Lisbon - The illuminated city

One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. Quite literally, the name means ‘enchanting port’ and it certainly lives up to its name with constant sunshine throughout the year and fascinating sites all over the city.

Lisbon has archaeological ruins that date back to over 300,000 years, giving the city a unique setting and beauty. Situated on the Atlantic coast where the river Tagus flows into the ocean, the historic centre of Lisbon is built upon seven hills giving incredible views in every direction.

Nearby resorts such as Sintra promise forests, palaces and dozens of beaches ensuring that there is plenty to do for everyone. There are so many things to see and do in Lisbon that you will have access to a wide variety of different experiences.

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Barcelona - capital of Catalonia

As it starts to get cooler in the UK, and the nights are drawing in, perhaps now is the ideal time of year to head to Barcelona, to catch a bit of late summer Mediterranean sun. Barcelona is a top European destination, for those who like warmth, culture and lots of places to go for a good night out.

Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia, which has its own language and culture, and is famous for Catalan art and architecture. In Barcelona you can see some of the finest works of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, including his famous Art Nouveau Church of the Sagrada Familia, and the wonderful Park Guell. The city also has an impressive Gothic Quarter, with buildings dating back to medieval times.

In the evenings people head for the fine tree-lined boulevard that runs through the city centre, known as Las Ramblas, which is lined with cafes, wine bars, cocktail bars, pubs and clubs, where you can enjoy all kinds of music from hip-hop to jazz.

Barcelona has a wide variety of restaurants, and you can try typical Catalan meals, which make good use of tomato, garlic, aubergine, and the abundant local seafood.

Barcelona has some great museums where you can see fine examples of Catalan art, including the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art.

Close to Barcelona there are good beaches, covering a total of four kilometres, making it an ideal location to combine a cultural city break with a relaxing beach holiday.

With its art, architecture, beaches and nightlife, it’s not surprising that Barcelona has become very much the ideal holiday destination.


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Long famous for its art and literature, Dublin has produced a staggering number of writers, such as Samuel Beckett, William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, and, in modern times, Roddy Doyle and Maeve Binchy. So a visit to Dublin gives you some idea of what it was that gave so many people such inspiration.

One of the top things to see in Dublin is the beautifully illuminated manuscript produced by the Celtic monks in 800 AD, known as the Book of Kells, which can be found in Trinity College. Other interesting places to go are the National Museum of Ireland, the Government Buildings, Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral, which dates back to the eleventh century.

After marvelling at the sights during the day, the popular area to go for a night out is Temple Bar, with its great selection of pubs, restaurants, small music and theatre venues, and its narrow streets thronging with people enjoying a good evening.

From Temple Bar, you can cross the Liffey by walking over the famous footbridge known as the Ha’penny Bridge – it’s called that because you used to have to pay half a penny to cross it.

The city centre of Dublin is good for shopping, one of the best known shopping streets being Grafton Street, where you’ll find the fine department store Brown Thomas, and other good shops. Waterford Crystal and Aran sweaters are popular Dublin souvenirs.

For good nightlife, Guinness, and a feel for Irish history and culture, Dublin is a great place to go for a city break.


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