Spend seven nights discovering Thessaloniki in northern Greece, a city that combines a long seafront promenade with layered history and a strong food scene. With direct flights from Dublin, private transfers, a central boutique hotel and two included experiences, this itinerary offers a relaxed way to explore the city at your own pace.
Thessaloniki is easy to get to know on foot, which is what makes it work so well for a short break. The seafront promenade stretches past the White Tower and along the Thermaic Gulf, with cafés, bars and plenty of spots to stop for a drink as the sun goes down. From there, it’s a short walk into the historic centre, where Roman remains, Byzantine churches and local food markets sit close together, making it simple to see a lot of the city without constantly moving around.
Your base for the week is The Excelsior, a boutique hotel and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Located near Aristotelous Square and the waterfront, it provides a convenient base for walking the city. You stay in a Classic Room with breakfast included, offering a comfortable and well positioned place to return to each evening.
One day is set aside for a guided trip to Vergina and Pella. You will visit the ancient Macedonian capital and the royal tombs at Vergina, offering a clear look at the region’s history beyond the city. It’s an easy full day out, with transport and guiding taken care of, so you do not need to organise your own travel.
Another highlight is a full day cruise to the Blue Lagoon in Halkidiki. Spend time on the water swimming in clear bays, relaxing on deck and enjoying lunch on board as you move between coastal locations. This day offers a contrast to city sightseeing and an easy way to experience northern Greece’s coastline.
Most journeys are designed to get you somewhere as quickly as possible. The Blue Train does the opposite. Over three days and two nights, it travels roughly 1,600 kilometres between Pretoria and Cape Town, turning the distance between the two cities into an experience in its own right.
Europe is packed with iconic destinations, but some of its most rewarding holidays begin just beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. If you've already ticked off the big-name cities or simply fancy somewhere that feels a little different, there are plenty of places offering beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and memorable food without the queues. From medieval towns on the Adriatic coast to volcanic islands in the Atlantic, these lesser-known corners of Europe prove that sometimes the best trips are the ones you weren't expecting.
Summer might get most of the attention, but autumn can be one of the most rewarding times of year to travel. Cooler temperatures make days outdoors more comfortable, landscapes shift into rich seasonal colours, and many destinations settle into a quieter rhythm once the peak summer crowds have gone. That’s where the ‘cool-cation’ comes in. Instead of chasing the heat, these trips are all about crisp mountain air, lakeside walks, dramatic scenery, cosy food, and the kind of weather that makes you want to pull on another layer and keep exploring. From the Italian Alps to the Canadian Rockies, here are seven destinations that come into their own in autumn.
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