Bologna North of Italy

Situated in the North of Italy, Bologna provides a mixture of intellectualism, fine food and fashion. It is known to the rest of the world as the home of Bolognese sauce, usually served with pasta, and it has the oldest university in Europe. It is a centre for left-leaning political thinkers, and modern Italian socialist politics were born here in the early twentieth century.

While none of the buildings in Bologna can be considered exceptionally stunning, the city as a whole is an architectural masterpiece, with a harmonious maze of medieval streets. It is best explored on foot, and without a fixed plan. There will be plenty of eclectic museums, chic shopping centres and quaint canals to tempt you.

Bologna is the home to exclusive motor manufacturers Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati, as well as fashion designers Furla and La Perla.

Holiday In Bilbao Spain

One of the most intriguing cities of the Basque country in northern Spain, Bilbao is famed for its impressive state-of-the-art architectural projects, innovative infrastructure and thriving business and cultural scenes. Social and economic development is ripe, with the Port of Bilbao situated in a privileged position on the very eastern side of the Bay of Biscay. Since construction of the architectural wonder, The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao city has become an even greater hub of creative ingenuity, making it a magnet for visitors seeking to experience the combination of Bilbao's fascinating art-culture, the many pretty beaches nearby, the famous century-old suspension bridge, and the beautiful surrounding Basque countryside.

Holiday In Berlin Germany

Holidays to Berlin are surprising to say the least. Since the crumbling of the famous wall this city's gone from strength to strength. Gone are images of war and spy stories - these days it's all World Cup finals and more culture than you shake a Bratwurst at.

If we're talking nightlife, this place is one of Europe's top party capitals. It may sound like a cliché, but Berlin holidays really do have something for everyone. Lounges for cocktail sippers. Drinking culture for the avant-garde. And, of course, techno clubs for the 24 hour party people.

Like most cities, Berlin's got its fair share of shops. If your summer holidays need to have at least one shopping spree, point your Visa towards Ku'damm. It's home to the swanky KaDeWe department store, which is a tourist attraction in itself. You'll also find malls and departments stores, along with designer stores and boutiques. There's also a flea market that runs through the street of Strasse des 17 Juni, where you can pick up handmade bits and bobs like pots and rugs.

Holiday In Barcelona

Holidays to Barcelona top travel wish lists everywhere – and with good reason. The city's stellar reputation makes other cities positively lime with envy, and year after year it continues to top the popularity polls. So what makes it so completely drop-everything-and-get-me-there now? Gaudi greats like the inspired La Sagrada Familia. The heady highlife of Las Ramblas. And wow factor sights like the city's famous football stadium. Holidays to Barcelona bring you all this, and so much more.

Holiday In Avignon

Situated on the River Rhone, the historic holiday destination of Avignon is famed for being the Vatican of the 14th century; six successive Popes resided here from 1309, making it one of Europe's largest and most important cities of the time. The papacy retreated back to Rome in 1378, but this was just the beginning of a battle between the Italian capital and Avignon for control of the Church's riches and power. Altogether Avignon was the seat for nine Popes, until the last, Pope Benedict XIII, fled into self-exile in 1409. Without the Pope, the city went into a decline that has been exacerbated ever since by floods, fire, the plague and the Le Mistral, the harsh wind that whistles down the Rhone valley in winter. Avignon supposedly was named by the Celts who gave the area the name 'Avenio' or 'the town of violent winds'. Despite all this, Avignon has one of the best-preserved centres in France, a strong holiday attraction. Piercing the skyline are the beautiful spires of the Palais des Papes, and along the cobbled streets are countless richly decorated buildings, ancient churches and spectacular monuments and museums. Imposing medieval walls, built in 1403 by Pope Benedict, enclose the old town. The yearly Avignon Festival draws performers and art enthusiasts from all over France every July. Despite the huge influx of tourists, which double the town's population of 100,000, this is a wonderful festival and a must-see for anyone on holiday in the Avignon area.

Holiday In Athens

Athens, the capital city of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world having a three thousand year history. We have many reasons to thank the Greeks who led the way towards the civilization and the democratisation of the world. Athens was the birthplace of many ancient scholars and philosophers including Socrates, Plato, Sophocles and Euripides.

Surrounded by mountains, Athens has one of the best climates in Europe. The city is filled with magnificent classical Greek remains including the Parthenon in the Acropolis. The modern city has every kind of entertainment catering for all tastes as well as a huge variety of shops.

There are a number of beaches on the Greek mainland offering wide ranging facilities. With a long season of guaranteed sunshine it is no surprise that an Athens holiday appeals to so many people.

Athens with its magnificent remains from the glorious days of the Greek empire will more than gratify the appetite of those interested in ancient history and archaeology.

Those who enjoy walking and mountain biking will find ample opportunity in the mountains around Athens. In the forested hills there is a variety of wild life including the endangered brown bear, as well as wild cats, goats and roe deer.

With excellent restaurants, bars and clubs there is as much to do at night as there is during the day.

Holiday In Amsterdam

Holidays to Amsterdam are all about letting your hair down in Europe's most laid-back and liberal city. Canals, culture or coffee shops – it doesn't matter what's got you looking at Amsterdam. Holidays here are a sure fire hit.

Amsterdam makes you feel right at home from the moment you step out onto its cobbled streets. The people are friendly, the food's that great mix of foreign and familiar – and the centre's reassuringly small, so you can wander without fear of getting lost. Forget the stress of big city breaks – travel to Amsterdam is dedicated to taking it easy.

And what a place to do it. Just picture yourself drifting along the flower-fringed canals beneath the beautiful mansions in Jordaan district. Or taking a leisurely stroll through the Old Quarter along the Damark, dipping in and out of the shops on Kalverstraat. For the ultimate Dutch experience, it's time to brave those cobbles and cruise round on a bike. If only all city breaks where as chilled out as this.

Inbetween relaxing and unwinding, make time for Amsterdam's superb cultural scene. The haunting hallways of Anne Frank's House. Those darlings of the art world, the Stedelijk, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. And museums about everything from hash to hanky-panky. There really is something for everyone!

The best bit about bargain holidays to Amsterdam? After all that sightseeing, you've got a huge selection of traditional bars and trendy boltholes to kick back in. Toking in a café or sipping Amstel in lively bar-lined square, Amsterdam evenings have perfected the art of relaxation. Just sit back and enjoy!