From rustic Swiss ski chalets to romantic French villas, here are five weekend getaways to relieve stress and rejuvenate your senses:

Note: All travel times are from London, UK. This includes time for airport transfer, security checks, etc. Approximate price includes hotel, round trip flight tickets, and food for one person.

Bruges, Belgium by Wolfgang Staudt

1. Bruges, Belgium

Approximate Travel Time: Less than 3 hours
Approximate Price: £300 per person

Bruges, the fairytale-like medieval town in the Northern part of Belgium, has recently become a major tourist hub, thanks to movies like ‘In Bruges’. And rightfully so, for Bruges seems to have been frozen in time; cobblestone streets, mid-17th century houses, canals and Gothic churches abound everywhere. Sip a glass of authentic Belgian beer, stroll along the banks of the many canals, or watch the snow falling gently from the town’s many bridges for an experience straight from a fairytale. Few cities in the world are as romantic and picture-postcard perfect as Bruges.

You can get to Bruges from the Belgian capital of Brussels, which is just a very short flight away from London. Trains from Brussels to Bruges leave every half hour, the journey being just an hour long.

Morzine, Switzerland by alex.coles

2. Morzine, Switzerland

Approximate Travel Time: 3.5 hours
Approximate Price: £400

Nestled in the Alps, Morzine is the quintessential Swiss ski-town, located just 90kms from Geneva. Getting to Morzine is easy – direct transfer by car can be booked right at the airport. Some travel companies also run direct charter flights from London and Manchester.

Morzine is the kind of Swiss ski town that astounds you with its sheer beauty. Paranormic views of the Alps, snow capped peaks, rolling green hills, and a tree-lined horizon welcome you as soon as you step into the town.

The best way to experience Morzine is from behind the fireplace of an authentic Swiss ski chalet. VIP SKI specialise in luxury chalets and offer a selection of luxurious, romantic ski chalets nestled in the heart of Morzine with prices including a personal chef, flights, transfers and all the added extras.

Morzine is an excellent destination for a touch of skiing and romance, ideally, take a couple of days off work and hit the slopes for a long weekend; if you fly out on Thursday you can ski on Friday and Saturday, and be back home on Sunday. For a weekend getaway, there is no more romantic a destination than a ski lodge in Morzine.

Monte Carlo, Monaco by Herry Lawford

3. Monte Carlo, Monaco

Approximate Travel Time: 3 hours
Approximate Price: £500 per person

As cliche as it may be, Monte Carlo still remains one of the best places for a weekend getaway. Just a 2 hour flight away from London, Monte Carlo, often called the ‘playground of Europe’, has something to offer for everyone: romantic cityscapes for couples, gambling and sports for large groups, and fantastic dining options for gastronomes.

Hire a bike and pedal down the Monaco-Ville, a medieval village nestled in the midst of Monaco’s urban sprawl. Visit one of the many exotic French gardens in the city (such as the Jardin Exotique), or get a taste of history at the Palais Princier and the Monaco Cathedral. Else, hop on board the tourist train, Azur Express to catch all of Monaco’s sights and sounds in one go.

Bath, Somerset, England, UK by Roland Turner

4. Bath, Somerset

Approximate Travel Time: 2.5 hours
Approximate Price: £400 per person

Instead of heading to the continent, why not try an English town teeming with history for your weekend getaway? Bath is an ancient city in Somerset with thousand year old Roman baths, stately Georgian mansions, and massive churches. One of England’s most well known pilgrim shrines, Bath has been one of Britain’s most popular tourist sites for centuries and is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Read Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey on the flight, catch a glimpse of ancient churches such as the Bath Abbey, see how life was lived under the Romans at the 2000 year old Roman Baths. Then, cross over into Great Pulteney Street and round up your visit with a trip to the Royal Crescent.

Florence, Italy by Chris Yunker

5. Florence, Italy

Approximate Travel Time: 3.5 hours
Approximate Price: £450 per person

The birthplace of Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli, Florence is one of the world’s cultural capitals, a city richer than any in artistic heritage. Often called the cradle of Renaissance, it is just a short flight away from London.

The best way to see Florence is by bike. Pedal through the city’s many museums, including the Galleria degli Uffizi, which includes several artworks by the city’s first citizens, including Botticelli, da Vinci and Michaelangelo. Stop at Pitti Palacce and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, before halting at Bargello, which is known for its sculpture exhibits.

Next, head to the old town centre and see the Santa Maria del Flore, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Santa Croce church to round up a romantic, beautiful weekend getaway.

This post is brought to you by VIP SKI, the specialists in luxury ski chalets with a collection of luxurious catered chalets throughout the Alps.

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St-Jacques’s Path, Midi-Pyrenees

There are four paths leading pilgrims to St. Jacques de Compostelle, through southern France and northern Spain. Rumor has it that the most beautiful is the via Podensis, in the Pyrenees. Starting from the medieval town of Figeac, the walk will take you through fields of safran, among herds of goats and sheep, and you will come across many interesting monuments along the way.

St-Jacques’s Path, France by Hk kng

The calanques, Bouches-du-Rhône

Situated between Marseille and Cassis, in southern France, the calanques are steep and uneven limestone formations, which bright pale color contrasts beautifully with the deep blue Mediterranean sea. The panorama is spectacular. Piece of advice: do not forget to bring sufficient amount of water since the heat can get intense and there is no fresh water available anywhere in the calanques. Preferably, choose to go there off-season, between March and May. The temperature will be fresher, and you’ll avoid most of the calanques’ annual 2 million visitors.

Sentier des muletiers, Puy de Dôme, Auvergne

Highest point of the Chaîne des Puys, a chain of extinguished volcanos in Auvergne, center of France, the Puy de Dome used to be an important place of worship in the Roman empire. You can hike up to the top using the historic sentiers des muletiers, the ancient path that once conducted worshipers to the temple of Jupiter, which ruins are still existing on the summit. The sentier des muletiers is a fairly easy hike that can be achieved within an afternoon, back and forth. The view from the summit is amazing; but brace yourself for crowds of tourists. The Puy de Dome is one of the most visited spots of France, which is the most popular destination of the world. So do not expect to be alone up there!

Mont Dore, Chaine des Puys, Auvergne, France by Sébastien Bertrand

While you are in Auvergne, seize the occasion to explore the surrounding Chaine des Puys. There are countless mountains hiking tracks, all more beautiful than one another: breathtaking panoramic views, waterfalls, pristine lakes, etc. It is well worth it.

Contentin Peninsula, Normandy

With over 436 km in total, the path that takes you around the Cotentin Peninsula, in Normandy, would take over 20 days to be walked completely. But you can easily choose to walk short sections of the path. The landscapes are splendid, the air is fresh, the view, panoramic, arouses an incomparable feeling of freedom and peace.

About the author:

Mireille Mayrand-Fiset is a travel, music and theater enthusiast. She writes for the stage and television, and is working as a freelance blogger for Tourism Montreal, which provides all kind of information to plan your trip in Montreal. You can find more information here.

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Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), Romania by Florin73m

Transylvania is a wild corner of Europe where untamed forest meets the mountains, forming jagged ridges in the sky. There are a number of impressive mountain ranges in Transylvania including the Făgăraș, Bucegi and the Carpathians. Ensure that you spend at least 8 full days exploring each of these stunning regions. Start off your magnificent European tour with a visit to the medieval town of Brasov.

Brasov is a gorgeous village in central Romania, enveloped by the Carpathian Mountains. There are a range of summer and winter activities for tourists to enjoy including skiing and snowboarding in the resorts during winter as well as swimming at the Aquatic Paradise, roller skating and climbing in the summer. But for those with a wild appreciation for natural beauty, Brasov’s surrounding Prahova Valley is definitely worth the visit. The Valley separates the Eastern Carpathians from the Southern Carpathians and was historically, a passage that led from the principality of Wallachia to Transylvania. You may take a day hike up the Carpathian Mountains and visit the spectacular Seven Stairs Canyon.

Turda Gorges, Romania by Cristian Bortes

Dracula’s Castle

Your exploration of Romania is not complete without a visit to Bran, home of Castle Dracula. The majestic Bran Castle is one of the nation’s most popular landmarks, it was built during the medieval period and is now a museum displaying artefacts collected by Queen Marie. It is speculated that the real Castle Dracula is now in ruins, but Vlad Tepes (The Impaler) used Bran Castle as the headquarters for most of his invasions in Transylvania.

Moldoveanu Peak

Hike to the very top of Romania – look down at the magnificent escarpment below atop Moldoveanu Peak. At 2544m, it is the highest point on the Făgăraș mountain range. You may climb the mountain at any time of the year, but be on the lookout for avalanche warnings during the winter. It can take up to four days to hike the Făgăraș Mountains, with no restrictions on camping but make sure you take with you plenty of food, water and sunscreen as there is very little shade on the mountain. The journey begins at the beautiful glacial Bâlea Lake and you can get there by car. Start your hike early in the morning to ensure you make the most of the daylight.

Pietrosu Mare, Romania by Gavrila Stetco

Accommodation

Book yourself a European tour package with accommodation included. Many deals offer cheap and comfortable accommodation options such as cosy guesthouses or lodges. Some packages even include most meals – but make sure you pack a few sandwiches, some snacks and plenty of water if you’re planning to camp out on the mountains, as there are no dining facilities once you leave the townships.

The countryside of Romania is a gorgeous, often forgotten part of Eastern Europe that is easily one of the most naturally beautiful locations in the world. For those who can’t resist a long hike up majestic mountains and a good social gathering at the pub afterwards, Romania is the perfect holiday escape.

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Megeve, France by Leo-setä

Perhaps a beautiful wooden chalet in a rustic alpine hamlet nestled in a picturesque snowy valley is what you are looking for? Unfortunately the most rustic and charming ski resorts are becoming harder to find. They have either given in to the pressures of commercial skiing and grown to become larger ski resorts, struggling to hold on to the idyllic image that once made them popular, or they have rejected this path all together. In the latter scenario this means you are unlikely to be able to get much more than a token bit of skiing in, or won’t see another person all week.

So, which ski resorts  have managed to combine that ‘chocolate box’ scenery with good lift access to quality ski areas, and a fun atmosphere?

Megeve, France

Back in the 1920s, this medieval town became perhaps one of Frances first purpose built ski resorts. Thankfully they had more of an eye for picturesque detail than they did the in the 60s and 70s, so the centre of town really is reminiscent of a fairytale winter destination. The ski area is large, varied and uncrowded, though the lifts system is a little tired in places.

Grand Bornand, France

This historic farming town, also one of the closest ski resorts to Geneva, is amazingly still something of a hidden gem. The classic cobbled town square is the perfect place to grab a sunny coffee and take in the stunning views of the Aravis mountains rising above the eye catching church spire. When you get up onto the mountain things don’t change. The mountain restaurants are all beautiful old farmhouses, and the skiing, on all sides of one main peak, has plenty to keep you entertained for a few days at least.

Grand Bornand, France by Michael McKechnie

Canazei, Italy

This charming village of cobbled streets and traditional buildings is set against the jaw dropping backdrop of the Dolomites. The resort is well linked with the mighty Sella Ronda network of over 433km of pistes, which is the ideal location for those who want to clock up some miles, before settling back and enjoying Italian mountain scenery at it’s best.

Saas Fee, Switzerland

Is Saas Fee one of those resorts that ticks all the boxes? Undeniably it has the mountain charm factor, with it’s car free village centre, good restaurants, family atmosphere and dramatic surroundings. It also has the snow sure factor – most of the 100km of skiing is between 2500 and 3500m. Perhaps the only downside is the limited expert terrain. If you have skied it all, it isn’t far to get to Saas Grund and even Zermatt (which nearly made this list).

Murren, Switzerland by BigJimInDC

Murren, Switzerland

Car free Murren is part of the Jungfrau ski area which includes the slightly better known resorts of Wengen and Grindelwald. Despite having limited nightlife and only a small amount of skiing directly linked to this town, it simply had to make the cut. When you have taken the cable car from town to the Schiltorn, or are looking out across the valley to the most famous of peaks, the Eiger, you will certainly agree.

Alex works for SkiWeekender.com, who specialise in short ski breaks in charming villages of Grand Bornand, La Clusaz and Samoens in the French Alps.

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Normally, Roman archaeological sites can be classified under the rather boring description of “a series of small walls”.  It’s true that kids have remarkable imaginations but some ruins defy anything more imaginative than jumping on to them and then off again.  For no real good reason this is normally strictly prohibited on archaeological sites.  Manchester’s Roman Fort has, however, been so mangled by the placing of one of Britain’s foremost industrial cities on the top of it, that a different and very refreshing approach has been taken to its ancient built heritage. They’ve rebuilt sections, including a full scale gatehouse.  Even if the kid’s imaginations don’t need much stoking, yours might, and Mamucium is one Roman ruin that is well worth a visit.

Manchester Cathedral / Pimlico Badger

Cotton Buds

Like any city Manchester’s history is encapsulated in its architecture.  Manchester and industry are inextricably linked and the city’s earliest industrial origins were in the mid to late 16th century.  The cotton trade helped turn the medieval town into one of the most important cities in the British Isles.  Humphrey Chetham, a cotton trader and manufacturer in the 16th century is responsible for helping to establish the trade and the Chetham’s Library was built by with some of the proceeds.  Like all good northern industrialists he wasn’t afraid to indulge in a little philanthropy, and the resulting library is something of a surprise amidst Manchester’s mostly modern architecture.

Monuments, Massacres and Modernity

There’s not much in the way of monuments specifically dedicated to the lower orders of this land who built the country’s wealth and empire.  However, if there was ever a fitting candidate for the role it would be found in Manchester’s industrial architecture of the 19th century.  This history is not all dark satanic mills, but includes such ‘monuments’ as the Free Trade Hall.  Built on the site of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre, the Hall was constructed by public donation to celebrate the repeal of the Corn Laws.  The massacre was designed to discourage the plebs from demanding the vote and the Laws were designed to keep them hungry.  The Free Trade Hall was badly damaged during the Manchester Blitz but the façade remains intact; if there was ever a site that encapsulates the struggle and resilience of the bottom 95 per cent of the population, it’s probably this one, and Manchester is the city to host it.

Radical Capitalism

Despite being the home of many a radical, left wing movement, Manchester has remained a city of industry, innovation and originality.  It has, in its time, managed to combine rampant socialism and rampant capitalism at one and the same time.  Today, it continues to exist as a vibrant modern city of culture, politics and innovation.  Steadfastly refusing to be outdone by newcomers to the idea of architectural innovation (London) and is not afraid to express itself in modern design. A visit to the Imperial War Museum, Urbis or the Beetham Tower, will give your Shards and Gherkins a run for their money.  When it comes to school trips Manchester style, the city’s built heritage offers an insight into everything from Roman Britain to the best of modern architecture.  History, industry and revolutions of various kinds have all made their mark on Manchester’s identity.

Carlo Rossi is a freelance writer based in Manchester and blogs about parenting, entertainment and travel covering everything from LEGOLAND Discovery Center school trips to contemporary architecture tours. When he’s not online or cycling around town, you can’t get him out of the kitchen for his love of food.

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Canals of Ljubljana, Slovenia / xiquinhosilva

Slovenia

Travellers may start their Eastern Europe adventure by visiting this small country situated east of Italy. Caravan enthusiasts often venture to Ljubljana, which has an excellent caravan resort that many campers use as base camp. The fully equipped facility not only has all of the basic amenities, but additionally offers car hire services, a fitness centre, complete with sauna, and wireless internet. The river flows through the medieval town centre filled with Baroque styled architecture and fountains. Take a charter boat ride, canoe or kayak down the picturesque river while enjoying the scenery. During the first century, the Romans inhabited the area and visitors have the opportunity of stepping back in time at the City Museum and exploring life in the ancient city of Emona.

Take a day trip down the highway for 46.5 km (29 miles) and visit the scenic community of Bled, located near the spectacular Julian Alps. The community also has camp sites for those desiring a longer stay. Take a horse and carriage ride around the deep blue glacial lake or up to Bled castle. Visitors enjoy free swimming on the island side of the lake. Gaze in awe at the green forest covered hills and mountains of the area. At Vintgar Gorge, guests journey a wooden bridge path that leads to beautiful pools, rapids and waterfalls.
Visitors enjoy another interesting day trip by travelling 55km (35 miles) from Ljubljana to Predjama. Of all the castles in the country, Predjama may be the most interesting. In the late 1200s, the Luegar family resided here in the Postojna Cave system and built a magnificent fortress extending out from the cave and into the side of the mountain. Learn the legend of the knight known as Erazem who lived a Robin Hood like lifestyle until succumbing to his enemies. The castle offers tours of the fortress and cave system while providing commanding views over the countryside.

Budapest, Hungary / Marco Aurelio Martins Costa

Hungary

From Slovenia, travellers may follow the highway north to Hungary. The vast Lake Balaton offers the perfect location for a base camp. A four star camp resort offers numerous amenities in addition to the 50km lake that provides the perfect location for swimming or other water sports. Located in the city of Sunshine, the campsite is only 7km (4 miles) from Budapest and within two hour’s drive from other amazing sites.

The capital city of Budapest contains numerous beautiful buildings that include the St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in the city. Enjoy the amazing architecture and artefacts then climb the lookout tower for an amazing view of the city. Hero’s square contains many different places to visit including the Scechenyi baths, the Budapest Zoo and City Park.

Drive just 69km (43 miles) from Budapest and see Holloko Village, which is one of the country’s World Heritage Sites. This small medieval village, developed during the 1400s, features many of the original buildings. The location also has a number of cultural museums, dedicated to dolls, the post office and the history of Holloko. Residents also display century’s old crafts that include weaving.

Just 91km (57 miles) from Budapest, visitors find the town of Villany, one of Hungary’s important winemaking regions. The community lies nestled in a valley surrounded by the Baranya Hills on one side and the Villany Mountains on another. Here guests have the opportunity of touring the facilities and vineyards of winemaking locations.

Eastern Europe is sometimes a forgotten destination, but is well worth the trip, to explore and enjoy.

This mini-travel guide is brought to you by Caravan Club – who offer travel advice and caravanning news for caravan enthusiasts. If you are planning a trip, check out their caravan sites on www.caravanclub.co.uk.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by phileole

Nice

The capital of the French Riviera Nice is the fifth largest city in France and one of the most exciting places to spend a summer on the Riviera. The city became a popular tourist destination in the 19th century thanks largely to an influx of British traveller’s seeking the warm Mediterranean sun. The beach may be largely pebbled but the city is beautiful. The Promenade des Anglais is one of the most famous sights and provides a beautiful beach side walk. The Orthodox Cathedral is well worth a visit and the medieval town centre is the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Here you can find the remnants of the old Chateau and a rambling collection of narrow alleys and beautiful ochre houses. In terms of places to stay apartments in Nice provide you with a real sense of luxury but the many five star hotels are equally impressive and elegant.

Cannes

Cannes is famous as a millionaires playground and is one of the most outwardly extravagant destinations on the Med. The May international film festival is perhaps the most famous draw for the rich and famous and tourists more generally but the town has a rich warm atmosphere throughout the year. The seafront promenade and La Croisette and the Vieux Porte around the bay are a fantastic place to while away your afternoon’s while Le Suquet which forms the central part of the old town is a fantastic series of rambling streets and medieval buildings as well as the impressive 11th century castle. Nearby you can access the popular Iles des Lerins via a brief ferry ride and enjoy some fantastic beaches. In terms of staying here in France, villas are at their most luxurious and hotels aren’t far behind. Further inland you can find cheaper accommodation and numerous camping grounds.

St. Tropez

St. Tropez is one of the most laid back and stunning parts of the South French coast. It manages to retain village like charms despite being an incredibly popular destination. The port and surrounding streets are messy in an ever endearing way and the beautiful buildings and very traditional French culture mean that St. Tropez is one of the best destinations in France all year round. The 11th century citadel with its museum is perhaps the most interesting sight but the views are the most impressive thing about it. The town hall is fairly impressive but really the culture is the most interesting and exciting thing about visiting this town. The real pleasures for many though are the beaches with St. Tropez being in close proximity to some of the region’s most beautiful and popular beaches. In particular Les Graniers and the beaches on Baie des Canoubiers are particularly impressive.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by giovanna.alborino

In these beautiful Italian coast you can spend a day or a week. It is only up to you how much you want to learn about this place. If you plan to do the trip to Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park during your holidays in Italy, just get in the car and go. Probably the easiest way how you could get here, is flying to Napoli, then continue by bus or train. The park is located just 100km from Napoli. The park is easily accessible on foot, but do not forget to take the proper shoes with you.

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Gateway to the National Park is an ancient town of Agropoli. Its historic centre, built at the top of a rock outcropping, dominates the whole surroundings. In the medieval town of Castellabate you can relax in one of the nice port restaurants with a view of the mountain and further medieval villages.

The diverse landscape and culture of Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park remained almost unchanged until now. It is due to inaccessible mountains and uncomfortable roads, so the tourists could not get here. Thanks to this you can now see a national park in its original beauty. Coast is full of rocky cliffs and remote sandy beaches, dotted with medieval watchtowers, which are just proving the turbulent history. Massive rocks alternate with grassy plateaus, full of olive orchards and their grandeur will really amaze you. The area is also known as Dolomiti del Mezzogiorno (southern Italian Dolomites).

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by giulio nepi

In Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park you find kilometres of marked trails that take you through all the corners of the park. The dominant of the whole coast is a rocky cape Palinuro, a mythical place of Roman legends. The massif of the cape hides 35 different caves that you can visit with several diving centers. A few kilometres below you find the small town of Marina di Camerota, where you can enjoy Italian coffee with true Neapolitan cake, or you can go to the original Marina village, which lies high in the mountains. If you will still have some free time, you can go to the bay Infreschi or to the Gulf of Policastro.

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park has finally received a major award in 1998. It was declared a unique cultural monument and inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park between the sea and earth, definitely worth visiting.

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The village offers some fascinating 17th and 18th century churches, some of which contain ancient mural paintings and wood carvings. The churches in Arbanasi typically have strong, high walls, small windows and very strong oak doors studded with iron nails.

One of the earliest churches in Arbanasi is the ‘Nativity Church’ or the ‘Cathedral of Nativity’. Extensive studies have found that the church was built in three separate stages which presents some interesting structural characteristics. The main body of the church is divided into male and female sections and the whole building is decorated with murals. The Nativity Church is one of the oldest and best preserved churches not just in Arbanasi but across the whole of Bulgaria.

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The combination of geographical location, natural scenery and historical landmarks makes Veliko Tărnovo to be historically and architecturally one of the most important towns in Europe.

The first thing a visitor of Veliko Tărnovo will notice is the dominating feature of the city – a high rocky hill Carevec, surrounded by a massive medieval walls. The area is connected to the outside only by a narrow bridge and hide the ruins of Czar’s palaces and churches.

Steep slopes below the walls are several hundred meters deep. All the impressive scenery is completed with thousands of small houses from the 18th and 19th century, which, from the distance, look like they were built one above the other.

With a beautiful view of the city would be satisfied also the tourists who have no idea how many historical events took place in the context of European history.

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