LONDON, March 6 /PRNewswire/ --

- Easter - the End of Winter Hibernation and a Perfect Time for a Well-Deserved Long Weekend!

Leading international car hire brokerage Auto Europe has researched the top 5 European destinations for Easter 2007 (8 April) so you don't have to! Simply visit www.auto-europe.co.uk and click into the 'Easter Ideas' guide for inspiration and unbelievable car hire and hotel deals in Portugal, Switzerland, France, Spain and Italy. From exquisite chocolates to inspirational Easter parades, snowy mountains or long-sandy beaches, there's something for everyone, the only problem will be where to go.

Easter Inspiration for: Spring Sunshine

Faro (Portugal)

At the southern tip of Portugal, Faro is mild all year and Easter is an excellent time to go, avoiding the crowds of the summer season. Faro has a medieval wall and lots of museums and monuments, including a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, the Nossa Senhora da Assunção convent and the São Francisco church. By car, you can visit the Algarve's sandy beaches and Faro's suburbs where you'll find more beautiful churches and the Roman ruins of Milreu.

Car Hire in Faro, Portugal

Auto Europe car hire in Faro, from both the airport and the town centre, starts from an astonishing GBP13 per day! Hotel rooms in Faro start from just over 100 euros per night for 3 Star in the city centre and from 77 euros per night for a 3 Star hotel room at Faro airport.

Easter Inspiration for: Culture Vultures

Zurich and Mendrisio (Switzerland)

Take advantage of cheap flights to Zurich, where you will have access to a flourishing centre for art galleries and museums including the Kunsthaus, one of Europe's foremost art museums. But if you want a real Easter experience, it's worth the 105-mile drive from Zurich to Mendrisio in southern Switzerland to experience the town's annual Good Friday procession, which dates back to 1600. Sombre music is played as the procession passes through the streets of the old town, illuminated by thousands of antique lanterns.

Car Hire in Zurich and Mendrisio, Switzerland

Auto Europe car hire in Zurich, both from the airport and 3 downtown pick-up points, starts from GBP23. 2 Star hotel rooms in Zurich start from 20 euros whilst rooms in Mendrisio begin at 180 euros pr night.

Easter Inspiration for: Sporty Types

France

The French Easter season begins weeks in advance when patisseries and chocolate shops across the land open delectable window displays of mouth-watering chocolate treats. What's more, this year's early Easter makes a strong likelihood of good snow for a last ski trip of the season. Why not enjoy car hire in France and head up to the Alps to get some fresh air and exquisite sweet Easter treats? You can try a variety of slopes in one trip with your own car. Don't forget to check the Auto Europe Snow Safe guide before heading off to read through the useful tips on using snow chains and general winter driving: http://www.auto-europe.co.uk/showspecial.cfm?specid=435.

Car Hire in France

Auto Europe car hire in France across nearly 20 destinations starting from just GBP20 per day.

Easter Inspiration for: Star Spotting

Malaga (Spain)

Easter Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is celebrated with impressive processions through out the town which can be followed en route or enjoyed from the tiered seating in the main square Plaza De Constitución. Malaga-born Hollywood A-lister Antonio Banderas often returns for the parade and continues to take part just as he did as a young boy. For a touch of movie-star style, try and catch him whilst enjoying a delicious cocktail in the 5 Star Larios hotel with its stunning view out across to the top of the Cathedral. Designer shops, individual boutiques and the city's pavement café culture abound between the outstanding historical buildings and the acclaimed Picasso museum.

Car Hire in Malaga, Spain

Auto Europe car hire in Malaga starts from just GBP12 per day whilst hotel rooms can be snapped up from an astonishing 63 euros per night for 2 Star accommodation.

Easter Inspiration for: Foodies

Sicily (Italy)

An Italian Easter is traditionally all about feasting, solemn processions and joyous celebrations on Easter Day itself. Take a cheap flight to Palermo, Sicily's capital, and enjoy fabulous architecture, museums and restaurants. From there, you can drive 84-miles to Enna, with beautiful views over lush valleys. Two thousand friars dressed in ancient costumes attend the town's procession on Good Friday. Alternatively, drive 66-miles to Trapani, a fishing port on the west coast, which holds many processions during Holy Week. Wherever you are, make sure to try local cafes and restaurants for what Italy does best - fresh and delicious foods with fine wine.

Car Hire in Palermo in Sicily, Italy

Auto Europe car hire in Palermo is available from the airport, the central railway station and 3 city centre locations from just GBP19 per day. Somewhere to stay starts from just 72 euros per night leaving lots of budget left for tasting all the local delicacies.

More reasons to choose Auto Europe

All year round, Auto Europe is committed to providing the best car hire rates possible. Rates are backed up by the Auto Europe 'Beat Rate Guarantee' which guarantees to beat any like-for-like quote so you can book with confidence. There are no cancellation or amendment fees and a 24/7 freephone number, 0800-358-1245, connects directly to a real person who can deal with any enquiries.

With more than 4,000 rental locations around the world, from Iceland to Australia, Europe and the USA, it's the ideal first stop for all your car rental needs. Just visit www.auto-europe.co.uk.

Editor's Notes

Car hire prices quoted are for one-day as part of a week's hire of a mini or economy sized car and is correct at the time this press release is distributed but may be subject to future amendment. Exact prices for specific trips can be quoted on request.

Press contact: Rowen Ward, Born PR, T: +44-208-878-0777, M: +44-7855-814937, E: rowen@bornpr.com