Paris
Why go: Paris is a city of romance, culture, and history like nowhere else. People from all over the world are drawn to the city to experience its impressive architecture and the Parisian way of life with its delightful cafés and brasseries. The city is home to over 2,000 monuments, world fashion houses and some of the best cuisine on the planet.
How to get there: Regular direct flights are available from most UK Regional Airports. Average flying time of 1hr 15mins..
Where to stay: Like most cities, it all depends on what you are looking for. There are 20 districts known as arrondissements. These spiral clockwise and outwards beginning with the city centre. The 7th arrondissement holds main attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, and Hotel des Invalides. However, you may favour areas such as the postcard pretty Montmartre with its many markets, steep streets, and portrait artists over-shadowed by the Sacre-Coeur located in 18th Arrondissement. Or perhaps the ritzy-corner of the French capital of St-Germain is more your style? The district is radiating with old-school Parisian cafes, smart shops and grand-dame hotels located in the 6th Arrondissement.
Out and about: Out and about: Many places to visit in the city are bucket list items for a lot of people, so the iconic classics are a must if you are visiting for the first time. The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Arc de Triomphe which is situated at one end of the Champs Elysée are just a few to mention. It is however a city of culture so worth taking some time to soak up the Parisian lifestyle. Just 2 minutes from the Notre-Dame is Aux Vieux Paris D’arcole. A café adorned with Wisteria throughout the spring and summer months. Take a seat in one of the bright purple chairs out front and enjoy a traditional French pastry and coffee and appreciate life as a local before moving on to your next item on the bucket list.
CALL 0161 552 2783 or SEND AN ENQUIRY
New York
Why go: From the stunning, high-end hotels, to the plethora of nightlife attractions, the different districts, and the hum of city life that is a main attraction of the iconic and densely populated New York City. This is a popular destination for great reason.
How to get there: An abundance of direct flights are available from most UK International Airports. Average flying time of 7.5hrs.
Where to stay: There are many great locations to choose from for your stay in New York and with an extensive choice of public transport, almost everything is within easy reach wherever you stay. Popular areas such as Times Square for those classic Broadway shows, perhaps the Upper East-Side with its world-class museums including the Guggenheim or maybe Harlem which is quite different than how it is portrayed in a lot of films with its soul food, historic sites, jazz and gospel.
Out and about: If you are a fan of Italian-American food then a Di-Farra pizza is a must. Located on the corner of East 15th Street and 1424 Ave J, Brooklyn the restaurant is often voted one of the best in New York. Head for the high energy of Times Square where at anyone time there dozens of different shows playing on Broadway to choose from. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Freedom Tower in the Financial District before catching the Ferry over to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island which was the first stopping point for many millions of immigrants between 1894 and 1924. We can't talk about New York without mentioning 5th Avenue, the cities most famous shopping avenue. Here you will find high-end store like Cartier, Gucci and Armani.
CALL 0161 552 2783 or
SEND AN ENQUIRY
Rome
Why go: A Cultural buffet with so many ancient landmarks all in close proximity, it is difficult to turn a corner without coming face to face with another historical gem. Step back in time where the birth of an Empire began and experience three thousand years of history chronicled like no other. Today it is the capital of Italy and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. A centre of power, culture and religion it's no wonder Rome is also known as the Eternal City.
How to get there: Direct flights are available from most UK regional Airports. Average flying time of 2hrs 30mins.
Where to stay: The river Tiber divides the city into two halves, on the east side you find many of the Roman Empires ancient attractions like the Forum and the Colosseum, this is also where the 18th century Trevi Fountain is located. On the West side you will find the bohemian area of Trastevere and the Vatican City which includes St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Choosing where to stay can be overwhelming, especially if it is you are visiting for the first time. If you want to walk as much as possible then look to stay around the areas of Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona or the Pantheon which are very central and if your feet are needing a rest the red metro line A is always close by.
Out and about: A city of extraordinary beauty, with a heady mix of vibrant street life, memorable iconic ruins and jaw dropping art has resulted in a monumental history of nearly 3000 years. Ancient Rome feeds your imagination of an Empire past. With so many top sights it is almost impossible to choose where to visit in a short stay so here are a few suggestions you may want to consider. The Colosseum and Forum are two must see sights and being adjacent can be done back-to-back with ease. As is a visit to Vatican City where you can visit the museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. In our opinion a visit to Rome is not complete unless you can sit and enjoy an evening at a restaurant facing the Pantheon. The evening atmosphere is magical with the air-filled aromas of Italian cuisine and live music against a backdrop of one of the most famous and intact monuments of ancient Rome. We recommend the Di Renzo Restaurant for its location and great classical food.
CALL 0161 552 2783 or
SEND AN ENQUIRY
Venice
Why go: The romantic city of Venice, also know as the “City of Canals” or “The Floating City, is arguable one of the most picturesque cities in the world and a bucket list must, there really is nowhere else like it in the world. This unique city with its magical, spectacular scenery is not just beautiful; it is a real miracle of creative genius; originally built on 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea, with a series of waterways and canals instead of roads.
How to get there: Direct flights are available from most UK international airports, with a flight time of between 2 – 2.5 hours.
Where to stay: A stay around San Marco is highly recommended. Here all the main attractions are within easy walking distance and to wake up to the sound of the many church bells chiming throughout the city is a treasured memory. However, a stay on the mainland can look considerably more affordable, you do need to consider the additional cost of the waterbuses or taxi to get you to and from the Island.
Out and about: Despite the hoards of tourists that flood the streets of Venice, there are still parts of the city that have managed to retain their village charm. There are plenty of quaint backstreets and colourful clusters of buildings. Yes, we can tell you to take a gondola ride, and yes, it’s fun and yes you should see the bridge of sighs, St Mark Square and take a guided tour around the Doge’s Palace. All are a must if you have the time. But there is so much more to see away from the big attractions. For example, there are over 100 bell towers in Venice and the lagoon and seeking them out can be an adventure all on its own. Be a local and take the ferries to some of the other islands where you will see glass-blowing factories, fishing harbours and monasteries.
CALL 0161 552 2783 or
SEND AN ENQUIRY
Barcelona
Why go: It’s difficult no to fall in love with this city and it’s not hard to see why. Rich in culture, tasty food, striking architecture, and sensational nightlife and let us not forget the football! Barcelona is Spains largest Catalonian city and is situated on the northeast coast of the Iberian Peninsula, facing the Mediterranean Sea with excellent beaches and great weather.
How to get there: Direct flights are available from most UK regional Airports. Average flying time between 2hrs to 3hrs.
Where to stay: If you want to be in the epicentre of the major tourist attractions, we recommend you consider Barri Gotica or perhaps Plaza de Catalunya, here you will find sightseeing easier on the feet and when you do tire there is an abundance of public transport accessible on your doorstep. If it’s a touch of luxury you are looking for, then we encourage you to look at the area of Eixample, a prime location known for its symmetrical buildings, high end bars, clubs and restaurants. For the foodies how about a stay in Poble Sec home to some of the best tapas bars in the city. If you want a beach stay, then we would suggest you take a look at Barceloneta which is still located close to the cities bustling nightlife.
Out and about: You cannot really say you visited Barcelona unless you’ve seen the Sagrada Familia, Barri Gotic and Las Ramblas. The quirky basilica of Sagrada Familia is Antoni Gaudi’s most famous life’s work, if you have time check out the crypt where Gaudi himself is buried. The Gothic quarter of Barri Gotic which is the historic centre of old Barcelona started life as a Roman Village is full of narrow winding medieval streets. The cities most street Las Ramblas will charm you with its flower markets and street artists. When its time to take a break or an evening meal head to the trendy Poble Sec area. A 20-minute walk or 2 stops on the metro from Las Ramblas the area is littered with excellent bars and tapas restaurants.
CALL 0161 552 2783 or
SEND AN ENQUIRY
Istanbul
Why go: East meets West, a city straddling two continents, Istanbul is a cultural melting pot reflecting the many empires that once ruled here. From a Roman Hippodrome where chariots once raced to the Hagia Sophia, principally a church of the Byzantine Empire, later a mosque after the Ottoman Empire conquered the city in 1453. Previously known as Constantinople, Istanbul offers over 2,500 years of history, traditions, and culture and is a mecca for history buffs with vibrant neighbourhoods, colourful bazaars, mosaics, and mosques.
How to get there: Direct flights are available all year round from Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Luton, Heathrow, Gatwick & Stansted. Average flight time is 4hrs.
Where to stay: Taksim, Bazaar District, Galata, Karakoy and Sultanahmet are all popular areas to stay. These are beautiful, safe neighbourhoods in the city close to all the major attractions. Fatih District is also a good option with many tourist sites here - basically everywhere you look, there's something to visit, be it a mosque, museum, or a bazaar. Most of the sites can be visited easily via a short journey on public transport or a short stroll on foot.
Out and about: No trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Hagia Sophia with its enormous transcending dome adorned with portraits of past Emperors and Byzantine mosaics. The magical and mythical Grand Bazaar is one of the World’s largest and oldest indoor markets with thousands of shops stretched across dozens of streets. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque which was constructed in the early 1600’s is another breathtaking feat of architecture and draws thousands of visitors every month. Finally take a breath and visit Istiklal Street. This is the centre of Istanbul’s local food and eateries, here you can settle down and sample some of the local delicacies such as Kofte, Turkish bagels and a very strong coffee.
CALL 0161 552 2783 or
SEND AN ENQUIRY
Athens
Why go: Why go: With a documented history dating back to the 5th century BC, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the World. The capital city of Greece and the birth of democracy, you will never be stuck for something to do. Ancient ruins are dotted across the city, whether you are exploring the winding streets of Plakia or admiring the Temple of Zeus. It is a city with incredible history, delicious food and friendly people.
How to get there: Fly direct from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle or Edinburgh to Athens – Flying time approximately 3hrs 45mins to 4hrs
Where to stay: Central neighbourhoods with easy access to the Acropolis, Museums and Roman Forum Agora is recommended. Areas such as Monastiraki, Plaka, Makriyanni, Syntagma, Psirri and the City Center are just about perfect. Plaka is the oldest area and the most pedestrianised. If it’s shopping then we recommend Monastiraki, a historic district with all the major retailers located on Ermou Street and the nearby flee market. The diverse area of Psirri offers lively tavernas and artisan workshops. Our choice of Luxury hotels includes Grande Bretagne, Four Seasons Astir palace, and the King George. If it’s boutique you are looking for then perhaps consider Xenodocheio Milos, NEW Hotel or AthensWas which has direct views towards the Acropolis.
Out and about: Athens is a very walkable city and is best explored on foot. So, make sure you pack your comfiest footwear for an ancient monument experience like no other. A city with a turbulent past stretching back to the 5th century BC. Visiting the Parthenon at the Colossus dedicated to the Goddess Athena which gave the city its name. The list of must-see places to visit s a long one Agora, the Temple of Hephaestus and Olympian Zeus to name a few. Make sure you include the time to break and join the locals at a dine-in bar or deli such as the peaceful and picturesque Glykis café in Plaka with a Souvlaki, Greek coffee or an iced freddo.
CALL 0161 552 2783 or SEND AN ENQUIRY
Prague
Why go: A medieval city famous for its cultural life, Prague was popular with the great composers who are still commemorated to this day each year in the spring music festival. The capital of former Czechoslovakia now the Czech Republic. The city centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city attracts millions of visitors each year, in fact it is consistently one of the top 5 visited cities in Europe. Apart from its famous sites such as Prague castle, Wenceslas Square and the Astronomical Clock, Prague is also renowned for its nightlife, numerous bars, and restaurants and of course its Czech Beers.
How to get there: Fly direct to Prague from most UK Airports - Flying time approximately 2 hours
Where to stay: There is no shortage of reasonably priced hotels in Prague, with over 500 properties and most are centrally located in ‘Prague 1’, ‘Lesser Town’ and the Old Town. For a special treat The Alchymist Hotel & Spa is in the city centre and close to the Charles Bridge or for families the hotel Rott, again centrally located with most attraction within walking distance.
Out and about: The Old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock often gets overlooked but most certainly worth a visit. Comprising of five medieval houses, in the corner decorated with a historic astronomical clock. Prague Castle is a day out in its own right. With over seven hundred rooms it is the largest castle complex in the Europe and the historical seat of Czech Rulers. Take time out for a coffee and a pretzel in one of the many café’s located in the Lesser quarter before exploring the narrow lanes, baroque palaces and spacious squares.
CALL 0161 552 2783 or
SEND AN ENQUIRY
