THEY’RE weekend wonders – four-hour flight breaks to Europe’s most exciting destinations.
A cheeky two-night getaway won’t break the bank and it provides a perfect escape without chipping into your holiday allowance.
Shop ’til you drop in pretty Paris[/caption]
Lisa Minot presents her pick of 48-hour getaways for this summer – whether you want to explore a city or just recharge on a beach.
CITY
Paris from £167pp
August is a great time to visit the French capital as its residents head away for their annual summer breaks and the crowds are fewer.
The H4 Hotel Wyndham Paris Pleyel Resort offers great value as it’s in the suburb of Saint-Denis with excellent train links to the city and an ideal quieter retreat after pounding the busy streets of central Paris.
Room-only, with flights from Southampton on August 1.
Milan from £189pp
There’s a lovely courtyard at the 4H Devero Hotel & Spa with a large pool and restaurant terrace — perfect for a little dip after discovering the delights of this chic Italian city.
Set between Milan and Bergamo, you could even head to the delights of Lake Como.
Hotel is B&B. Flights from Liverpool on August 22.
See loveholidays.com.
Prague from £245pp
The Chevron Design Hotel is perfect for a quick getaway, just a short walk from the Vltava River and vibrant Andel area.
The area is known for its bustling restaurants and cafes, and a tram ride away you can visit the castle and historic Lesser Town.
Room-only, with flights from Luton on August 1.
Find out more and book at easyjet.com/en/holidays.
Krakow from £283pp
The Belle Epoque Residence offers stylish studios and apartments close to the historic Old Town.
Just ten minutes’ walk brings you to the Main Market Square, a medieval treasure and one of the biggest in Europe, while the lush greenery of Planty Park which encircles the Old Town is also a stone’s throw away.
Room only. Flights from Heathrow on July 18, hand luggage only.
Details from lastminute.com.
Budapest from £289pp
Enjoy the beauty of the city from the water with The Grand Jules Boat Hotel, moored on the Danube River on the Buda side near Margaret Bridge.
You’ll have easy access to attractions both sides of the river and are within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Hotel is B&B. Flights from Birmingham on August 15 with hand luggage only.
See tui.co.uk.
Athens from £435pp
Cool off after a day’s sightseeing at the Skylark, Aluma Hotel & Resorts rooftop pool and bar.
This contemporary, chic 4H hotel is right in the centre of the action on Omonoia Square, and is close to the metro.
Major archaeological sites are within easy reach.
Hotel is B&B. Flights from Gatwick on August 8.
See olympicholidays.com.
Check out the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, Athens[/caption]
BEACH
Alicante from £275pp
Live the high life in exciting Alicante at the NH Alicante with its rooftop pool promising panoramic views of the city and Santa Barbara Castle.
For extra pampering, the hotel’s spa has a sauna and jacuzzi in a peaceful setting.
Postiguet Beach and the Old Town are a bus ride away.
Stay room-only, fly from Leeds Bradford on July 25.
See thomascook.com.
Magaluf from £279pp
Relax on Bali beds or comfy cabanas at the great-value 3H Inn Mallorca Aparthotel with its beach-club style pool.
Rooms are modern and have air con as well as a kitchenette, balcony or terrace.
In the heart of Magaluf, the apartments are just a short stroll from the beach.
Stay self-catering with flights from East Midlands, August 15.
See loveholidays.com.
Barcelona from £357pp
Combine the best of both worlds with a stay where you can take in city sights and still enjoy the beach life.
The 3H Oriente Atiram Hotel is right on the famous Las Ramblas street near the Gothic Quarter.
The former 19th century monastery offers modern, simple rooms in the heart of the action, just 200 metres from the nearest Metro station.
Stay B&B with flights from Manchseter on July 25.
Find a tranquil spot on the beach in the Algarve[/caption]
Algarve from £359pp
Savour fabulous views across Faro and the Ria Normosa Natural Park from the contemporary rooftop pool of the 4H AP Eva Senses hotel.
Perfect for anyone looking for a relaxed city break, the hotel is close to bars and restaurants and has a lovely outdoor freshwater pool.
Stay B&B with flights from East Midlands on August 8.
See loveholidays.com.
Benidorm from £389pp
The 3H Hotel Servigroup Pueblo is ideal for 48 hours of fun in the sun, with great entertainment and the golden sands of Levante beach on your doorstep.
Benidorm’s pretty Old Town is within walking distance and there’s both indoor and outdoor pools to enjoy.
Enjoy B&B with flights from Leeds Bradford on July 25, 22kg luggage and transfers.
See jet2holidays.com.
Ibiza from £389pp
Go beyond the clubs with a chilled stay at the 4H Invisa Hotel La Cala in the pretty town of Santa Eulalia.
Known as the gastronomic capital of Ibiza, there’s good food guaranteed on Restaurant Street with relaxed, al-fresco dining.
The hotel is close to the beach and has a laid-back atmosphere.
Stay B&B with flights from Birmingham on July 25.
See jet2holidays.com.
