Ahh, a bank holiday is on the horizon, yippee! With these extra days off, why not give yourself a well-deserved treat and take off to an exciting city for a weekend of wanderlust? Let’s get started…
ROME
Average flight time: 3hrs
When you arrive...
When in Rome, there are three things you simply must tick off – the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain (don’t forget your coins) and the Forum. After that, the city’s yours to explore at your leisure.
The next day...
To see the Vatican Museums, make sure you pre-book your tickets. After staring up at the Sistine Chapel, swing by Fassi – the oldest gelateria in town – then head to Villa Borghese’s boating lake. When evening falls, call by ivy-clad Trastevere for the best pizza bianca in town and drinks with a local flavour.
Before you head home...
Head to the Knights of Malta HQ (via the Mouth of Truth á la Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday) to peep at St Peter’s Basilica through a keyhole!
VENICE
Average flight time: 3.5hrs
When you arrive...
The best way to say hello to Venice? By gliding down the Grand Canal on a gondola of course! If you’re on a budget, jump on a vaporetto waterbus instead for a fraction of the price and you can still see the sights.
The next day...
Make St Mark’s Square your first sightseeing stop – yes it’s touristy, but Doge’s Palace and the Basilica are bucket-list musts. While you’re there, treat yourself to bow-tied waiter service and a creamy cappuccino at Caffè Florian. Arty types, swing by the Peggy Guggenheim Museum later – think modern classics from Pollock to Picasso. And when it comes to dinner, do as the locals do and go bar hopping for cicchetti – tasty tapas-like plates. Finish off with a fizzy Bellini at the iconic Harry’s Bar.
Before you head home...
Treat your senses to a roam around Rialto Market. Once you’ve plucked the juiciest peaches and stocked up on tasty Venetian specialities to take home, pull up a stool and tick into the daily seafood special. Yum.
FARO
Average flight time: 3.5hrs
When you arrive...
Get to know the heart of this pretty city with a potter around the quaint cobbles of the Old Town. Colourful tiles, decorative arches and painted doors mean photo opps galore.
The next day...
A gentle harbourside stroll should be first on your Faro agenda. Do some yacht watching as you brunch al fresco at one of the waterside cafés – and don’t forget to order the local legend that is the pastel de nata pastry. Later, check out the Maritime Museum for a fascinating peep into the past. Got a ghoulish side? Make your way to the Chapel of Bones if you dare. In the evening, tuck into a fancy seafood feast with OMG views at the rooftop Restaurante Ria Formosa. Then wrap things up at Columbus Cocktail & Wine Bar with low-key drinks on the terrace.
Before you head home...
You’re on the coast here so it makes sense to hit the beach. Head to Praia de Faro for surfer vibes, dreamy dunes and golden sands aplenty. There’s the lush Ria Formosa wetlands nearby too.
PALMA CITY
Average flight time: 2.5hrs
When you arrive…
Get your bearings then tick off all of Palma’s top sights, including the quaint Old Town, the grand La Seu Cathedral and San Juan food market.
The next day…
Soak up the atmosphere in cool and colourful city across the city. Think buzzy markets, rooftop cocktail bars and teeny tapas bars. If you’re after lively nights, you can’t miss out on a trip to Pacha that’s right on the marina.
Before you head home…
After all that sightseeing, shopping and exploring, why not take some time out and head to the beach? Blue Flag stretches are right on your doorstep, so you can squeeze in a spot of sunbathing before the trip comes to an end.
Posted: 3rd Mar 2022. Updated: 28th Jun 2023.