ALTERNATIVE CITIES For those in search of a new destination to explore, we can highly recommend some of the less-visited cities in Europe where you can enjoy blissfully quiet museums, and delicious local cuisine in restaurants where locals still outnumber tourists. Some of these cities possess art, architecture and vibrant cultural scenes to rival their more famous neighbours – but the locals have simply kept their secret more effectively.
RAVENNA Santa Maria Foris ****
BILBAO The Artist - Grand Hotel of Art *****
Among the most influential works of the late Frank Gehry, his Guggenheim Bilbao remains a powerful testament to his creative genius and a highlight of any visit to this revitalised city.This modern hotel overlooks the museum and is a 20-minute walk to the heart of the old town.The atrium houses a 90-tonne
Though a small town today, Ravenna was once capital of the Western Roman Empire under Justinian and its mosaic-lined monuments are among the most impressive anywhere in Europe. This privately-owned hotel is situated just a few minutes’ walk from the UNESCO sites and is a stylish property offering 13 bedrooms (no twins) all with the latest technology; some suites
sculpture, and leads to 145 comfortable bedrooms, a cocktail lounge and two restaurants. Breakfast is taken on the top floor terrace.
can accommodate a family of four, or two couples.There is a terrace where breakfast is served in fine weather, a garden, a library and several lounges – perfect places to relax after a day exploring Ravenna.
3 night price from £698 per person
3 night price from £789 per person
SALAMANCA Rector **** Deluxe
PADUA Majestic Toscanelli ****
Two very easy hours from Madrid by car or train, Salamanca is worth every minute of the journey.Visit the elegant Plaza Mayor where you will enjoy delicious and incredibly good value tapas, before exploring the two cathedrals: the elder dwarfed by its Gothic counterpart. Near the walls of the citadel, close to the cathedral and the Plaza Mayor, the delightful Rector fits perfectly into its historic surroundings. Behind a beautiful golden
Set in the heart of the Centro Storico, the old part of Padua, this hotel is unique in its location, adjacent to the remarkable Renaissance squares of Piazza Delle Erbe, Dei Signori and Della Frutta where the market is held.The 32 bedrooms are comfortably furnished in either BaroqueVenetian or a more quaint 19 th -century English style. Breakfast is a lavish array of pastries, cakes and cured meats and cheeses – a perfect start for a day’s sightseeing.There are plenty of local restaurants to choose from in the area and the Morosi family will be happy to recommend establishments specialising in the local Veneto cuisine.
stone façade, you’ll find a stylish and charming,
privately-owned hotel with just 13 bedrooms; this is one of the best small properties in Spain.
3 night price from £986 per person
3 night price from £698 per person
Includes entrance to the Scrovegni Chapel
CASCAIS Albatroz **** Superior
MUNICH Torbräu **** Superior
Originally built in 1873 as a Duke’s Palace, the Albatroz has a wonderful location on a headland between the town’s two beaches.Two buildings have been added to create a 51-bedroom hotel of great charm and style with the atmosphere of a luxurious private home.All the rooms are decorated with fine Portuguese furnishings and artwork and many have wonderful sea views.The Palace building across the road has six additional rooms all with a sea view. Light meals are served in the bar or on the terrace overlooking the bay and the highly regarded gastronomic restaurant offers
One of Europe's finest cultural destinations, Munich is home to world-class opera and ballet at the Bavarian State Opera, as well as several important art galleries and museums.A hotel since 1450, the privately-owned Torbräu has a great location,
just two minutes’ walk from Marienplatz.There are 90 comfortable bedrooms, many furnished in contemporary Bavarian style. Lunch, afternoon tea with home-made cakes, and dinner are all served at the restaurant ‘Schapeau’.
delicious seafood.There is a pleasantly furnished and relaxing lounge and a saltwater summer swimming pool.
3 night price from £767 per person
3 night price from £994 per person
Prices are per person based on two sharing and include flights, return transfers or car hire, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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