Seek sun and fun in Europe's glamourous cities

Sun worshippers head to the Mediterranean coast

Published 28 May 2012 in Featured Articles

Popular Searches

online mba - cheap travel - business travel - europe - travel insurance - low cost - last minute - mountains - france - africa travel - thailand travel - island - spain - america - low prices - boat - asia tourism - italy - cruises - sailing

This summer’s sun worshippers will be heading to the glorious coasts of the Mediterranean to bask on the sandy beaches and idle the days away with a book and cocktail. But for those wanting to squeeze a little more out of their annual break, a trip further inland may be the answer.

Sightseeing in glorious sunshine, sipping coffee at a street-side cafe or licking a gelato in a bustling piazza are just some of the reasons why so many people opt for low cost holidays to any one of Europe’s amazing cities.

You can’t go wrong in Rome. Whether you’re a first timer or a regular visitor, the Italian capital offers up new wonders every day. It’s a mesmerising place steeped in ancient history but with a modern vibe that belies its age.

If it’s your first trip to the Italian capital then make a list of sights you must see before catching your flight home. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, bound up (and down) The Spanish Steps, tour the Coliseum and devote a day to exploring the Vatican City, its museums, the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.

It’s not just culture and history that spur people to book flights to Rome, Italy. The food, wine, shopping and welcoming locals make this an unforgettable destination.

As cities go, Venice is unique. A maze of canals, alleys, waterways and bridges, this is a place that will carve a place in your heart forever. Break away from the crowds and lose yourself in the narrow streets and squares. This is the best way to capture the true charm of Venice. You’ll discover restaurants serving local specialties like squid ink risotto and charming shops selling Venetian glass, carnival masks, artwork and textiles.

Tour the Grand Canal on a vaporetto or water bus and take in the canal-side sights, visit St Mark’s Square at night or early in the morning when the tourists have gone and you can really appreciate its beauty and scale. Marvel at the splendour of St Mark’s Basilica and take the lift to the top of the bell tower for a breathtaking view of the Piazza and the cathedral’s domed roof.

You can get cheap flights from East Midlands to Venice four times a week with bmibaby. The company also flies to Barcelona in Spain, one of the most densely populated cities in Europe and top of the must-see list of many a world city traveller.

Barcelona is peppered with architectural design by the modern master, Antonio Gaudi. The giant temple, Sagrada Familia, is one of his more controversial works and is still under construction 130 years after work first started! Whatever your opinion, the building will certainly create a reaction.

Lighten up with a spot of Flamenco dancing at the Spanish Village and make time to browse in all the craft shops which sport traditional and authentically produced Spanish merchandise.

But if the culture, architecture and shopping don’t grab you, take a tour of the Barcelona FC museum. There are wall to wall trophies as well as pictures and statues of all the greats.

Comments

Be the first to leave a comment