City Breaks

Visit The Baltic Coastal Town of Gdansk, Poland

An industrial port on the edge of the Baltic may not sound like an ideal spot for a mini break, but with his cobbled streets and pastoral coloured Flemish buildings, Gdansk is full of surprises. And right now, is the time to go, before it starts attracting anywhere near the hefty number of visitors Polish hotspot Krakow does. From a tourist’s perspective, it still feels almost undiscovered.

Visit Pisa, The Lovely Tuscan Student Town

Pisa is a perfectly lovely Tuscan student town that's become a landmark around the world because of its extraordinary gravity-defying tourist pull: There's no denying the Tower, or Torre in Italian, is unique, but the town has loads more on offer.

Get a Taste of Japan, Visit the Cities of Niigata and Tsuruoka

On the north-east coast of Japan, where mountains roll into rice fields and waves crash on sandy shores, two historical cities stand out for their gastronomic delights. Harbour side Niigata and mountainous Tsuruoka - located in the Tohoku region of Japan, a few hours from Tokyo by train - have a very different culinary style, but both approach cuisine in a way that celebrates the farmlands, oceans and mountains that surround them. The cities may  be 140km apart, but their commitment to the country's natural abundance unites them in reputation: as true culinary capitals of Japan.

Take a Road Trip and Experience the Lone Star State of Texas

Start your adventure in Dallas, where glimmering skyscrapers meet tangible history - starting at Dealey Plaza, the birthplace of Dallas and later the location of a significant moment in the USA's history. Learn all about the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy at the sixth-floor museum before delving into the city's blooming beauty at the 66-acre Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, or its burgeoning creative scene in the atmospheric Arts District.

Weekend City Break Vienna, Austria

With its splendid architecture, wide collection of museums and galleries, and regular performances of world-class ballet and classical music, this is the place to embrace high art. Throw in atmospheric bars, taverns and cafes, and you've got the makings of a wonderful city.

Headline attraction

The Schloss Schonbrunn, the baroque palace that was Marie Antoinette's home as a child, is a microcosm of Vienna - touching on many of the things for which the city is famed.

Explore Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina's Second City

When you say Bosnia, most people will think of war, ethnic cleansing and massacre, as seen on the news in the early nineties. But I didn't come here for a dose of shock tourism. I'm here because travel junkies have dubbed Bosnia one of the world's most exciting undiscovered destinations. Its rugged landscapes, clear rivers and rich East-meets-West history under the Romans and Ottomans are the drawcards.

A Summer Adventure Guide to Tirol, Austria

Adventure awaits you in Austria. As the seasons in Tirol change, so too does the landscape; transforming the region from a winter wonderland into a summer playground. Think majestic mountains and craggy ravines, emerald pastures strewn with wildflowers, playful brooks rushing through verdant woodland, and crystal-clear lakes just waiting to be leapt into.  Winding pathways meander throughout, helping those who wish to wander; in fact, there's 24,000km worth of marked hiking trails and 6,000km of mountain bike tracks to find and countless outdoor activities to try. Charming alpine villages with friendly locals, hearty dishes served in cosy mountains huts, and lively summer festivals all add to the appeal after an action-packed day of exploration.

The weekend, Naples Italy

Leave all your preconceptions about southern Italy at the departure gate - Naples is a hidden gem of culture, history and, of course, food. Nestled in the shadow of an active volcano and infamous as a mafia hot-spot, it's safe to say that this is a city with an edge.  For decades considered little more than northern Italy's crime-ridden junkyard, Naples has cleaned itself up and is now enjoying a second renaissance, but hasn't yet had its authenticity beaten out of it by gentrification and tourism. 

Cardiff City Break

The Welsh capital is dominated by Cardiff Castle, which sprawls out into the city centre. At the entrance of the 2000-year-old estate, the masonry joins clearly show where Roman and Norman styles butted heads.  We laugh out loud at the interior when we step inside, as it is dripping in Victorian bling. The rooms are heavily decorated with marble, polished wood, chandeliers and the astrological whirl of black and gold. The many rooms eventually lead out to the castle grounds, where peacocks wander around, and we feel like we are in Alice's Wonderland.

Take a City Break in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is seen as top emerging tourist destination and with thousands of years of history this country is waiting to be discovered.  Tashkent is overlooked all too frequently.  In the clamour to reach the UNESCO treasures of Samarkand and Bukhara, most visitors skip the electric sights of Central Asia’s largest city. Tashkent boast more than 2,500 years of history.  On this Silk Road crossroads, you’ll not only find superb museums and striking architecture, but also vast markets and green parks.

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