GREAT PLACES TO GO IN EUROPE

Some of the most fantastically beautiful and inspirational European cities, towns and villages lie on our doorstep. With the advent of budget airlines and the Eurotunnel many are only a short hop across the channel. Whether you’re looking for the peace and tranquillity of the Italian lakes, the cosmopolitan city pace of Paris or a relaxing break on a Greek beach, there’s something for everyone.

Italy

Italy offers an intoxicating mixture of stylish cities and breathtaking countryside. For a relaxing but cosmopolitan experience try visiting one of the lakes: Como, Maggiore, Garda and Lugano are the most well known ones.

If city life is more your thing there’s Rome, Milan, Venice and Pisa, where you can watch the world go by from a pavement café and then take in some designer shopping when the mood takes you.

If you prefer the beach try one of the Italian coastal resorts such as the Amalfi coast or one of Italy’s islands, Sardinia and Sicily, where turquoise waters, golden sands and greenery are in abundance.

Spain

Spain is a vast country with many differences between the north and south, including its cuisine, language and scenery. The north is greener and experiences more rain and a visit to one of the regions such as Galicia or Asturias can be an unforgettable experience; miles of countryside and walking or cycling routes.

Madrid must be mentioned as the lively and happening capital of Spain. With its bars and restaurants and 24 hour lifestyle don’t expect to get much sleep! To escape the fast pace of the city you can visit El Prado to view the Old Masters’ artwork, walk in the Parque del Buen Retiro the park famous for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful greenery or simply while away your time in a café in the Plaza Mayor, the capital’s popular main square.

If you’re looking for trendy city life further south Barcelona is the place to visit. Known as Spain’s second capital city it offers the visitor plenty to do and see, from tapas bars to the stunning Gaudí art, including the famous unfinished Sagrada Família church, to the Parc de Collserola, a beautiful green park where you can escape to walk, picnic and follow the nature trails. And you can’t visit Barcelona without taking a stroll along the famous Las Ramblas promenade where you’ll experience everything from street artists to the famous La Boqueria food market. When the pace of city life all gets too much Barcelona even has a couple of beaches!

Mallorca

Despite its reputation as a holiday location for the sun, sea and sand brigade Mallorca is an island full of hidden surprises. Travel inland towards Inca and within half an hour you’ll find some beautiful unspoilt villages. Head towards Soller and take the mountain road to Pollensa and you’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. Stop at one of the restaurants along the way for a leisurely lunch and you’ll find the warmth and friendliness of the locals is what Mallorca is all about.

When city life beckons the capital Palma is within easy driving distance. It offers the serenity and beauty of the old town, with its labyrinth of tiny old fashioned streets, where old ladies can still be seen sweeping the pavements, combined with the modern and trendy feel of the new area with its excellent choice of bars, restaurants and hotels.

We haven’t room to describe all the great places in Europe here, so we’ve just picked a handful that we hope will whet your appetite for European travel. Don’t forget the many fantastic ski resorts that Europe offers, in Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy, the lively city of Prague in the Czech Republic, the romance of Paris, the traditional atmosphere of the German Christmas Markets and the ease of viewing Amsterdam by canal or bike….