big event in Italy, so a trip to Vatican City could either be a great chance to experience the Easter Vigil and Easter Holy Mass, or a good reason to avoid it and experience the city's bars, parks, museums and more with most visitors heading to St Peter's Basilica.

For more information on package holidays to these destinations see www.aito.co.uk