Dubbed the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its impressive, UNESCO-listed canal system and its location in North Holland, Amsterdam is a truly exciting holiday destination. This is one of the most extensive historic city centres in Europe, playing host to approximately 7,000 registered historic buildings dating back to medieval times. The Museum Quarter brims with priceless works by Dutch Masters, with the occasional Picasso and Warhol thrown into the mix. The upmarket Jordaan area boasts trendy contemporary art galleries, charming boutiques, and world-class restaurants while the 17th-century Canal Ring is dotted with traditional canal houses and prestigious mansions, quaint drawbridges, and some of the city’s premier nightlife spots. Gorgeous parks and botanical gardens and the landmark 22-floor lookout add further romance to the city.
The vibrant metropolis, Milan, it the capital of Italy’s Lombardy region, in northern Italy. Always at the forefront of international fashion, Milan’s sophisticated glitzy facade has afforded it a reputation for superficiality and excessive consumerism. However, beneath its exterior hides a treasure trove of historical and architectural delights: from its glorious Gothic churches, Baroque mansions and Art Nouveau palazzos, to the striking, modern skyscrapers of the Porta Nuova financial district. Must-see sites include the spectacular Duomo Cathedral, the glass-vaulted Galleria, and of course La Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses. Milan caters for a broad range of interests: those in search of some glorious designer retail therapy will be well sated, but so too will those looking for fascinating historical sites and remarkable architectural marvels.
Located on Spain’s Basque Coast, just over an hour’s drive east from Bilbao, the suave San Sebastian combines an exquisite setting with beautiful architecture, a five-star culinary scene, and a brimming social and cultural calendar. Playa de la Concha is known as one of the best city beaches in Europe for swimming, and Playa de la Zurriola is home to some great breaks for surfing. Visitors can also spend leisurely days among the glorious ornamental plants, ducks, and peacocks at the Parque de Cristina Enea. Wonderfully fresh seafood, Michelin-star menus, and mouth-watering wine-pairing dinners make the city a mecca for gourmands, while venues such as the Kursaal and Tabakalera host excellent musical performances and art exhibitions. Learn about the complex history of the region at the superb San Telmo Museoa.
Situated a kilometre off France’s northwestern coast, Mont Saint Michel is a tiny hilltop village erected on an 80-metre high granite boulder - emerging from the ocean. This stunning and otherworldly spectacle of old stone buildings and winding roads, leading to the magnificent medieval cathedral that crowns the village, presents a plethora of photographic and adventure opportunities. Take a guided tour of the Abbey, where you might be lucky enough to hear the beautiful sound of the monks’ choir; then take a stroll around the ancient lanes, past the quirky shops and quaint cafes.
With the River Seine gently meandering through this incredible city in northern central France, the captivating, romantic city of Paris has been described in just about every possible way and is a dream destination for people the world over, boasting many famous landmarks, a rich history and idyllic Parisian scenes at every turn. The city features monument-lined boulevards, fascinating museums, classical bistros, bohemian art nouveau cafes, creative wine bars, stylish boutiques, and art galleries. Must-see attractions include: the impressive Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, the world-renowned Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe standing guard over the glamourous Champs Elysees Avenue. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample infamous French cuisine at an array of enticing ‘boulangeries’, ‘patisseries’, and ‘fromageries’.
