Tips and deals: 09/08/2009

The deal

Go first class. Virgin Trains is offering weekend upgrades from £5 per child and £15 per adult for a single rail journey. With a first-class ticket you get access to free Wi-Fi, bigger seats, more legroom and free refreshments. For details go to virgintrains.com

The resort

Sicily gains even more glam appeal with the opening of the Verdura Golf and Spa Resort. The 570-acre estate has four restaurants, a spa, two 18-hole golf courses and 1.8km of private coastline. More information on roccofortecollection.com

The website

Enjoy France for less. From city breaks to ferries, camping and canal boat trips, uk.franceguide.com/affordablefrance is a new website offering last-minute deals across the country as well as reductions that will apply until later in the year.

The walk

Hike into the heart of Berber country. Walks Worldwide offers a new trek along ancient trails in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The eight-day trips are available all year for groups of two or more and include a day in Marrakech. More details on walksworldwide.com