Historical destinations

Kilkenny – a beautiful and ancient country where history, modern living and rich culture fuse together across an unspoiled landscape. The ancient medieval city of Kilkenny has protected its precious heritage whilst evolving as one of Ireland’s most vibrant and enjoyable cities in which to stay. Its narrow slipways, side streets and preserved buildings, are matched only by its reputation for fine dining, great shopping, entertainment and accommodation.

This medieval city looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale, with its bustling market square, spiralling Gothic towers, castles and legends about dragons. Explore the city's narrow backstreets, hidden courtyards and the network of underground cellars and tunnels. Krakow is known as the cultural capital of Poland through its love of music, poetry and theatre. After years of occupation and struggle, Krakow has emerged a proud city with a strong sense of identity, yet has still maintained its artistic and fun-loving soul.

‘Mechelaars’ talk about their city with pride. Sometimes with a touch of humour, but always with underlying warmth. Visitors are struck by the genial atmosphere as they stroll past monuments redolent with age and pause in colourful courtyards and historic churches. The Mechelaar is proud of Gouden Carolus, the award-winning beer brewed here for centuries. He is proud of Margaret, Charles V’s aunt, who put sixteenth-century Mechelen on the world map. And he has a soft spot for traditional craftsmanship and authentic local products. Come to Mechelen and experience its urban charms for yourself!

Luxembourg's modest 1000 square miles harbour an unlikely many treasures, from UNESCO-listed Medieval fortifications to prised wines of the Moselle, an animated arts scene, cutting-edge architectural creations, seats of prominent EU institutions and abundant natural pursuits, including skiing on the excellent slopes of northern Ardennes, hiking the Valley of Seven Castes or along the trails of Mullerthal that cut through peculiar sandstone rock formations, and soaking the hours away in the sparkling thermal pools of Mondorf-les-Bains.

Montpellier has become one of Europe’s newest holiday destinations. This is due to the combination of its proximity to the Mediterranean, its beautiful medieval city core and a vibrant nightlife (a quarter of its citizens are students). It is also a good destination for adventure seekers – the mountains of Cévennes are only an hour’s drive away.

Built anew after the war, the capital of Belarus is a city embracing its own unique brand of modernity. A metropolis of nearly 2 million, Minsk is where nostalgia of Stalinist buildings and Soviet parks meets contemporary art galleries, stylish bars and excellent local eateries.

Golden domes and shimmering spires peek out from the wooded hills rising above the wide Dnipro River. Leafy-green Kiev, with its traffic-packed boulevards, shopping malls, countless churches, brilliant music and lively nightlife, has embraced capitalism, yet held firmly to its heritage. The Caves Monastery is the spiritual heart of Ukraine, and nearby, a gigantic Brezhnev-era Motherland statue bearing sword and shield casts her all-encompassing eye over the city, the river, and its island beaches.