Espoo snow covered trail

Espoo, Finland – the perfect winter break

Espoo lies close to Helsinki in southern Finland and despite not being as well known as the capital city, it is a lovely place to spend a few days.  The city boundary covers the attractive centres of Tapiola and Matinkylä and the beautiful Nuuksio National Park. Getting there: Arrive into Helsinki Vantaa Airport (flights from …

Continue reading Espoo, Finland – the perfect winter break

Advertisement
Helsinki sign in Winter

Helsinki – the perfect winter city break

Finland's capital Helsinki is beautiful all year round and although it attracts more visitors during the summer months, winter breaks to this Nordic city are an absolute delight. Below are my suggestions for making the most of this winter wonderland. Market Square (Kauppatori) Start with a walk around the market square and admire the harbour …

Continue reading Helsinki – the perfect winter city break

Cathedral Island, Wrocław

Day 5. Exploring Hydropolis and the Panorama Rotunda, Wroclaw

The final day of our lovely visit to Wrocław had come around all too soon but with our flight home not scheduled until the evening, we had almost a full day to continue enjoying this wonderful city. After setting ourselves up for the day with a hearty buffet breakfast at the Ibis Styles Wrocław Centrum …

Continue reading Day 5. Exploring Hydropolis and the Panorama Rotunda, Wroclaw

Wroclaw Gnomes

Day 4. In search of Wrocław’s gnomes

Our day started with a walk around the city's medieval main square (Rynek).  We'd already been enchanted by its beauty during our evening visits to the city's festive Christmas market and now it was time to admire it in daylight. This square was laid out by the city planners in 1241 and it remains one …

Continue reading Day 4. In search of Wrocław’s gnomes

Four Domes Pavillion, Wroclaw

Day 3. Wrocław’s National Museum and Exhibition Grounds

Our morning began with a 20 minute tram ride from outside the main railway station (Wrocław Glówny) to the National Museum, (Trams 5 and 11).  The museum  is home to one of the largest art collections in the country.  It's better value to purchase a combined ticket with the Radowice Panorama, 25zl (£4.74) which is valid …

Continue reading Day 3. Wrocław’s National Museum and Exhibition Grounds

Wrocław University Library

Day 2. Exploring Wrocław’s Museums

After a good night's sleep in our comfortable bed at the Ibis Styles Wroclaw Centrum, we enjoyed a relaxing breakfast in the hotel's restaurant.  Continuing with the Alice in Wonderland theme, upturned wooden tables hang from the ceiling and furnishings include a checkerboard floor and playing card motifs on the walls.  We discovered a plentiful …

Continue reading Day 2. Exploring Wrocław’s Museums

Wroclaw

Day 1. Wrocław, Poland – a city break

Poland has become one of my most visited countries, I enjoy spending time there so much.  After selecting Poznan for a festive break last year, this time we decided to head to Poland's fourth largest city Wrocław.  It's located on the Oder River in the Lower Silesian region of the south west of the country. …

Continue reading Day 1. Wrocław, Poland – a city break

Leuven town hall, Belgium

48 Hours in Leuven, Belgium

The Flemish region of Belgium lies to the north of the country nestled between the Netherlands and France.  Most visitors head to Bruges or Ghent but Leuven is equally beautiful and less crowded than its more famous neighbours.  The city is home to one of Europe's oldest universities (KU Leuven) with many of its historic …

Continue reading 48 Hours in Leuven, Belgium

Alster Plaza, Hamburg

Day 1. A culinary tour of Hamburg

With three days to explore a world of culinary delights and top sightseeing spots in Hamburg I couldn't wait to get off the plane!  I'd travelled with KLM from Leeds/Bradford connecting via Amsterdam and with direct flights available from both London and Manchester, the city is easy to reach for a short break from all …

Continue reading Day 1. A culinary tour of Hamburg

Luxembourg

Day 1. Exploring Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of the world's smallest countries, similar in size to the county of Dorset in south west England.  It's located in north western Europe and bordered by Belgium, France and Germany.  It may only be small but it certainly packs a punch as we found out during our recent visit. The previous afternoon …

Continue reading Day 1. Exploring Luxembourg