IF you are looking for an egg-tra special Easter break abroad this year innovative tour operators have come up with some cracking ideas.

The specialist members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators, for example, have a fascinating range of breaks guaranteed to blow away those April showers.

You may find a trip to Nepal is just your cup of tea and Easter wouldn't be the same without a good cuppa - so why not enjoy it in the Himalayas!

You will share spectacular views of the world's highest peaks, including Everest (8,848m) and Lhotse (8,501m), on Explore's 15-day Everest Teahouse Trek.

Visit Sherpa villages, amble around colourful bazaars and overnight at traditional teahouses run by local families.

Departing on March 25, the price of £1,334-a-head includes Heathrow flights, with regional connections available, all transportation, 12 nights' hotel/teahouse stays, most meals, local payment and services of a tour leader. Call 0870 333 4001, or visit www.explore.co.uk.

Or share wooded slopes and flower-filled meadows on an Italian family week from just £90 per person with Real Holidays.

The majestic Marche region offers a magical Easter stay at the Sibillini National Park at Tenuta Le Piane. Dating back to the 16th century, these delightfully converted farm buildings are decorated traditionally with local fittings.

Picnic on the Sibillini's woody slopes and flower-filled meadows, then visit the pretty hilltop towns. A week's self-catering accommodation in April costs from £90-a-head based on four sharing, and flights and car hire can be arranged. Call 020-7359-3938, or visit www.realholidays.co.uk.

For something completely different, crack open a real chocolate egg in Belgium, the home of chocolate lovers.

Travel by train to Bruges and enjoy the chocolate festival from April 6 to 10 at the Oud Sint Jan conference centre where cookery lessons and even chocolate beauty care will be on offer from chocolatiers.

Or visit Brussels by rail, home to some of the top chocolate shops in the world, such as Neuhaus, Belgium's master chocolatier and Godiva.

Railbookers, the Continental specialist, has a selection of interesting options to ensure you to make the most of the extended Easter holiday break. Check out www.railbookers.com or call 0870-458-9087.

  • Read Sarah Newman's Travel Blog on the Gazette website, www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk in the Lifestyle and Travel section.