History comes to life in Ben Stiller’s 2006 film Night at the Museum, and on a European cultural city break you can experience something similar for yourself. With exclusive after-hours museum visits and fascinating history tours led by expert guides, you can gain a deeper insight into the events that shaped these cities and the rulers, artists and architects that left their mark. When you’ve had your fill of ancient history, our in-country Concierges (who will be on hand throughout your trip to make sure everything runs smoothly) can give you the inside track on the best contemporary culture the cities have to offer, from restaurants so good they’ll have you salivating just looking at the menu, to lesser-known museums and buzzing bars filled with locals. Read on for a roundup of the best cultural city breaks in Europe...
Paris
When it comes to cultural delights, Paris is utter perfection and thanks to our French connections, we know the city better than anyone. If you're looking to delve a little deeper into the 'City of Lights', we can organise private tours and family-friendly treasure hunts in the Louvre and arrange for you to climb the Arc de Triomphe (which has stunning skyline views to match those from the Eiffel Tower, but only a fraction of the crowds). Make sure to leave enough time for a full circuit of the city’s finest museums (the Picasso Museum, Musee de l’Orangerie and Rodin Museum are some of our all-time favourites) fuelled by delicious French fare along the way.
Seville
The history of Seville is, in a word, grand, making it a worthy addition in a roundup of the best cultural city breaks in Europe. The Spanish city has weathered the rise and fall of Islamic dynasties, conquests by Spanish kings and a succession of rulers who all left their mark. A walking tour with a local guide is the best way to see the major sites, including the ornate Alcazar palace complex (which featured in the hit TV show Game of Thrones) and the gothic Seville Cathedral (last resting place of Christopher Columbus). The ultimate time to visit in 2022 is between 10th April and 17th April for Semana Santa (Holy Week) when the city comes alive with colourful processions ferrying enormous pasos (floats). Grab some tapas and a glass of vino de naranja (Andalusian orange wine) and watch the spectacle unfold.
Rome
Rome, the 'Eternal City' (a nickname that dates back to the first century B.C) is a historical treasure trove, home to an awe-inspiring array of ancient art, architecture, and artifacts. With a private guide as your trusty time travel companion, step back in time as you visit the crumbling Colosseum; treat history-loving youngsters to a gladiator training course; discover Michelangelo's masterpieces during a private after-dark tour of the fresco-filled Vatican City; and witness the Forum of Augustus come to life during a multi-media sound and light show. Once you’ve had your fill of history, fill your stomach with a late-night treat at a locally loved restaurant in hip Trastevere, handpicked by our clued-up Concierge.
Athens
We’d argue that Athens is a criminally underrated city; Greece's creative, cosmopolitan and culture-filled capital offers travel treats (as well as foodie treats) at every turn and is a strong contender for the best cultural city breaks in Europe. Find your bearings while exploring the city with a local historian who specialises in anthropology and tick off top sites such as Syntagma Square and Monastiraki as well as local haunts and lesser-known museums (such as the Numismatic Museum which houses a huge coin collection dating back to the 14th century B.C), then enjoy a deeper dive into the city’s long history with a half-day mythology tour. Set off from the magnificent Temple of Olympian Zeus and listen to enthralling stories of the Greek gods and heroes, as well as tales of daily life in ancient Greece, as you tour some of the city’s most amazing ancient sites.