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!