Travelling to a city is probably the best way to experience a country’s culture. Even within a city, a mix of ethnicities and backgrounds mean that an urbanised area can have an atmosphere unlike no other within that country.

Whether you enjoy seeing the structure and architecture of a city’s buildings, like to visit the various museums on offer, want to try a foreign country’s local food, or are just looking to shop to your heart’s content, there are some fascinating cities across Europe that give you the option of all of this and more.

The following list looks at some of the best European city breaks available:

1)    Venice

The beautiful city of Venice in northern Italy has a population of 271,367. It is often described as Europe’s most romantic city; Luigi Barzini from The New York Times called it “the most beautiful city built by man.”

Venice is well known for its artistic movements, in particular the Renaissance period, and has played an important role in the history of symphonic and operatic music.

2)    Seville

For a traditional Spanish experience paying a visit to Seville in southern Spain is a must. Conventional culture and activities such as bull-fighting, tapas and flamenco all began life in this ancient part of the country.

The city is located in the region of Andalucia, which is home to the country’s most famous building, the Alhambra, along with a number of other reminders of medieval Islamic Spain.

3)    Berlin

Germany’s capital and largest city is also the second most populous in the European Union with a population of 3.4 million people. This means that the city is diverse in culture, with a huge variety of things to do.

The city is renowned for its top universities, sporting events, museums, festivals, diverse architecture and nightlife. It is also considered to offer a high quality of lifestyle to its residents.

4)    Prague

The stunning capital of the Czech Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe; claiming to be one of the cultural centres of the continent.  The city plays host to some of the top artists and symphony orchestras, as well as museums, galleries and theatres.

Prague also has a fantastic nightlife, whether you want exceptional dining, bars or clubs, there really is something for everyone.

Travelling is all about the experience, seeing new countries and cities, and finding your way through the unknown. One of the oldest rail journeys in the world; the Trans-Siberian Railway offers you the chance to explore new, barely touched territory, and take in sites across the entire length of Russia, as well as some of Mongolia and China.

The Trans-Siberian Railway is one of the longest, oldest and most iconic train trips in the world. The first parts of the line were developed between 1891 and 1913 by Czar Alexander III, with a Russian budget of 1,455 billion rupees – a figure that was only surpassed by the cost of the country’s involvement in World War I.

In a similar vein to the USA’s First Continental Railroad, engineers started construction of the line at the ends and worked towards the centre. Now, at 6,000 miles, spanning eight time zones and covering approximately one third of the earth’s surface, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest continual rail line on the planet.

Operators pride themselves on the fact that the route takes in some of the most diverse landscape and cultures, which are comparable to nothing else you can experience on a journey.

The Golden Eagle Tran-Siberian Express in particular offers one of the most incredible rail experiences on earth.  Travelling between Moscow and Vladivostok, you will pass by sites such as Lake Baikal – the world’s largest freshwater lake by volume.

Having regular stops on such a long trip is essential to explore the local cultures, and on the Trans-Siberian Express you can get off in Russian towns and cities including Tartarstan, Karzan and the Kremlin. Though it’s not just urban areas you will see – passing through the epic scenery of the Siberian tundra and Ural Mountains is bound to be a life-changing journey for even the most experienced of travellers.

The Orient Express is one of the most well-known and best-loved trains in the entire world. On its most famous journey the train travels between Paris and Venice taking in magnificent views of the French and Italian Alps along the way.

Because of its fame, the Orient Express has appeared in many movies, with adventurers, secret agents and even spotted dogs using the train in their journeys across some of the most beautiful parts of Europe.

Here are five films that have been lucky enough to use this fantastic vehicle:

From Russia With Love (1963)

In the second of the James Bond films, starring Sean Connery, the Orient Express is featured when Bond and Russian cipher clerk Tatiana Romanova need to escape from Istanbul. 007 helps Romanvoa escape after they are discovered together in a hotel room – an event which was filmed and used to humiliate the British MI6. The Orient Express travels from Istanbul to Belgrade in this movie.

Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

This British mystery film was based on the 1934 novel by Agatha Christie. With a similar plot to a game of Cluedo, the film follows a Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who is asked to investigate the murder of an American business tycoon which happened on the train. The character Poirot has since had a television series, based on various Agatha Christie novels.

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1994)

Although not necessarily in one of the series’ films, the Orient-Express does appear in the seventh season of Star Trek: The Next Generation “Emergence”. The train roars through the holodeck when Lieutenant Commander Data is working on his Shakespearean acting. A number of the cast and other characters find themselves on board the vehicle throughout the series.

102 Dalmations (2000)

The Walt Disney children’s film is the sequel to the original 101 Dalmations, which stars Glenn Close and fur-loving Cruella de Vil. After she is released from prison apparently a changed woman, she quickly reverts to her old obsession for spotted coats. However, her plans are foiled by animal lovers Kevin and Chloe, resulting in action through Paris and onboard the Orient Express.

Around the World in 80 Days (2004)

The comedy film based loosely on the adventures of Phileas Fogg, played by Steve Coogan, uses the Orient Express as a method of transport between Paris and Turkey.  This version of the story was not received too well by film critics however.

Lately there has been an increase in the availability of cheap flights to Hurghada and tourists have been flocking to the resort to enjoy the beautiful weather. Many have been taking advantage of the package deals available where you can pick up an all inclusive holiday for a bargain price. Although all inclusive holidays are great value the choice of food can get boring so we’ve put together a list of top places to eat!

Little Buddha

No trip to Hurghada would be complete without trying the Little Buddha restaurant and bar. It’s beautifully designed with atmospheric lighting and music. The food available is an interesting mix of French, Asia, Japanese & Pacific dishes. In addition there is an amazing sushi bar.

Romantica

If you want to try some traditional Egyptian food then head to Romantica for delicious food and a romantic setting. After your meal explore the gardens or relax in one of the swing seats.

Hard Rock Cafe

If you’re missing home then take a trip to the Hard Rock Cafe to enjoy some American food. The buzz and liveliness of the place will make the night an experience rather than just a meal.

Papas Bar

If you want an entertaining night with live music then visit Papas Bar. A wide range of food is served, perfect for fussy eaters. You will also be able to catch up on your sports with the big screen available.

Fish House

You should definitely try to visit a seafood restaurant whilst in Hurghada. Try the fish house for a wide selection of fresh fish dishes. Located in the centre of Hurghada, by the main road.

With the above choices you don’t have to get bored of the food at your hotel and you can experience a little more of what Hurghada has to offer. With bargain flights to Egypt year round there’s nothing stopping you booking a trip!

One of the greatest pleasures in life is going away on a short break – especially when you find a bargain hotel, even if it’s just for the weekend or, better still, a long weekend. Luckily, there are many different places in the UK that are perfect for short getaway, with most of them having hotels offering some kind of discount or special offer – making it easy to find cheap hotel rooms.

London is a favourite destination for cheap short breaks, with many bargain hotel offers available. The capital city is popular for its never ending string of shops. There is nothing you can’t find in London, be it the best bargains or the ultimate high fashion. London also has the West End, where you can see some of the best theatre in the world, with shows such as Lion King, Mamma Mia! and We Will Rock You.

In addition to London, there are many other destinations also offering bargain hotel deals in the UK. One of the best places for a cheap short break is Edinburgh. The beautiful city is noted for its shopping, ancient architecture (such as the castle that watches over the city) and of course its legendary bars and pubs.

Cheap hotels and special offers in the UK can also be found in cities such as Manchester and Liverpool in the north, Cardiff, the capital of Wales, and Birmingham in the Midlands. Each of these cities offers great shopping and nightlife for you to enjoy.

Although going abroad is a popular way to spend your vacation, more people are choosing to stay in England for their holidays. There are some beautiful places to visit which you may have forgotten about over the years. For many years Cornwall holidays have been very popular and many families have spent fun filled holidays there. There are many things to see and do in this great county for all ages which will make you want to return time and time again.

Cornwall is in the south western tip of England and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean making it a surfer’s paradise. It has a population of just under 550,000 people and is visited by thousands of people every year. It is one of the most popular places to holiday in England and Cornwall caravans are very popular to stay in on your visit.

Cornwall is steeped in history and everywhere you look there is something interesting to see. Although the mining and fishing industries have begun to decline, tourism is on the increase and many residents now rely on this to make their living. This great county has often been seen as a traditional seaside holiday destination and many hours would have been spent digging in the sand. Water sports and holidays based around the water are very popular and surfers travel from all over the country to enjoy the amazing waves.

Although this is still very popular people are looking for alternatives and Cornwall holidays have so much to offer. Away from the beaches inland you can use one of the Cornwall caravans to stay in and use as a base whilst you go exploring. No matter where you stay in Cornwall you are never far away from the coastline and the natural beauty of this amazing county.

Truro is a city in Cornwall and offers some great shopping and architectural buildings to see, the Cathedral is amazing and you will feel humbled when you enter it. Falmouth is another great town to visit and has a great natural harbour where you can watch the fishermen bringing their catches in every day. You can also learn to sail at the world famous sailing school whilst on Cornwall holidays and go home with a new talent.

St Ives is an artists’ paradise and many up and coming local artists live here – you can wander through the old streets and look in their quaint shops selling the art work produced. You can also visit the beachfront Tate gallery which although new to the area is fascinating. The Monkey Sanctuary is a must see attraction which offers visitors an experience and an insight into the work they do to rescue monkeys from all over the world.

The brewery in St Austell is popular all over the country and allows you to pop by to try a pint or two of the local ale. Your Cornwall holidays will be fun filled and be over far too quickly – you and your family will be planning your next visit before you even leave.

Finding the perfect caravan nowadays is relatively easy, given the large number of different caravan sites are out there. When you do find the right site, you are sure to find the caravan to suit your needs. Depending on what you are after, you can find some that are big enough for a large family, whilst others offer a quaint area for you to stay. Additionally, there are a number of options available for those that are on wheels, meaning you can always move on if the place you are planning to stay at turns out to be a nightmare.

When you are looking for caravans, it is always important to use a reliable source. This way, you are more likely to find a great destination for your family to enjoy. In most cases, if you find the right caravan sites for your information, you are more likely to enjoy your stay and not have to worry about the pictures not matching up to the place.

In general, when you are looking for luxury caravans, it is important to make sure that you find the right caravan sites to ensure that you have the best stay. Some of the different options include the European Airstream 684, which with its aluminium body is based on the design of an aircraft. Four people can sleep comfortably inside, while amenities include a large bedroom, storage, fridge, small bathroom, stove, TV, and a c-shaped simple gallery area with a table.

Generally, all of the items included are of high quality and come with a number of other features that you would not find in some of the regular options. With many of the caravans you will find luxurious sofas that are leather and give you enough room for a number of people. Kitchens can include 800W microwave oven, as well as a high-end sink and drainer.

Fridge-freezer combo’s are the norm in a modern day luxury caravan, while the addition of a exhaust fan is generally included, meaning you don’t have to worry about the smoke building up within your living space. Some of the other additional options that you can find on the caravan sites are things such as a combination oven and kettle.

Those who enjoy their entertainment will be pleased with the options on offer. Some of the caravans even go as far to include an iPod speaker system, whilst most have LCD TV and DVD combinations.

Taking a holiday in Wales means that you can witness some of the most beautiful sights in the world. A caravan holiday in Wales means that you have the opportunity to spend some real time exploring the outdoors of this amazing place, with no check out times, meal schedules or costly hotel prices.

A caravan holiday in Wales is a wonderful way to help you to escape from the major stress of the working world, to lower the cost of your holiday and let you really unwind. And, they can prove popular with a range of age groups, with vacationers from every continent.

Wales caravan holidays offer you a great and low cost way to travel and see it all with a home base that has the important amenities that you need. They are increasingly popular because of the lower cost than staying in a hotel and because of the range of things to see and do.

Caravans come these days with a wide array of amenities. Satellite TV, showers, sliding roofs and all manner of unique items are starting to become the norm in many caravan parks. This can help to give you some home comforts, despite being out in the rolling Wales countryside.

While you are in Wales on your caravan holiday you should pay a visit to the small town known of Newton, which is the birthplace of one of the most well known reformers, Robert Owen. There is also an astounding museum, as well as Bailey castle with its moat, that was used to guard the entire town from an invasion from the south.

Snowdonia, in the northern part of Wales also offers some picturesque little areas. You could be forgiven for not thinking of Snowdonia as an area that is a great place for the typical shopper but nothing could be further from the truth of it. Snowdonia offers some outstanding retail opportunities as well as incredible places to see.

You can buy farmers market produce, beef, and even CD’s in Snowdonia, which boasts one of the longest high streets in Wales. From arts and crafts to technical gadgets to fresh produces your Wales caravan holiday can offer you a wide variety of shopping, history, museums and fun.

While Wales does not have a wide array of upscale homes and large cities, it is full of sites and sights that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Wales holidays are sure to be amongst the best you’ve ever taken.

When holiday season comes around you are going to want to make sure that you find the best place to stay. Unfortunately, people do not always know where to go to get hold of this information. With this in mind we have put together some information on five UK caravan sites that offer a great place to stay. Then, the next time you are looking for UK short breaks, you will know about some of the best places that you can stay.

1. Warmwell Holiday Park

Many visitors to UK caravan sites over the years would agree that Warmwell offers a lot of fun. The biggest advantage of this park, situated between Dorchester and Weymouth, is the fact that it’s a great place to stay when you are looking to explore the local area.
Activities include a 110 metre Snowflex Ski Slope and n indoor wave pool which comes with a flume. You’ll also find the Hardy’s Cafe and Restaurant, in addition to the Blandford lodge. A number of other new options are currently available as well.

2. Newquay Holiday Park

When you are looking for UK caravan sites for your family holiday, many find this a great place to stay. The park is set in the Cornish countryside, with the addition of three heated outdoor pools. Kids will love the giant hillside waterslide while they are playing outdoors. In addition, you will find some new options such as the Tregenna Bar and grill, which is a great place for people to enjoy a drink or something to eat. One of the newer options that you will find is the Penpol caravan, which comes with double glazing in addition to central heating.

3. Torquay Holiday Park

Torquay Holiday Park is placed in scenic hillside setting. You are sure to love the views offered and various ways that you can explore the local area. In addition, you will find some beautiful beaches and resorts for you to enjoy. Some of the newer accommodation includes the Marldon and Paignton caravans.

4. Hayling Island Holiday Park

Hayling Island Holiday Park is conveniently placed to allow you to enjoy exploration of the south coast. It is currently one of the top rated areas for things such as water sports and sailing. In addition, you will find a number of places to shop at the nearby Gunwarf Quays. The park has a heated indoor swimming pool, as well as new accommodation offered with the Oakwood Caravans.

5. Southness Holiday Park

If you are looking for UK caravan sites with many options for swimming lovers then Southness is for you. You also have the option to relax on one of the many gold courses on offer. Other facilities include an indoor pool and the great Coast Bar and Kitchen. You can also enjoy the evening entertainment provided at the Sunset Showbar. As for some of the newer options, the arcade area has recently received a makeover and a new Cairn caravan has been added.

Located south of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is the jewel in the crown of the United Arab Emirates. It has risen to be the epitome of a global city, with an economy driven by oil and financial services, and the number of cheap flights available to Dubai means that it is within the reach of anyone wishing to experience it.

Dubai is a vibrant, colourful place, but it has not abandoned its traditional culture. Its influence can be seen on its architecture, cuisine and lifestyle. It has managed to balance this with a more westernised culture, making for a truly cosmopolitan city to see. There are many exclusive boutiques and designer shops for that special purchase, but if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, you can head off to the Ibn Battuta mall; it features many boutiques and restaurants, and is an essential place to visit it if you like to shop. It is regarded as one of the best places to shop anywhere in the world, and with the number of cheap flights to the Middle East on offer, you should have plenty of money left in your pocket.

Take the time to experience a more spiritual side of Dubai. The city’s Muslims are called to prayer five times a day across the city, and there are many picturesque minarets and mosques to visit. Take the Jumeirah Mosque, for example; it’s the largest place of worship in the city, and an excellent example of Islamic architecture. Best seen after sundown when it becomes floodlit, it presents an awe-inspiring sight.

The melting pot of influences and culture in Dubai is probably best represented in its cuisine. Located on a pier with an amazing view of the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic offers an Arabian twist on modern seafood dishes. Thattukada, at Palm Beach, serves fantastic South Indian cuisine at a bargain price. If money is no object, dining at the Al Mahara, the most expensive restaurant in Dubai, is a must. The experience starts with a mock submarine ride to the restaurant, located amidst a giant aquarium, which should set the mood for the award winning seafood on offer.

A city break in Dubai offers many unique experiences to make your holiday truly memorable.