This riverside city rivals Paris for its architectural beauty, art museums and public spaces. The maze of jumbled streets and hidden courtyards are a wonderer’s dream. Czech microbreweries offer a wide range of ales and the city boasts funky cafes and eateries tucked away in narrow streets. Prague is also a great match for the budget- conscious, offering superb value for money. The stunningly beautiful Signal Light Festival in October uses high-tech projectors on the facades of Prague’s most iconic old buildings and is a celebration of light, art and technology combined.

For a winter city break that offers year round sunshine Marrakesh is only 4 hours away and offers a vibrant, colorful getaway. You can explore the maze of streets in the old town’s medina and sample the exotic sights and sounds of Jemaa el-Fnaa- the large public square in the city center filled with small merchants, hawkers, and entertainers which are popular with tourists & locals alike. At night the square is busy, bustling and frenetic- full of street artists, snake charmers, and many small pop- up eateries cooking fresh food over open fires. The atmosphere is electric. The up and coming Oasis Dance Festival in September showcases dance music’s biggest names and firmly puts Morocco on the international music map.

A city of blue skies and pavement cafes, Seville offers orange trees bursting with fruit and the sweet smell of jasmine. It serves up the most amazing tapas, and the soundtrack of delicate flamenco guitar. It’s a perfect city break for the autumn months as the weather here stays warm and sunny well into November. There’s a weekly flea market on a Thursday morning on Calle Feria where the street comes alive with an assortment of vintage gems. For sightseeing don’t miss the jaw dropping Real Alcázar, which GOT fans will recognise as the backdrop for the fictional land of Dorne. Seville’s Easter Fair is a huge event which kicks off each year with the ceremonious turning on of the lights – starting with the 22,000 bulbs that cover the entrance gateway, followed by a wave of lights section by section.

Big on culture, rich in history and forever leading the way in culture and fashion, Berlin is a trendsetting modern city that never sleeps. Visit in winter for festive Christmas markets and steaming cups of Glühwein (mulled wine). The annual Festival of Lights in October illuminates well known landmarks around the city, from the The Brandenburg Gate to the Cathedral and Concert Hall. The Berliners know how to throw a party, and the festival is no exception. You can view the lights easily on foot, although it is possible to hire a segway to get around or take a tour by bus or boat.

For a city of less than half a million people Reykjavik is extraordinarily cosmopolitan with a vibrant arts and music scene and is home to some of the coolest cafes, bars and restaurants in Europe. No visit to Reykjavik would be complete without a swim in the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal pools. They’re right by the airport, so pop in for a dip here on your way to or from your flight. The Winter Lights Festival every February celebrates the nights getting shorter at last, after the long dark winter in the northernmost capital in the world. The whole city is illuminated with displays and you can even hope that nature’s greatest light show, the Aurora Borealis, will also make an impromptu appearance. For your best chances of seeing The Northern Lights visit between late September and April and take a cruise or bus tour away from the city.

Speak to Jo for more information about booking your trip:
travelcounsellors.co.uk/jo.baldwin
02920 003530 or 07581 181 236