City Escapes
Alex Middleton explores a selection of overseas destinations to see what each can offer groups looking for a city break abroad.
With overseas travel cheaper and more convenient than ever before, international cities are now a realistic destination for a short group break.
Dublin
Just a few hours from mainland Britain by both sea and air, the Irish capital, Dublin, offers groups a wealth of attractions to discover.
For those looking to explore the city’s cultural life, the National Museum of Ireland has two Dublin sites; the Archaeology Museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts and History. Nearby are both the National Gallery of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. To learn about Dublin’s rich literary heritage, the lives of writers such as George Bernard Shaw are brought to life at the Dublin Writers Museum.
Dublin also presents groups with famous landmarks such as Dublin Castle, also housing the national Garda Police Museum. The lighter side of Irish life can be discovered on a guided tour of the Guinness Storehouse or you can try something stronger on a tour of the Old Jameson Distillery.
After a day’s exploring, your group could also reserve a table at one of the many restaurants in the city’s lively Temple Bar area.
Paris
With the opening of London’s St Pancras International reducing rail journey times to two hours and 15 minutes, the French capital is an easy-to-reach destination for groups wanting to enjoy a short break on the Continent.
The city houses some of the world’s leading museums and galleries such as the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay and the Centre Pompidou and is also home to many iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the basilica of Sacre Coeur. Whilst in Paris, a trip to the elaborate Palace of Versailles is also worthwhile.
For centuries, the city has been a mecca for shoppers. At the upper end of the scale, the elegant Galeries Lafayette remains one of Europe’s most chic retail destinations whilst you can also head to one of the bustling markets such as the open air art market at Place du Tertre near Sacre Coeur.
In the evenings, your group can explore the nightlife on the south bank of the Seine in the cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter, packed with cafes and restaurants. Other options include booking an evening dinner cruise on the Seine or tickets for a dinner and show at the legendary Moulin Rouge in Montmartre.
Barcelona
On Spain’s Mediterranean coast, your group will discover an eclectic mix of culture and nightlife in the Catalonian capital of Barcelona.
Housed in five connecting medieval palaces is the Barcelona Museum and you can also visit the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Museum of Art of Catalonia.
Around the city, your group will find other interesting sites such as the basilica of Sagrada Familia, begun by the architect Antoni Gaudi in 1886 and still under construction to this day. Gaudi also created Barcelona’s Park Guell, an architectural garden filled with often surreal sculpture. To experience more traditional Spanish architecture, you can take your group to the Spanish Village to see its collection of recreated and restored historic buildings.
The city’s waterfront area, regenerated for the 1992 Olympics, is now full of attractions including the Barcelona Aquarium. From the waterfront, your group can also ride the cable car running across the bay to the top of Montjuic.
In the evening, the waterfront area and the mile-long street, Las Ramblas, are both popular with diners. For a thoroughly Spanish evening, your group can head back to the Spanish Village to enjoy dinner and flamenco dancing.
Rome
A history stretching back millennia, timeless monuments, chic fashion and good food all combine in the Italian capital to offer your group a short break packed with variety.
For groups in search of culture, head to The Capitoline Museums or the National Museum of Rome. At the Colosseum, pre-booked groups are offered a complimentary audio tour and, nearby, you can also pre-book a guide to take you round the temples and ruins of the Roman Forum. To step inside an intact Roman temple, you can head to the nearby Pantheon.
For shopping, your group can explore the fashionable shopping district around the Spanish Steps. To dine out, meanwhile, you will find the area around Travestere full of small cafes and restaurants.
Although technically a separate state, Vatican City is located in the centre of Rome and entrance to the Vatican Museums includes a visit to the famous Sistine Chapel.
Prague
With fine Baroque, art nouveau and modernist architecture, the Czech capital of Prague offers your group an interesting range of options.
If your group is seeking culture, the National Museum looks at the city’s Renaissance hey-day amongst other subjects. The National Gallery, meanwhile, is housed in several buildings in the city centre or you can explore art nouveau works at the Mucha Museum.
Having once been the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, Prague is packed with historic sites for your group to enjoy. On the Old Town Square, you can visit both the medieval Tyn Cathedral and the Baroque St Nicholas Church. On the hill above the Old Town is Prague Castle, inside the walls of which you can also visit the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral. Walking the winding streets of the city centre, your group will come up against newer additions to the city such as the TV Tower.
Krakow
The ancient city of Krakow, the former Polish capital, offers plenty for your group to pack into a short break.
The city is home to 28 museums and public art galleries. Amongst these you will find the National Museum and the nearby Czartoryski Art Museum. To learn more about the history and culture of the city, you can head to one of the Historical Museum of Krakow’s seven sites.
In Krakow’s Old Town district, which is bordered on all sides by the elegant Planty Park, you will find many of the city’s most ancient buildings. Set around the Old Town’s imposing Market Square, you can visit the ornate 14th century Basilica of St Mary and the grand Drapers Hall.
On Wawel Hill, which overlooks the city, your group can find the 1,000 year-old Wawel Castle. A short walk from here, you can also visit the 16th century Wawel Cathedral, the former burial place of Polish monarchs.
Budapest
Before the two World Wars, the architecture and cafe society of the Hungarian capital was said to rival that of any in Europe. Your group can experience the remains of that glamour and the city’s new vibrancy for themselves.
Budapest is home to many fine museums and galleries including the Hungarian National Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. Your group can also head to the House of Terror Museum, which looks at Hungary’s former Fascist and Communist governments, or explore the large display of Soviet era monuments set around the city’s Statue Park.
Amongst the city’s historic sites, you can discover the neo-classical Buda Castle whilst overlooking the Danube, the Hungarian Parliament buildings were partly inspired by the Palace of Westminster and can be toured when Parliament is not in session.
The city offers groups a wealth of dining options but, for something a little glamourous, the elaborate New York Cafe will give your group a feel for the city’s turn of the century high life. Another option is to book a dinner cruise on the Danube.
Dubrovnik
In Dubrovnik, which is set on Croatia’s increasingly popular Adriatic coast, your group will discover an old town quarter, historic Renaissance architecture and small coastal islands easily accessible by boat.
As an ancient port, the city absorbed cultures from across the Mediterranean, with Venetian, Byzantine and Austrian influences seen in buildings such as the city’s 16th century Sponza Palace, the Rector’s Palace and the Baroque Cathedral. Other famous buildings and monuments include the giant 15th century Onofrio Fountain and a short walk from here, you will find the romanesque Franciscan Monastery.
On the city’s waterfront, meanwhile, your group can visit the Dubrovnik Sea Aquarium and you can also take a boat ride across to the island of Lakrum, now a nature reserve with a restaurant, visitors centre and Botanical Garden.
Bucharest
Once known as the Paris of Eastern Europe, the Romanian capital of Bucharest has been heavily restored since the days of communism.
Groups visiting the city will find that its many museums have been significantly renovated over the past decade. Institutes such as the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the Zambaccian Museum are home to works by artists such as Renoir and Matisse. To learn more about the countryside beyond Bucharest, you can head to the Museum of the Romanian Peasant or the Village Museum, which displays recreated buildings from across the country.
If your group is looking to find what remains of old Bucharest, the Lipscani district is filled with reminders of its past such as Manuc’s Inn, an old coaching inn operating since 1808, and Curtea Veche, the seat of Vlad the Impaler’s 15th century Princely Court.
The city also features the legacy of Ceausescu’s megelomaniac building schemes, including the Palace of the Parliament, believed to be the second largest building in the world.
Sarajevo
Situated in the Dinaric Alps, Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia Herzegovina, has for centuries marked the border between Europe and the former Ottoman Empire. This legacy now offers you an exciting mix of Eastern and Western culture.
Perhaps the best way for your group to appreciate the cultural mix of the city is to visit its historic places of worship. These range from the Orthodox Cathedral to the recently renovated 16th century Synagogue and the 500-year old Emperor’s Mosque.
Groups looking to explore the city’s markets will get a feel for the Middle Eastern influence at the Main Market Place, which has the atmosphere of a Turkish souk. Nearby, the Gazi Husref-Bey Covered Market and the city’s 16th century Domed Market Building were both also built under Ottoman rule in Moorish style.
To learn more about the city’s vibrant cultural life, your group can visit the National Museum of Bosnia Herzegovina or head to the city’s Bosniak Institute, which houses a collection of modern art in a 16th century Turkish bath house.
The surrounding Dinaric Alps also offer your group a number of options for excursions. Just outside the city you can find the magnificent Bijambaric Caves, as well as the natural springs at Vrelo Bosne and the 300-foot high Skakavac Falls.
Copenhagen
Romantic castles, royal palaces and a lively contemporary cultural scene all combine in the Danish capital of Copenhagen.
In the centre of the city is the Danish National Gallery whilst at the National Museum of Denmark you can learn more about the history of the Danes. Not far from here, the art gallery, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is also worth visiting.
Having been home to the Danish monarchs for many centuries, Copenhagen is also home to some of the plushest royal residences in Scandinavia. Amalienborg Palace is still the home of the Danish Royal Family and also in the city centre, the 17th century Rosenborg Castle, currently undergoing renovation, will re-open to groups in April. Whilst in Copenhagen, you can also take a trip to Kronborg Castle, believed to be Shakespeare’s inspiration for Hamlet’s castle.
A stroll around the city’s waterfront also offers your group numerous options. As well as the famous statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen Harbour and the monumental Gefion Fountain, you will find Kastellet, a series of 17th century defensive walls and small castles. From here, you can also book a boat ride to the Sea Forts, found on small islands in the Harbour.
Stockholm
Situated on a series of islands at the mouth of Lake Malaren, the historic streets of the Swedish capital, Stockholm, are filled with attractions.
Groups looking to explore the city’s heritage will find it packed with over 70 museums. Amongst these, you can visit the National Museum or learn more about the area’s past at the Stockholm City Museum. To explore Sweden’s architecture, the Skansen Open Air Museum houses over 150 reconstructed historic buildings.
At the city’s Stockholm Palace, the official residence of the Swedish Court, your group can take a guided tour and explore the Royal Mews. A short walk from the Palace, your group can also visit the Riddarholmen Church – believed to be the oldest building in the city – and the 13th century Storkyrkan Cathedral.
Oslo
Set on the banks of Oslofjord, the Norwegian capital of Oslo will give your group the chance to explore a vibrant urban centre.
If your group is interested in exploring the early history of the city, the Norse Folk Museum is a large open air park featuring a recreated Norse village. Not far from here you can go further back into Norse history at the Viking Ship Museum. At the city’s National Gallery, your group can see an extensive collection of pieces including The Scream by Oslo native, Edvard Munch. You can also take a guided tour of the 16th century Akershus Castle.
The Royal Palace, the official residence of the Norwegian monarch, is now open to the public and on the edge of the city centre, you can also pre-book guided tours at St Olav’s Monastery.
Several companies offer guided walking tours of the city, or coach trips to nearby sights in the surrounding hills including the impressive cascades of the River Akerselven. Groups can also charter a boat for a cruise along the fjords.
Helsinki
One of the leading neo-classical capitals of Europe, the Finnish capital of Helsinki features elegant boulevards and historic monuments mixed with modern culture.
To learn about Finnish history, you can arrange a guided tour at the National Museum of Finland or the nearby Helsinki City Museum. The country’s art treasures, meanwhile, are split across the Finnish National Gallery’s three city centre sites; the Ateneum; the Sinebrychoff and the modern art gallery, Kiasma.
The city’s attractive layout and design were largely inspired by St Petersburg in the early 19th century and, from most parts of the city, your group will be able to see the centrepiece of this building project, Helsinki Cathedral. Whilst exploring the city’s history, you can also visit the 18th century fort of Suomenlinna, reached on a short ferry ride.
The Finnish capital also features a programme of annual festivals including Vappu, held on 31st May each year, celebrating the end of winter with events throughout the city.
Reykjavik
The most northerly of the world’s capitals, Reykjavik in Iceland, offers visiting groups a chance to experience a more unusual European city.
Enjoying almost constant daylight during the summer months, but only four hours at the height of winter, the city is not large, but is home to a number of out-of-the-ordinary sites for your group to explore such as the city’s main church, the Hallgrimskirkja, designed to resemble the granite rock formations of the surrounding area. You can also visit the modernist Reykjavik City Hall or head to the recently opened Pearl complex, which takes its energy supply entirely from geo-thermal sources and features a restaurant under a glass dome designed for star-gazing and an observation deck.
To learn more about the history of the region, Reykjavik City Museum is an open air complex featuring reconstructed historic buildings. You can also visit the Hofstaddir Heritage Park to see the remains of a 1,000 year old Viking house.
To explore the area’s natural heritage, you can visit Nautholsvik beach near the Pearl, heated by warm water from nearby springs, or you can take your group on an excursion to the Blue Lagoon Spa in the nearby countryside. Various companies offer coach tours to the thermal pools and the countryside around Mount Esja, which overlooks the city.
New York
If your group is looking to enjoy art, theatre, shopping or sightseeing, New York is ideal.
Art lovers will find the city’s galleries to be amongst the most comprehensive in the world. You can visit literally hundreds, ranging from the contemporary Museum of Modern Art to the more historically focused Metropolitan Museum of Art.
For sightseeing and to learn more about the history of immigration into America, groups can pre-book ferry tickets to the Statue of Liberty and the nearby Ellis Island Museum. The story of the city’s immigrant families is also told at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum whilst the city’s development from its small town origins can be explored at the Historic Richmond Town museum on Staten Island.
To explore another of the city’s major attractions, groups can now pre-book tickets for the Observation Deck of the Empire State Building online. At Grand Central Station, groups are offered pre-booked guided tours whilst many of the city’s other famous sites such as Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Wall Street and Central Park can be explored on a guided tour with companies recommended by This is New York City, the local tourism bureau.
For many groups, a Broadway show is a highlight of a trip to the city and several New York-based ticketing agents deal with the group market.
Las Vegas
In the Nevada desert, Las Vegas bills itself as the entertainment capital of the world. With vast casinos, hotels and shows taking place around the clock, the city offers groups a range of possibilities at any hour of the day.
Along the Strip, the city’s four-mile main road, you will find 18 of the world’s largest hotel and casino complexes including the famous Caesar’s Palace, also housing theatres hosting performers such as Bette Midler. Not far away is what is said to be the world’s largest hotel, the MGM Grand.
For shopping, your group will discover stores including Cartier and Tiffany boutiques as well as a range of shopping malls in the downtown district such as the Fremont Street Experience, one of the world’s largest.
In addition to shopping and gambling, Las Vegas also offers a range of galleries and museums that explore everything from high art to entertainment. These include the Guggenheim Hermitage and the Liberace Museum.
San Francisco
On California’s north western coast, groups exploring the vibrant city of San Francisco will find a lively arts scene and many sights and attractions.
The San Fransisco Museum of Modern Art is home to an impressive collection of contemporary work whilst the city’s De Young Museum houses modern decorative pieces.
The California Academy of the Sciences, meanwhile, is home to the Morrison Planetarium, and the Steinhart Aquarium. Not far from here, the San Fransisco Zoo features hundreds of exotic and endangered species. You can also head out into the bay by ferry to explore the famous Alcatraz Island and Prison.
A guided tour of the city is an interesting way for your group to explore sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge. Located in the city centre, tour guides and transport can be booked through the San Fransisco Tour Guide Guild. A range of other sightseeing activities are available including ‘guided tours by aeroplane’ or cruises on the bay.
In the evenings, the city has an interesting theatre and music scene. The San Fransisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Centre features shows all year round whilst the Opera House is home to the city’s ballet and opera companies.
Vancouver
In British Columbia on Canada’s west coast, the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver offers you a wealth of things to see and do.
The city is home to a wide range of museums and galleries. These include the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the Vancouver Art Gallery.
For theatre and music lovers, the city’s performing arts scene also has a lively programme. Highlights include the Vancouver International Film Festival in September.
Downtown, your group will find various sights to explore such as the huge Public Market Building and the Chinatown district. These can all be incorporated into either a walking or coach tour with several local companies who can be recommended by the city’s tourism department; Tourism Vancouver.
The tourism department will also be happy to help you arrange an excursion to the surrounding countryside. With the city set on the edge of the North Shore Mountains, it is easy to book a guide to take you into the temperate rainforest that covers their foothills. Your group can also head out into the bay on a cruise to enjoy the wildlife of the Strait of Georgia.
Dubai
For a taste of the exotic and the ultra modern, your group can head to Dubai, the largest city of the United Arab Emirates on the Persian Gulf.
A small Arab trading town until the 1930s, you can learn more about the old way of life in the area at the Dubai Museum. You can also explore the small souks in Deira, the modern part of the city, or take an abras, a small wooden boat traditionally used in the area, to the historic area of Bur Dubai across Dubai Creek. To explore the local heritage further, you can visit the Grand Mosque, the 19th century Sheikh Saead’s House or the 200-year old watch tower, Burj Nahar.
However, once in the city, you will quickly discover that modernity is now the order of the day, with the Marina area filled with over 40 imposing skyscrapers. Nearby, you can visit the Burj Al Arab Hotel, the tallest in the world and currently under construction are the man-made Palm Islands. In the downtown area of the city, the Burj Dubai Building is due to be finished this year, aiming to become the world’s tallest building.
Shopping is a big feature of the city and your group will be able to explore several modern shopping malls such as the Mall of the Emirates, which has an indoor ski slope. The theme also appears in the city’s programme of annual events, which include the Dubai Shopping Festival each February.