Hotels in Italy

Lively and charismatic, Naples is one of southern Italy’s coastline gems. Holidays to Naples will transport you to a fast-paced city full of charm and brimming with history. One of the oldest cities in Europe and capital of the Campania region, this Mediterranean hotspot  is home to fascinating architecture, effortlessly combining the old and the new.

Naples showcases a vibrant street culture and art scene, adding to its charm. Not to mention it boasts some of the best cuisine across the globe. From its iconic art galleries to its open-air markets, the city promises an endless list of fascinating sights.  

Naples holidays are perfect for those seeking a little adventure. Spend your time wandering the vast maze of preserved streets before heading to one of the beaches for total relaxation. And if you fancy exploring Naples’s idyllic natural surroundings, a trip to Mount Vesuvius is a must. 

Bay of Naples 

The Bay of Naples is one of Italy’s top places to visit. Located along the country’s southwestern coast, this ocean inlet offers something for everyone, whether you want to relax on a beach or explore ancient ruins. From here, you can take a ferry ride to the neighbouring islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, which all offer something unique. 

Capri is a haven for nature - lovers, complete with lush greenery and tranquil waters. It’s also home to Blue Grotto, a mesmerising sea cave used as a marine temple during Roman times. For beachgoers, Ischia is the place to visit. Unwind on soft sands and enjoy the calming effects of the island’s thermal spas. Or enjoy the sleepy, chilled-out atmosphere on the tiny island of Procida. Relax on its volcanic beach and explore Terra Murata, a picturesque fortress-like village. 

Naples Pizza and Food 

Naples is a real haven for foodies. After all, the city is the birthplace of pizza – one of the most popular foods in the world today. Holidays in Naples wouldn’t be complete without sampling a slice of Neapolitan pizza. This is a Naples original made with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese – delicious. 

As a coastal town, its seafood is also particularly tasty. Fresh fish dishes dominate the culinary scene, and many menus feature clams and shellfish as key ingredients in their food creations.

Other popular dishes include sfogliatelle, a shell-shaped flaky pastry, and frittata di pasta, a much-loved pasta omelette available at many street food stalls across the city. Whatever your taste, you’re sure to find cuisine in Naples to tickle your fancy.  

Historical Discoveries 

Journey back in time with a trip to Pompeii, the Campania region’s most popular sight. Pompeii is around 30 minutes from Naples by car or train, making it the perfect location for a day trip.

This archaeological site was once a bustling Roman city until it was buried by ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Pompeii remained frozen in time until it was discovered by chance at the end of the 16th century. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important historical discoveries in the world. 

Today, you can walk around the area and explore the ancient villas and amphitheatres. Take a guided tour and learn more about what life would have been like in a first-century Roman settlement.  

You can also visit Mount Vesuvius and discover the mountain that destroyed Pompeii. Its popular trail route is around 4km up to the highest point and back down again, offering mesmerising views over the Bay and City of Naples.
 

Rome holidays are like no other. From rooftop cocktails overlooking Palatine Hill to Gucci and Versaci shopping sprees along Via del Corso and spaghetti-stuffing in front of the Pantheon. With an exciting mixture of old meets new, one minute you’ll be admiring 70 AD structures, the next you’ll be enjoying a tipple in one of the city's trendy ice bars. Whichever Rome hotel you choose as your base, Italy’s idyllic capital suits all tastes – whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a refined foodie!

If one thing is for sure, Rome city breaks are bucket list-worthy. From the one-of-a-kind Colosseum, up to the Spanish Steps of Piazza di Spagna and down to the magical Trevi Fountain in search of some luck – the Eternal City will simply enchant you. Not to mention its culinary scene! The city’s hidden alleys and bohemian streets of Trastevere all celebrate the same idea: life is good if the food is! And as the famous proverb says, ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’, so expect to fill your face.

6 reasons to visit Rome: 

• Year-round destination: Whether you’re indulging in gelato during peak summer or exploring big-name attractions with fewer crowds in winter, there’s never a bad time to visit Rome. But for a comfortable climate and little to no rainfall, spring and autumn holidays are best. 
• World-famous landmarks: Colosseum, check. Trevi Fountain, check. Vatican City, check. Pantheon, check. The list of iconic sites is endless! 
• Foodie paradise: Bring your appetite because if Rome excels at anything, it’s good grub! Think creamy spaghetti carbonara, tomato-stuffed Bucatini all’Amatriciana pasta and hearty Coda alla Vaccinara (Oxtail Stew). 
• Heavy history: Want to take a step back in time to the days of the gladiators and Roman Empire? Check out the Roman Forum and learn a thing or two about the religious, political and social history of the city. Or, maybe a trip to the capital’s longest-standing landmark - the Temple of Hercules Victor.
• Shopping haven: Tucked away amidst its cobbles you’ll find quirky antique stores at Via dei Coronari, haute couture boutiques at Via Dei Condotti and global logos such as Calvin Klein and Zara at Via Cola di Rienzo. 
• Romance: From swoon-worthy sunset views at the top of the Spanish Steps to rooftop drinks overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica’s awe-inspiring dome and picnics at Villa Borghese, no wonder Rome is one of the world’s most romantic cities. 
   

Things to do and great sightseeing locations

Rome city breaks are all about hopping from one landmark to the next. Whether you’re hitting the Roman Forum, Sistine Chapel and Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II in one fell swoop or sipping glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon among Lazio’s vineyard, there are endless adventures to be had.

The Vatican

If you want to visit the smallest country in the world, then head over to Vatican City. Although surrounded by Rome, this state is very much independent from Italy and is ruled by the Pope. You can visit 54 richly decorated rooms at the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps and ceramic treasures from the Etruscan showcase. But the real highlight is the Sistine Chapel, which is regarded as Michelangelo’s masterpiece. And if there’s one direction you want to be looking, it’s up! With a ceiling full of artwork around the nine stories from Genesis, you’re bound to be captivated. 

St. Peter’s Basilica

When you’re done exploring the Sistine Chapel, you’ll find more of Michelangelo’s creations in the architectural majesty of St. Peter’s Basilica, including its iconic Dome. As one of the holiest temples in Christendom and one of the largest churches across the globe, you’re sure to get your history fix. 

Trevi Fountain

Make a pit stop at the Eternal City’s most iconic water spot dating back to 19 BC. Legend has it, if you throw one coin into the Trevi Fountain you’ll return to Rome, throw two and you’ll fall in love and if you throw a third, you’ll marry that person. But be sure to do it with your right hand and over your left shoulder! Or, just grab a gelato and admire the work of creator Giuseppe Pannini. 

Castel Sant’Angelo

If you head south, you’ll run into Castel Sant’Angelo, one of Rome’s most distinctive landmarks. This once prison, now a museum, is split into five floors. Here you’ll see the cells in which a number of historical figures were incarcerated. Alongside a weapons room from the Renaissance period. And have your camera on standby when you approach the rooftop terrace for the awe-inspiring city views that wait. 

Villa d’Este & Garden of Ninfa

If you want to witness the charm of nature, pay a visit to Villa d’Este. This 30 thousand square-metre villa is only 30 minutes away from the capital and features 50 fountains and 255 waterfalls. Don’t forget to check out the Garden of Ninfa as well. This is among Italy’s most beautiful botanical gardens – a crumbling medieval town framed by a thousand shades of plants and flowers.

Ancient History

Rome city breaks are full of surprises, but above all, lots of history. The way its ruins and archaeological sites are preserved will take you back to the city’s glory days. From its cobbled alleyways leading you to the Spanish Steps to the square of Piazza Nova which once held 20,000 spectators in 86 AD. And you’ll never get lost with the Colosseum and its 2,000 years' worth of history dominating the city centre. Rome’s gladiatorial arena is the most monumental ancient sight in the capital, taking you back to a time of fighting, exotic animal exhibitions and recreations of battles. 

You can stroll through an impressive sprawl of ruins not far from the Colosseum known as the Roman Forum. First developed in the 7th century BC, it gradually became the social, political, and commercial hub of the Roman Empire. If you head north, you’ll bump into the city’s best-preserved building from ancient times: the Pantheon. The name refers to a temple for all the gods, but the Pantheon is where the kings of Rome are buried. Don’t forget to also look up! The dome’s oculus is open to the sky. 

Vibrant nightlife

If the streets look too empty at 7 pm, don’t panic. Nightlife in Rome doesn’t kick off until around midnight. You can start your pre-drinking game at Marmo, home to some of the best mixologists in town and a live music only policy. While Baja is a cocktail venue for the Insta account. This fancy conservatory-looking structure floats on the Tiber River, and is a must-visit in summer. Voodoo is the ultimate place to unwind after a day of exploring. Think tapas spreads, Latin-American tunes and a Caribbean themed bar. But for early-hour partying, Circolo Degli Illuminati will see you dancing to Tech, House and Hip Hop until 4 am. 

Food and drinks

What did we say at the beginning? Life is good if the food is! The power of a great culinary experience is also something to consider when going on a city break, especially in Rome. The capital has a strong sense of tradition and a longstanding love for eating out.

Are you a pasta lover? If yes, then you’re in the right place. Italy is the homeland of spaghetti dishes, with 350 different types to taste and try. But Rome has its own style. Make sure you try the Cacio e Pepe (a stripped-down mac and cheese) at Roscioli alongside the carbonara and amatriciana (a spicy tomato and bacon dish) at Lo Scopettaro restaurant. 

If you have a sweet tooth, you won't be disappointed to find many gelato spots dotted around the city. From your classic strawberry and chocolate flavours to scoops of Kinder Bueno and Snickers. 

If you’re feeling a little thirsty after all this food, Rome certainly knows how to help you. Stop for a drink in one of the bars along the Tiber and enjoy a refreshing Aperol Spritz. Italy is also famous for its coffee. And we’ll let you in on a little secret, if you add some sugar and it takes a moment to sink, you’re about to taste one of the city’s best brews!

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Milan | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia  | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

Venice holidays will have any old-world romantic swooning over its moonlit gondola rides, Lady and the Tramp style spaghetti-filled hotspots and fairytale-like palaces. That’s when its UNESCO World Heritage Site backdrop made up of 400 timeless bridges and 16th-century Baroque churches aren’t capturing the hearts of history hunters. And that’s before we mention its alluring art scene! Think Picasso, Dali and Miro creations decorating the walls of the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. 

With our Venice city breaks, you’ll witness dreamy sunsets over the Grand Canal, sip macchiatos on rooftop terraces and lose yourself among winding cobbles adorned with cosy cocktail hideaways and chic boutiques. Sounds enchanting, right?

6 reasons to visit Venice 

• Captivating culture: From Italian Renaissance art to Byzantine-influenced architecture and 100 history-stuffed museums, Venice is packed with over 1,200 years of rich heritage.
• World-renowned cuisine: Heavily influenced by the lagoon’s bounty, expect calamari rings, scallops and shrimp dipped in batter and crisped to perfection! That’s when you’re not chowing down on bolognese or creamy risotto. 
• Never a bad time to visit: Venice city breaks are year-round with hot summers and cool winters, but the best time to visit is during spring and autumn. 
• Iconic hotspots: Rialto Bridge at sunset, Peggy Guggenheim Collection for iconic art, All’Arco for a true Venetian Breakfast and Doge’s Palace for your history fix. 
• Laid-back lifestyle: Immerse yourself in the Venetian way of life - relaxed, care-free, and somewhat otherworldly.
• Wine for days: Dotted with wine bars, including the popular Vino Vero, Al Merca and Estro, it won’t be hard to find a glass of prosecco rosé or a bottle of fruity Valpolicella (a medium-bodied red).
   

Things to do

Combine museum-hopping in the Dorsoduro District with market browsing at Rialto and orchestral sounds at Piazza San Marco with our Venice city breaks. For panoramic views check out the 360-degree vistas at St. Mark’s Campanile. Or maybe you’re a foodie searching for the best Cicchetti (an Italian tapas dish) in one of the city’s waterfront bacaros AKA wine bars. Either way, there are endless big-name attractions in Italy’s Floating City. After all, it wasn’t dubbed the centre of European art and architecture for no reason. 

Explore its beautiful backdrop   

The real star of any holiday to Venice has to be the city’s mesmerising setting. Located in northeast Italy along the country’s Adriatic coast and built on almost 120 small islands, it’s unlike any other destination in the world. And the best way to see it? Well, it can only be by gondola or waterbus (vaporetti), of course! 

Ride the Grand Canal and wind through idyllic alleyways passing must-visit sites such as the Rialto Bridge, Ca D’oro and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum along the way. Get off at St. Mark’s Square, one of the most famous piazzas across the globe, for a bite to eat at Osteria Ae Sconte. This delicious hotspot is open until 11pm and has gained quite the reputation for its seafood risotto! 

But there’s more to this Italian gem than cityscapes, and Lido di Venezia is it. Best known for its toe-sinking sands and proudly the home of Venice Film Festival, this blissful beach resort is perfect for sun-seeking couples.

Get lost among world-famous architecture

No trip to Venice is complete without admiring its most historic structures. You only have to take one look at 900-year-old St Mark’s Basilica to see what all the fuss is about. We’re talking 500 Byzantine columns, 85,000 square feet of mosaics made out of real gold and an altar constructed of pearls, sapphires and rubies!

Doge’s Palace should also be on your radar. As the former home of 120 Dukes and a prison of the Venetian public. With over 1,000 years of influences from the Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance eras, you can explore everything from works of art by Veronese, Titian and Tintoretto that depict the city’s history to weapons and cells deep down in the dungeons. 

For examples of old meets new, the Punta della Dogana is a former 16th-century Venetian Republic Customs House that splits the Grand Canal from the Giudecca Canal with its triangular form. It’s now used as a contemporary art space housing collections from François Pinault after undergoing a striking reinvention by Japanese architect Tadao Ando in 2009.

Discover one of Europe’s most romantic destinations

Looking to reignite an old spark? Or maybe you’re thinking about the ultimate proposal spot. With a Venice Holiday, you’ll fall head-over-heels not only for each other but your surroundings. Every night is date night in the Floating City, and nothing will captivate you more than a love story showcased through ballet and opera at Theatre La Fenice. And is there anything more romantic than snuggling up under the moonlit sky on a gondola as you coast the Grand Canal? Ask to float by the Bridge of Sighs, the rumour has it, if you kiss while passing under the 1,600-year-old structure you’ll find happiness and eternal love. 

Drift over to Torcello and follow in the footsteps of the great writer Ernest Hemingway. Escape the crowds and opt for a cosy lunch at the Michelin-starred Locanda Cipriani, also a renowned wedding hotspot. Before checking out the Byzantine mosaics in the 7th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell ‘Assunta. Or follow one of the many walking paths through the nature preserve that makes up most of the island. 

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for more Italian destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Milan | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera

You find Limone on the north-west side of the spectacular Lake Garda. A quaint and peaceful town, it sits at the base of towering cliffs, which keep it sheltered from the winds. With secluded beaches and pretty harbours, holidays in Limone are perfect for families and couples who want to get away from it all and enjoy some quality downtime together.

You’ll get a good sense of the town’s medieval past by wandering through its narrow streets, dotted with lemon-coloured houses. Despite the area’s fame for growing excellent lemons, Limone’s name is more of a happy coincidence: the name stems from an ancient Latin word meaning ‘boundary’. Lake Garda is shared by three Italian provinces and sits on the boundary of Brescia. With plenty to explore and a plethora of attractions within easy access, you can make your Limone holidays exactly what you want them to be!

Things to do

Porto Vecchio is the little harbour in the heart of the old town with lots of shops and terrace cafes dotted around it. Stop for a spot of lunch and admire the beautiful views of the lake. The churches around here have some stunning frescos, so make sure you stop by. Take a tour of the old lemon and olive groves, and visit the local oil press to see olive oil made in the traditional way. For a relaxing day in the Italian sunshine, head to the pebble beach by the lake. A boat tour of Lake Garda is a great way to see the area and soak up the scenery.

Old-world Charm

With its incredible cliffside setting sandwiched between lake and mountain, Limone could only be reached by boat until the first road was built to it in the 1930s. The town has retained its old-world charm to this day, and it’s the ideal place to come if you want to enjoy a relaxing, peaceful holiday. Go for walks in the mountains, sit down for a long morning coffee in a tight historic street, or laze around by the lake as you soak up some sunshine.

Water Sports

Don’t be fooled into thinking there’s not much going on in Limone though. Lake Garda is renowned for its action-packed water sports, and Limone’s no different. Whether you take to the water to try out a new activity, or you’re a dab hand at things like windsurfing, there’s plenty of fun things to have a go at.

Charming Sights

When it’s time to explore, Limone has some wonderful attractions that you can visit. From stunning churches filled with history and character, to interesting museums, you’ll invariably have incredible views of the scenery while you’re making your way between the sights. There are some fantastic spots where you can make the most of this over dinner too, with bars and restaurants serving authentic home cooked Italian food with breathtaking panoramas of Lake Garda.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

One of Italy’s most popular resorts, Lido di Jesolo is where sun-seeking holidaymakers come to relax. Ideal for families, this beach town treats guests to miles of golden sand, a variety of family activities and lively nightlife. Leave the kids to explore the play areas while you perfect your tan, or take a break and enjoy a pizza lunch and an afternoon of shopping along Via Bafile. For a fun escape from the beach, don’t leave your holiday in Lido di Jesolo without braving the 42-metre Spacemaker ride at Aqualandia water park. 

Things to do

Just a short ferry ride from Venice, Lido di Jesolo offers a safe and charming base to soak up the Mediterranean sun. Children can enjoy Aqualandia water park and a variety of family-friendly activities, while adults take advantage of 10 miles of sandy beach. In the evenings, this pleasant town transforms into a popular party hub. Choose between late-night bars and cool beach chill-outs, or simply soak in the atmosphere on an evening stroll down Via Bafile avenue.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Amalfi | Ischia Porto | Florence | Lake Garda | Limone | Malcesine | Rome | Sant'Agnello | Sardinia | Sicily | Sorrento | Venetian Riviera | Venice

With traditional beach resorts and glorious nature all around you, it’s no surprise that Bulgaria holidays are becoming more popular. This wonderful country has beach holidays for all tastes, tons of water sports, and some incredible scenery to explore. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an escape for the whole family, we’ve got lots of holidays in Bulgaria that’ll suit you.

Where is Bulgaria?

With Turkey and Greece to the south, Bulgaria is on the easternmost edge of Europe. It’s coastline is edged by the Black Sea with Romania directly to the north. This coast has miles and miles of beautiful golden beaches.

Bulgaria may be new as a tourist destination, this beautiful country actually sits at a crossroads of Ancient European culture, and is a real hidden gem that you should seriously look at if you love something a little different from the usual ‘tourist hot spots’.

So perfect is Bulgaria’s position in south-eastern Europe that it’s the site of many historic trade routes, and the coastal city of Varna was an exceptionally important trading port. This rich history gives Bulgaria much of its deep and fascinating culture.

Thanks to the sunny beaches in the east and the high mountains in the west, Bulgaria has the ideal geography for beach holidays as well as snowy winter escapes, making it an all-year-round destination. From snowshoeing and skiing in Bankso to sunbathing and swimming on the Black Sea, Bulgaria sits in a part of Europe that is undeniably magical and a fabulous destination for a holiday, winter or summer.

Things to do

There are so many things to do here, many first time visitors will wonder why they’ve never thought of visiting this amazing destination before! With water sports, sunbathing and luxury resorts on the Black Sea coast - this is destination you definitely need to add to your list of must-see places.

You’ll find rich and varied history here with ancient artefacts, sprawling medieval cities, and remote churches. You can easily have a perfect family holiday in Bulgaria, with a blend of warm sandy beaches and touring the cobbled seaside historic towns of Nessebar and Sozopol. 

Explore the beautiful Bulgarian landscape

If you love spending your holidays getting back to nature, there are all kinds of landscapes to explore in Bulgaria. Take a trip through the countryside, through wild woodlands and quaint villages, or put on your hiking boots and go trekking in the vast mountain ranges.

Along the coast, the golden sands give way to the waters of the Black Sea for the ultimate in beachside relaxation. The coastline here is rugged and beautiful with cliffs and fields giving way to long, uninterrupted beaches. There are plenty of watersports on offer at Sunny Beach, so hop on a boat trip and see the coast from the water. Children will love a visit to a waterpark, and parents can grab a cocktail and lie back in the sunshine while the little ones have fun.

During the winter months, the ski resorts in Bansko come to life as powder descends on the quaint cobbled village. The slopes are forested, with snow resting heavily on the branches of the pine trees all winter long, creating a picture-perfect winter wonderland.

Bulgaria’s astounding history

Steeped in ancient history, Bulgaria has some fascinating historic sites to explore. From traditional monasteries to Byzantine churches, you’ll uncover stunning architecture at every turn. At Beglik Tash, you can get up close to the mystical rocks at the ‘Bulgarian Stonehenge’.

After exploring the ruins of Bulgaria’s bygone eras, head back to the towns and cities to browse modern shopping centres, eat at family-run restaurants, and catch a glimpse of traditional folk festivals. In capital Varna, don’t miss a trip to the cathedral, where you’ll be greeted by a huge Orthodox building topped with dazzling golden domes.

Embrace the local cuisine

Your holiday to Bulgaria wouldn’t be complete without tucking into the delicious local food. Inspired by its Greek and Turkish neighbours, traditional dishes are a wonderful fusion of Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean flavours.

For lovers of a great mixed grill, try Meshana Skara with its delicious meat skewers and classic kyufte (meatballs). Moussaka is another firm favourite in Bulgaria, especially with a dollop of Bulgarian yoghurt on the side. With cheese pastries, Bulgarian Sirene cheese and spicy cured sausage, the food in Bulgaria will tickle your tastebuds and introduce you to some new and exciting flavours.

Places to stay

With its miles of golden sands and variety of bars and hotels, Sunny Beach certainly lives up to its name; this huge resort has everything from waterparks for the kids, to all-night clubbing for party-loving adults, and a fabulous beach for soaking up the warm rays. From here, it’s easy to explore the rest of the Black Sea coast, including the peaceful resort of Duni, to the cultural cities of Burgas and Varna.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Bansko | Borovets | Duni | Golden Sands Resort | Nessebar | Sunny Beach Resort

Whether you want to relax on a sun-bleached beach, explore modern cities, watch the world go by from a harbour-side café or get to grips with some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery, Croatia holidays are packed with amazing experiences. 

Families who want to enjoy some time together will find plenty to see and do, from river-kayaking in the mountains of Gorski Kotar to exploring cascading waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes. Couples can step back in time and visit the palatial Roman ruins of Split, the medieval cathedral of Sibenik or sit in a sleepy bar and enjoy homemade rakia. With so much to see and do, holidays to Croatia are whatever you want them to be.

There is nothing like Croatia's pristine islands adorned with fragrant pines and shingle beaches. Go island-hopping to Brac where you’ll enjoy turquoise waters and a shape-shifting beach of white pebbles at Zlatni Rat. Wild and windswept, with ancient villages dotted around the coast, Brac island is the perfect getaway for beach lovers and outdoorsy families.

Holidays to Croatia are just as varied as its many gorgeous landscapes. In the northwest region of Istria, close to Italy, is the compact city of Rovinj. Here holidaymakers are greeted with charming cobbled streets, pastel-coloured townhouses, and a vibrant foodie scene. An alfresco meal in the old town promises to be one of the most memorable moments of your trip. 

When you’ve had your share of sun lounging on islands, hop on a boat to the historic city of Dubrovnik, located south of the country. Dubrovnik is no doubt Croatia's most impressive city, and it's no wonder it's known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic”. Not only does this UNESCO-protected town host a lively summer festival, but it is also home to some of the best-preserved ancient city walls in the world. During any other time of year, just strolling through the old town and admiring its medieval architecture is a delight.

Travel back in time

Around 229BC, Romans crossed the Adriatic and took control. Today, their influence can be seen almost everywhere you go. Roman architecture, buildings and artefacts are some of the most popular attractions in Croatia and an absolute must for anyone with an interest in history. Head to the city of Split to see Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Over 2,000 years old, it still cuts an imposing figure and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Cathedral of St Domnius is conveniently close and gives a fascinating insight into early Roman beliefs. Pula is home to a huge Roman amphitheatre, which seats over 20,000 people and is still used today.

Explore ancient history 

With such a rich history and spectacular countryside, it should come as no surprise that Croatia has acted as the backdrop to an impressive list of films and TV shows. Most recently, Dubrovnik has doubled as King’s Landing in the TV series Game of Thrones, while sci-fi fans might recognise parts of it from the Star Wars franchise. Croatia also has its share of unusual and totally unique attractions.

Zadar is home to 'The Greeting to the Sun', an interactive art installation: a giant, circular arrangement of solar panels that soak up the sunshine by day, turning the energy stored into a mesmerising light show by night. The main attraction has to be the underground sea organ, which uses the motion of the waves to create a range of eerie and soothing sounds.

What should I pack?

What you pack for your trip will depend largely on which part of Croatia you’re visiting, so it’s a great idea to check the weather forecast before you set off. If you’re heading here for a beach break in the summer months, don’t forget to pack plenty of sun cream, a hat and a cover-up for the beach, as the sun can be pretty fierce.

If you’re planning a trip to Croatia in the winter, you’ll need cosy layers, comfortable shoes and a warm, waterproof jacket, as well as winter accessories such as a hat and gloves to ensure you don’t feel the cold when the temperature drops.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Brac Island | Dalmatian Coast | Dubrovnik | Hvar | Korcula | Makarska | Rovinj | Split | Zadar | Zagreb

What’s Malta like for a holiday? Well, this Mediterranean island may be small, but you can expect your holiday to Malta to be jam-packed. From beautiful beaches and historic sights to cosmopolitan harbour towns and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone, making it a real hidden gem.

Things to do
Malta’s rich history means it has a culture all of its own, and you’re going to want to experience as much of it as you can. Do as the locals do and snack on pea or ricotta pastizzi (savoury pastries), tuck into fenkata (rabbit stew), and drink a splash of the prickly pear liqueur, Bajtra. Book your holidays to Malta in summer and you could find yourself at one of the island’s lively festa street parties or letting your hair down at a music festival, such as Annie Mac’s Lost & Found. Don’t miss the chance to see a Maltese marching band, too – just one of this characterful island’s distinctive quirks.

Places to stay

You’ll find the island’s longest sand spot at Mellieha Bay, on the northern coast. And the db Seabank Resort & Spa places you just a flip-flop’s throw from its Mediterranean waters. While Golden Bay hugs the northwestern side of the island, hiding away some of Malta’s top toe-sinking beaches. 

Over to the southeast, the large, buzzing resorts of Qawra and Bugibba are tucked side-by-side in St Paul’s Bay. Here you’ll find the perfect combo of chic city setups and All Inclusive delights. And the db San Antonio Hotel & Spa is one of them! From its glitzy pool scene to its seven restaurants and four fancy bars! 

Or, surround yourself with historic culture in Malta’s small but elegant capital, Valletta: it’s filled with narrow streets and bordered by dramatic fortifications. The rocky shores north of the capital are home to the classy resorts of Sliema and St Julian’s. And for a taste of rural peace, book your holiday to Gozo, Malta’s little sister island.

More travel guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including, including: Bugibba | Qawra | Sliema | St Julian's | St Paul's Bay | Valetta

Thought to have the best wine, food and art, France holidays are all about indulgence. Hit its iconic capital Paris for a dose of romance and spend your days strolling down tree-lined avenues and dining in cosy bistros. While the glamorous towns belonging to the French Riviera are adored for their coastal beauty and warm summers. And winter here is just as popular! The high-altitude thrills are endless in the Alps. Lined with snow-covered resorts, you’ve got access to some of the world’s best slopes.

Things to do

There is so much to look forward to in France. Paris alone has a tonne of attractions, from iconic cabaret shows to impressive architecture and, of course, who could forget the beautiful Eiffel Tower. The almighty Louvre is a landmark in itself. Not to mention it’s home to the most famous painting in the world Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. And that’s before we even get to Disneyland Paris, where kids will love posing for photos in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Over in its trendy French Riviera resorts, you won’t be short of sunbathing spots. Once ruled by Italy, Nice isn’t just known for its amazing weather, it also makes the most mouth-watering traditional gelato. Once a fishing village, St Tropez is just as popular with a host of famous faces among its crowd of visitors. And the same can be said for Cannes, which rolls out its red carpet every May for its glitzy film festival.

History buffs may prefer visits to Normandy, whose coastline is home to the D-Day landing beaches. Find German bunkers lying forgotten on the sand and a museum featuring an original bomber plane. While the UNESCO-listed Mont Saint-Michel could easily give the Eiffel Tower a run for its money with the number of visitors it gets each year. Over in the French Alps, you’ll find winter sports galore not to mention some of the best runs in Europe at Chamonix! Found at the foot of Mont Blanc, the country’s highest peak, the scenery is spectacular too.

Places to stay

If you’ve come to France for some sightseeing, Paris is just the spot! It may be worth staying close to the centre so you can tick off its biggest attractions, especially if you’re only there for a weekend. Families looking to spend the majority of their holiday in Disneyland Paris may prefer a hotel in Marne-la-Valle, which is around a 20-minute drive from the park.

If laid-back beach days sipping cocktails are more your style, the sun-drenched resorts along the French Riviera won’t disappoint. Michelin-starred cuisine, luxury boutiques and yacht-lined harbours are just some of the elite offerings.

France also has plenty of rural corners in and around its Bordeaux wine region where you’ll find local farmers’ markets, châteaus surrounded by vast countryside and bottles of red produced in some of the world’s oldest fine-wine vineyards.

Those planning on travelling to the Alps in winter have a wide range of resorts to choose from like Val d'Isere, where you’ll find slopes for all abilities. You’ve also got La Plagne which is great for families with its gentle descents, while its neighbour Les Arcs’ lengthy black runs are challenging, even for the most advanced skiers. 

What should I pack?

What you will need to pack all depends on which part of France you are travelling to and when. In terms of clothing the weather will vary from place to place. The north is known for its showers, so a light raincoat will suffice. But come winter you’ll need to wrap up warm with chilly days and near-freezing temperatures at night.

Those heading to the warmer south should carry essentials such as sun cream, sunglasses and a towel. Planning on cramming in plenty of sightseeing? Comfy shoes are a must - it’s not fun trying to tackle a big city with blisters on your feet. A secure bag for you valuables is vital too.

As for its chilly mountain regions, you’ll need plenty of thermals. Ski-proof shoes and trousers are also essential so you can take on the slopes without getting too wet. Not forgetting a warm hat and clothes.