George Bernard Shaw was enchanted by this beautiful city, about which he said “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik”, as well as, famously, describing it as “the pearl of the Adriatic”. It really is a stunning city with an amazing Old Town, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
A picturesque city, Dubrovnik, in the extreme south of Croatia, is wonderful for exploring at your own pace. You may prefer to join one of the guided tours of Dubrovnik. These are especially suitable if you’re short on time in the city (perhaps visiting from a cruise), or you maybe want easy access to sights a little outside Dubrovnik.
One of the more intriguing – and much publicised – tours to have emerged recently is a special Game of Thrones tour. For travellers interested in history, the Homeland War Museum is worth a visit, combined with a cable car ride to the top of Mount Srdj. The Museum of Modern Art is also a must visit. There is a wealth of sites lying within the walls of the pedestrian-only Old Town. Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains.
Most tourists visiting Italy has Venice, Florence and Rome and mind. Here Bologna is the lively, historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, in northern Italy, remains relatively quiet in comparison. This most appealing mediaeval university town is charming, historic and fun to explore. Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore is a sprawling plaza lined with arched colonnades, cafes and medieval and Renaissance structures such as City Hall, the Fountain of Neptune and the Basilica di San Petronio. Among the city’s many medieval towers are the Two Towers, leaning Asinelli and Garisenda. An easy city to visit in Italy is also known Italy’s gastronomic capital famous for the manufacture of pasta and sausages. make sure you try some while you’re here.
Other than the many tourist attractions, spend time absorbing Bologna’s unique character. A stroll beneath its long arcades, peek inside its elegant old shops, notice its architectural quirks and interesting brickwork, pause in one of the numerous cafés, and soak up some of the exuberance of its many students.
Are you looking beyond the usual big names for city breaks in Europe? Here’s our list for 2017 across Europe, where you will get the most value for your money
Beautiful Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands, which form this Atlantic Ocean archipelago. Tenerife’s vibrant capital city Santa Cruz comes alive every year in February or March with the arrival of the Carnival, considered to be one of the largest in the world. This sun-kissed holiday hotspot welcomes millions of people every year who are looking for relaxation, adventure, good times and fantastic weather!
From the volcanic lunar landscape of Mount Teide National Park (the highest peak in all of Spain) to the exciting resorts in the south of the island, Tenerife is packed with beautiful coastlines, mountains, fantastic golden sandy beaches and has two World Heritage Sites (the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna and the Teide National Park) and 42 natural protected areas. All of this is waiting to be discovered… and we’ve made it so easy. Simply click your way through our guide and see the Tenerife Map to find out what adventures are waiting for you.
The gateway to the fjords, Bergen is Norway’s second largest city, and lies clambering up the mountain sides, overlooking the sea, embracing you. You can roam through living history in this modern city, before continuing on to explore the wildest and loveliest fjords of Norway. Around 10 percent of the population in Bergen are students, which adds a fresh and youthful mood to the city’s vibe. Alongside its offerings of museums, art galleries, cultural events and dining opportunities, as well as the possibilities offered by its accessible sea and mountains, this contributes to making it a lively and vibrant city. Bergen is famous for the seven mountains surrounding the city centre, the Hanseatic Wharf, the fish market, and one of Norway’s biggest cultural events, the Bergen International Festival, which is held there each year.
Valletta, The Fortress City, Citta’ Umilissima, “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen” is Malta’s capital. A living, working city, the administrative and commercial heart of the Islands. Valletta is named after its founder, the respected Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Jean Parisot de la Valette. The magnificent fortress city grew on the arid rock of Mount Sceberras peninsula, which rises steeply from two deep harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. The city’s grid of narrow streets boasts some of Europe’s finest art works, churches and palaces. Abundantly rich in sites to see and explore, intriguing historical buildings around every corner: votive statues, niches, fountains and coats of arms high up on parapets. Narrow side streets are full of tiny quaint shops and cafés, while Valletta’s main streets are lined with larger international branded shops for fashion, music, jewellery and much more. The best way to explore Valletta, is on foot and although the things to do & see are many, a good start and definitely not to be missed are Valletta’s beautiful gardens