Travel challenge: A family trip to the Azores

Every week we invite competing companies to give us their best deal for aspecific holiday. Today:a family half-term holiday on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores. Prices are based on four peopletravelling together, departing 28 May.

Sunvil

£2,488: Sao Miguel Park Hotel

Includes flights from Gatwick or Manchester, transfers and seven nights' accommodation in a family room with breakfast at the Sao Miguel Park Hotel."The Azores offer excellent whale-watching opportunities," says Sunvil's Rosanna Melaragni, "and a free half-day whale-watching trip is also included in the price." (020-8758 4722; sunvil.co.uk)

Archipelago Azores

£3,884: Convento Sao Francisco

Includes flights from Gatwick or Manchester, transfers and a week's accommodation with breakfast in a family suite at the Convento Sao Francisco, a former 16th-century convent. Four half-day whale-watching trips are also included. "This tour is a great way to see the island of Sao Miguel and learn about the amazing marine life of the Azores," says Ian Coates of Archipelago Azores (017687 75672; azoreschoice.com).

The Co-operative Travel

£2,298: Hotel Bahia Palace

Includes flights from Gatwick, transfers and a week's half-board accommodation at the Hotel Bahia Palace. "The hotel has facilities to suit all the family," says Sue Reid of The Co-operative Travel. "It also offers a complimentary shuttle service into the capital, Ponta Delgada, from where you can experience the real Azores, visiting volcanic lakes and thermal springs." (01922 700007; cooptravel.co.uk)