Top 5 ultimate wildcard short breaks

27 October 2025

When you think of a short break, you might picture a familiar European city or a quiet country escape. But what if you could pack a real expedition into just a few days? For those who want to swap sightseeing for something more memorable, we’ve gathered five ultimate wildcard short breaks. These trips prove that with clever planning from your Travel Counsellor, you can fit a once-in-a-lifetime experience into a long weekend.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

It might sound ambitious for a short break, but a trip to see Uganda’s mountain gorillas is more achievable than you think. Thanks to direct flights and a small time difference, you can minimise jet lag and maximise your time in the wild. In just four or five days, you can fly into Entebbe, travel to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and spend an unforgettable hour with one of the world's most endangered species. The trek through the dense, misty forest is a highlight in itself, but the moment you come face-to-face with a gorilla family is truly special.

Arctic wonders in Tromsø, Norway

For a complete change of scenery, head north into the Arctic Circle. A long weekend in Tromsø during the winter months offers the perfect blend of crisp air, stunning landscapes, and Arctic activities. By day, you can guide your own team of huskies on a thrilling dog-sledding excursion across the snow-covered wilderness. By night, your attention turns to the sky. Staying in a purpose-built Aurora Camp away from the city lights gives you the best chance of witnessing the Northern Lights.

Ancient history and otherworldly monasteries in Greece

Combine an iconic city break with a journey to a truly breathtaking landscape. Start your trip in Athens, where you can spend a day or two exploring ancient marvels like the Acropolis. Then, travel inland to Meteora. Here, you’ll find a remarkable collection of Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched dramatically atop immense natural rock pillars. It’s a landscape that looks like it’s been lifted from a fantasy novel. You can explore the monasteries, hike the scenic trails, and witness incredible sunsets over the unique geological formations.

A tale of two cities: Vilnius and Krakow

Why settle for one city break when you can easily experience two? The capitals of Lithuania and Poland are well-connected and offer a fascinating glimpse into Eastern Europe’s history and modern energy. Start in Vilnius, with its charming baroque old town and quirky artists' republic of Užupis. After a couple of days, a short flight takes you to Krakow. Here, you can explore the magnificent Wawel Castle, wander through the huge main market square, and reflect on history at the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.

The five villages of Cinque Terre, Italy

Experience a slice of classic Italian life with a short break to the Cinque Terre. Fly into Pisa, pick up a car, and drive to the edge of this stunning coastal region. From there, it’s all about exploring on foot, by train, or by boat. The five iconic fishing villages, with their colourful houses tumbling down to the sea, are connected by scenic hiking trails and a convenient local train line. You’ll find Monterosso al Mare with its long sandy beach and fragrant lemon groves, while Corniglia, perched high above the sea, is only accessible by a zigzag stairway or shuttle, and the journey rewards you with sweeping views. Spend your days walking between the villages, enjoying fresh seafood lunches with harbour views, and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.

To book your own wildcard trip, speak to your personal Travel Counsellor today.

3 different ways to experience Malta on a city break

09 October 2026

A city break in Malta can look very different depending on how you like to travel. You could check into a five-star hotel and build your days around art, architecture, and Michelin-starred dining. You could slow everything down, wandering through neighbourhoods, stopping for pastizzi, and exploring historic towns. Or you could use the city as a base for hiking, kayaking, diving, and days spent discovering Malta’s coastline. Here are three ways to make a short break in Malta completely your own.

The perfect guide to a Valletta city break

09 October 2026

For a city break with plenty to see, eat, and experience, Valletta makes a wonderful choice. Malta’s compact capital is easy to explore on foot, with honey-coloured streets leading to grand palaces, historic churches, and harbour viewpoints. From its impressive fortifications to its lively restaurant scene, Valletta brings together centuries of history and a distinctly Mediterranean way of life, making it ideal for visitors who want more from a short break than simply sightseeing.

Travel Counsellors experience the magic of Bhutan

02 October 2026

Bhutan offers a rare sense of stepping away from the familiar. On a recent eight-night journey, a group of Travel Counsellors travelled from Thimphu to Gangtey, Punakha, and Paro, experiencing mountain passes, riverside valleys, ancient monasteries, local communities, and peaceful highland landscapes along the way. The itinerary combined significant landmarks with hands-on experiences and quieter moments, offering a thoughtful introduction to a country that still feels wonderfully untouched.

Top 5 ultimate wildcard short breaks

3 different ways to experience Malta on a city break

The perfect guide to a Valletta city break

Travel Counsellors experience the magic of Bhutan

Keep dreaming with us

Every unforgettable journey starts with the right person by your side.