Travel
- By Air, Sea Or Land: Must-see Cities For Your Bucket List
We all have different interests and ideas about which places in the world we like to visit before we depart, but there are a certain number of cities for example, which end up on numerous bucket lists. You might even get to visit some of the places using...
- 5 Hidden Gems Of Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world and is famous for its rich culture, vibrant cities and stunning scenery. Most people start their trip to Russia in the capital city of Moscow before taking road trips to discover and wide range of other destinations....
- The Top 5 Summer Holiday Destinations
It’s not too late to book a last minute summer holiday, and if you do some research beforehand you could find a real bargain as the season winds down. So if you’ve been mulling over whether to get on a plane and get away from it all, we’ve found...
- London Declared European Capital Of Shopping
Covent Garden, London Like London wasn't getting enough attention already with the up coming Golden Jubilee of the Queen and the Olympic Games, now it's been also named Europe's top shopping destination. London beat off stiff competitors like Madrid, Barcelona, Paris...
- The Attractions Of A Danube Cruise Holiday
Covering nearly 1800 miles through central Europe, the Danube River encompasses 10 countries and 16 cities, stretching from the picturesque Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea off the coast of Romania. If your ideal cruise is one that includes...
Travel
The Beautiful Second Cities of Europe
Consider a European holiday, and tourist favourites Rome, Paris, London and Madrid spring immediately to mind. But Europe is so much more than the sum of its capital cities: there are stunning second cities to explore that offer just as much, and in some cases more, that their world-famous counterparts.
Naples
The home of the pizza and some of the world’s best loved opera houses, Naples is the largest city in southern Italy – located on the stunning Bay of Naples. Rome may be Italy’s centre of religion and art and Milan the centre of fashion, but Naples is the very heart of the country and Italian spirit.
Mount Vesuvius offers incredible views throughout Naples, set just over five miles east of the city centre. The stratovolcano is one of the most famous volcanoes in Earth’s history, noted for its eruption leading to the destruction and burying of the ancients cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to the proximity to a large population of people – Mount Vesuvius last erupted in 1944.
Approaching from sea is perhaps the most beautiful way to travel to Naples, taking in the Bay and Mount Vesuvius in one glance. Cruise specialist travel agent, Cruise 1st, offers a selection of Mediterranean cruises which takes in Naples amongst other European cities.
Manchester
In England there is a London-centric saying: “It’s grim up North” decrying the northern cities of Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield amongst others. However, as the overpopulation of London continues, more businesses, organisations, professionals and artists are moving to Manchester. In 2004, the BBC announced plans to move the majority of operations from London up to the northern cities.
The city is growingly awash with culture, playing host to one of Europe’s largest libraries, the Halle orchestra and dozens of museums.
The vibrant city of Manchester has long attracted musicians with the thriving live music scene. World famous groups including Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division, Happy Mondays, New Order and The Stone Roses all came together in Manchester with Ian Brown of the latter stating: “Manchester has everything except a beach”.
Architecture fans will adore the city, with buildings within the limits demonstrating Palazzo, Neo-Gothic, Venetian Gothic, Edwardian Baroque, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Neo-Classical styles.
Geneva
Despite being only the second most populous city in Switzerland (behind capital Zurich), Geneva is recognised as the world’s ‘Peace Capital’. Home of the Red Cross and the United Nations, the city has been ranked as having the third highest quality of life in the world.
Visitors will have plenty to explore with 82 buildings or sites listed in the Swiss heritage site of national significance compilation.
Geneva is home to Switzerland’s largest historical city, overlooked by St. Peter’s Cathedral. With a history dating back to the 8th century, history fans will find plenty to explore and enjoy searching around the cathedral and historical city.
Thessaloniki
The second city of Greece, Thessaloniki, is widely considered to be the superior visitor destination on the Greek mainland. National Geographic magazine has voted the city to be one of the world’s top tourist destinations and Financial Times have declared the city to be the best mid-sized European city of the future.
Located on the sea off the Thermaikos Gulf, the city combines modern cosmopolitan amenities with traditional historical charm.
The 5th century churches of Acheiropoietos and 3rd century ancient forum are certain to keep history buffs interested whilst the city’s plethora of restaurants and bars produce and incredible night life for locals and visitors alike.
Photos by Bryce Eduards and Dimitry B. via Flickr Creative Commons
- By Air, Sea Or Land: Must-see Cities For Your Bucket List
We all have different interests and ideas about which places in the world we like to visit before we depart, but there are a certain number of cities for example, which end up on numerous bucket lists. You might even get to visit some of the places using...
- 5 Hidden Gems Of Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world and is famous for its rich culture, vibrant cities and stunning scenery. Most people start their trip to Russia in the capital city of Moscow before taking road trips to discover and wide range of other destinations....
- The Top 5 Summer Holiday Destinations
It’s not too late to book a last minute summer holiday, and if you do some research beforehand you could find a real bargain as the season winds down. So if you’ve been mulling over whether to get on a plane and get away from it all, we’ve found...
- London Declared European Capital Of Shopping
Covent Garden, London Like London wasn't getting enough attention already with the up coming Golden Jubilee of the Queen and the Olympic Games, now it's been also named Europe's top shopping destination. London beat off stiff competitors like Madrid, Barcelona, Paris...
- The Attractions Of A Danube Cruise Holiday
Covering nearly 1800 miles through central Europe, the Danube River encompasses 10 countries and 16 cities, stretching from the picturesque Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea off the coast of Romania. If your ideal cruise is one that includes...