With a cleverly planned city break, you can really make the most of your weekend. There are so many amazing European destinations within just a couple of hours’ flight time from the UK, with more than enough sights and attractions to fill two, three, or even four days. Choosing the right flight times is key to maximising your European city break, leaving as early as you can on the first day and catching the last flight home on your final day. Here are some of our tried and trusted favourites.
Oslo
Highly recommended by some of our team, Norway’s capital is a brilliant blend of old and new. Its newly developed docks have lovely canals, colourfully painted houses, a seawater fjord pool with diving boards, a city beach outside the Opera House, and the distinctive MUNCH Museum, one of the world’s largest collections by a single artist. Oslo is also packed with venues in which to learn about local culture, especially the Norwegian Maritime Museum, Norsk Folkemuseum, and Akershus Fortress.
Berlin
The German capital is big, bold, and beautifully compelling. There’s more here than you can fit into a weekend, even a long one, so take your time and enjoying strolling around. One of the top sights is the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Straße, where the lives of those who lived in border buildings is vividly documented. Other historic must-sees are the East Side Gallery – a section of the Berlin Wall with murals by artists from around the world – Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Tiergarten park, while for those who love exploring after dark, the nightlife here is legendary.
Budapest
Named one of Conde Nast Traveller’s top places to visit in 2024 after celebrating its 150th anniversary in late 2023, the Hungarian capital is a brilliant city break destination, especially if you like pampering – not only in hotel spas (there are some palatial places to stay here), but in its naturally thermal springs, where you can join locals soaking in blissfully warm water. There is also fabulous shopping, great restaurants for all tastes, and some excellent nightlife – especially in the city’s famed ‘ruin bars’ in abandoned warehouses and historic buildings in the Jewish Quarter.
Venice
Great for couples but also for friends, families, and solo travellers, this road-traffic-free city is one of the loveliest in the world for simply ambling around – perhaps with a gelato in hand – admiring its splendid palaces and churches, especially the iconic Doges Palace. The Guggenheim Museum of modern art is also a must-see. When you’re not walking, there are gondolas, vaporetti, and traghetti to be ridden to nearby beaches and islands, where you might watch mask-makers, glassblowers, and lace-creators in action.
Palma
The Majorcan capital delivers blissful sunshine less than two and a half hours’ flight time from London, but this resort city is much more than just a beach destination – despite having some great ones, some with hip beach clubs. It also has a beautiful Old Town, home to a vast cathedral with bay views, the Moorish-style Royal Palace of La Almudaina, an Arab fortress converted to a royal residence, and the impressive Plaça Major square.
To book your European weekend break, call your Travel Counsellor today.
The Maldives is often thought of as a destination for couples, but it's also an excellent choice for families looking to combine relaxation with plenty of opportunities to spend quality time together. Calm lagoons, marine life encounters, and easy-going island living create the perfect backdrop for a family holiday, whether you're travelling with younger children, teenagers, or multiple generations.
Whilst it may be famous for its beaches, some of this beautiful island's most memorable experiences are found beyond the coastline. From mountain villages and bustling market towns to sea views that seem to stretch forever, Mallorca's towns each bring their own character and charm. Whether you're planning a fly-drive holiday or looking to add a few day trips to your beach escape, these are five places that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
When Cunard unveiled its latest collection of voyages for 2028, there was plenty to get excited about and their much-loved ship, Queen Victoria, is set to deliver some of the most intriguing itineraries in the programme. From extended Mediterranean discoveries to overnight stays in some of Northern Europe's most captivating cities, these new voyages are designed for travellers who want more time to explore, more unusual destinations, and the classic Cunard experience throughout.
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