The autumn is a wonderful time to go on a city break in Europe, the weather is warm enough to enjoy doing exactly what you want to do, without the crispness of winter and there are usually plenty of things happening, especially in the biggest cities. However, many of the biggest have become overcrowded at the busiest times, and the autumn is one of the busiest, with crowds of people, queuing everywhere and now with the added complication in some cases of the locals complaining about the number of tours.
Therefore, why not do something different and take a city break in a less well-known city – away from the crowds and maybe find the authentic destination you’re travelling to? Here are some of our suggestions:
Ferrari Museum
Modena
Although relatively unknown as a city break destination, Moderna is at the heart of authentic Italian cuisine having been the creative force behind balsamic vinegar, giant tortellini and sparkling Lambrusco wine. Naturally, it also has some of the world’s best restaurants, so if you love food, it’s the place for you.
However, there’s something else you might love, with it being the home of the Enzo Ferrari museum, and it’s only just a stone’s throw from Maranello, the home of Ferrari where you can also visit their museum. The Palazzo Ducale, the old royal place of the Estensi family is also worth visiting.
3 nights in October at the 3* Hotel Estense including Breakfast, with private transfers and tickets to the Ferrari & Enzo Ferrari Museum, from £708 per person
Lille, France
Lille
One way to reduce carbon emissions is to travel by train. Sticking to the criteria of avoiding the large cities, or those which suffer from overcrowding at this time of year, Lille is a great option. Just an hour and a half from London, on the Belgian border, Lille has a beautiful centre comprising French and Flemish architecture – the centrepiece being a large town square.
3 nights in October at the 3* Okko Hotels Lille Centre on Room Only, from £347 per person
Tirana, Albania
Tirana
Although Albania has been on the hotlist of many this summer, it’s mainly been due to the massive increase of flights and a fare war between Wizz and Ryanair, bringing down prices.
Whilst you wouldn’t go to the beach in October, Tirana is an interesting city for a long weekend. A now colourful and vibrant city, many of the buildings have been dragged out of the communist era, being painted in bright colours. The city also is home to the country’s National History Museum and Gallery of the Arts
3 nights in October at the 4* Rogner Hotel Tirana on Bed and Breakfast with private transfers and a half day Tirana walking tour, from £537 per person
Gothenburg
Gothenburg
Sweden and Scandinavia as a whole can be expensive, but you can have a lovely city break in the ‘second cities’ at a fraction of the price you would in places like Stockholm or Helsinki. As a maritime city, Gothenburg is Scandinavia’s largest port and is well known for producing Volvo’s. However, like many seaside cities, warehouses and industrial buildings have been renovated and reused as galleries, restaurants and hotels, which makes for an interesting, trendy weekend.
3 nights in October at the Hotel Flora on Bed and Breakfast with private transfers and a 2-day Go Gothenburg Pass, from £490 per person
For these, any many more ideas, contact us on 01442 879787 or email yourdreamholiday@traveltimeworld.co.uk
