Top 10 city adventures
From orange-filled streets and delicious tapas in Seville to long summer nights in Rio De Janeiro or the fabulous souks and boutique Riads of Marrakech, we selected vibrant city scenes to suit every taste.
Barcelona is a year round destination and with so much on offer, there is something for everyone. The wonderful Catalan welcome is very special from the start, as you amble through the pretty streets admiring the views and architecture before indulging in some shopping and exquisite gastronomy. There is also 5km of sandy beach to kick back and relax on. Stay at the Hotel Omm, which has a Michelin starred restaurant, a happening nightclub, cool hotel lobby bar and state of the art spa.
Described as the pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is a stunning city with imposing city walls surrounding marble streets and baroque buildings that are perfect for exploring. The main pedestrian street, Placa, has a multitude of cafés and shops with narrow cobbled streets branching off up the hillside. The city, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, is the perfect city break, effortlessly combining culture and nature. Stay at Villa Dubrovnik, a small, chic and stylish hideaway set amongst pine, orange and lemon trees with stunning views of the old town.
Florence is a city full of history and culture. With striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches, it’s a city that oozes luxurious elegance. Famous for its rich art history, it is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and also enjoys beautiful views of the Tuscan hills that are within easy access for walks amongst the olive groves. Stay at JK Place, the perfect base for exploring from, this tiny boutique hotel is elegant and very centrally located, between the Duomo and the train station.
Known for its highly spirited lifestyle and stunning location on a spectacular bay fringed by miles of golden sands, the vibrant oceanfront city of Rio de Janeiro is the perfect setting to go wild in the city. There is so much to see and do in this magical city, from exploring the artistic neighborhood of Santa Teresa, home to Portuguese colonial architecture, to visiting one of the largest football stadiums in the world at Maracana. Take a thrilling helicopter ride, stand beside the statue of Christ the Redeemer and take a cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain. Live music events, fascinating city guides, and exuberant local crowds are waiting for you in Rio.
Perfect for a weekend away as it’s only a 3.5 hour direct flight, Marrakech is one Morocco’s most well-known cities. Set at the foothills of the Atlas mountains, it is home to the country’s largest souq as well as the busiest square in Africa, filled with market stalls, acrobats and musicians. Stay at the Dar Zemora, a stunning boutique hotel in the heart of the Palmeraie just outside Marrakech, which has peaceful surroundings and service that is second to none.
Just 20km from Nice Airport, Monaco is right on the Mediterranean, tucked in between the French and Italian Rivieras and just in front of the Alpes Maritimes. Monte Carlo is home to the famous Formula One Grand Prix, the Grand Casino, streets of designer boutiques and upmarket eateries frequented by glamorous visitors. Explore the beautiful surrounding areas including medieval villages, Cannes and the perfume factories of Grasse. Stay at Hotel Metropole in the heart of Monaco, first opened in 1886, which mixes classic Belle époque architecture with modern touches.
Synonymous with American style, The Big Apple has a buzz unlike anywhere else in the world. Stroll through Central Park, shop in Soho, take in a show, sip a martini somewhere fabulous or visit Coney island. Situated on the exclusive Upper East Side of the city, stay at The Mark, a chic Parisian-style hotel on the corner of 77th Street and Madison Avenue, it’s the perfect base to explore the city that never sleeps.
Reykjavik may be the largest city in Iceland but it is also the smallest capital city in Europe, the atmosphere is more like that of a small and friendly town. Visitors will love its gourmet restaurants, shopping on Laugavegur, the city's main street, and the fantastic bustling nightlife. Lava fields, geysers, waterfalls and glaciers are only a short drive away, so Reykjavik is a great base for exploring the natural wonders of the south of the island. Stay at Hotel Borg, located in the heart of Reykjavik, it was reopened in 2006 having been restored to its former Art Deco glory and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Visit the beautiful Andalucian city of Seville, the artistic and cultural capital of southern Spain, where you can admire the architecture, visit the wealth of museums and explore the Alcázar. You can also eat delicious tapas and gaze over the cathedral from a rooftop bar while you sip Sangria. Stay at Las Casas del Rey de Baeza located in the heart of old Seville, with delicate and warm colors throughout the 41 rooms, this hotel embodies the history, hospitality, style and culture of Seville.