Culture

Cathedral of Siguenza, Spain Most travellers looking for a day trip from Madrid head instinctively towards Toledo or Segovia. Both deserve their popularity, but they are far from the only historic towns within easy reach of the capital. Travel northeast from Madrid instead, and the city gradually gives way to the broad plains, farmland and weathered villages of central Spain. Less than two hours later, the train arrives in Sigüenza, a remarkably preserved medieval town domina

How to explore one of Europe's oldest cities by train, from hidden masterpieces and Phoenician history to Atlantic beaches, boat trips and unforgettable seafood. The train seems almost to glide across the sea. For the final few kilometres before Cádiz, water stretches away on both sides of the tracks. To one side lies the broad Bay of Cádiz, calm and dotted with fishing boats. On the other, the Atlantic rolls towards long sandy beaches that have protected this city for more t

Paris in Summer Some people avoid Paris in summer. They imagine crowded boulevards, long queues outside museums and temperatures that make sightseeing feel like hard work. The reality is rather different. While millions of visitors continue to arrive throughout July and August, many Parisians head for the coast, the countryside or their family homes, giving the city a noticeably different rhythm. Neighbourhood cafés feel more relaxed, parks fill with picnics rather than commu

Evening view of the Roman bridge and UNESCO heritage site Mezquita-Catherdral in Cordoba, Spain. Some cities are worth visiting for a single monument. Córdoba has one of the greatest in Europe. But the mistake many visitors make is treating the city as nothing more than a quick stop for the Mezquita-Catedral. Córdoba deserves more than that. This is a city shaped by Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, Jews and Christians. A place where narrow whitewashed lanes open into flower-filled

The Alhambra, Granada Some train journeys are memorable because of the scenery. Others because of where they take you. The journey from Madrid to Granada manages to combine both. In just over three hours, Spain's high-speed rail network carries you from the grand boulevards and royal palaces of the capital to one of Europe's most extraordinary cities — a place where Islamic architecture, mountain landscapes, flamenco culture and centuries of history combine to create somethin

Some buildings are beautiful. Others are historically important. The Hospices de Beaune somehow manages to be both. At first glance, visitors are drawn to the famous glazed roof tiles — colourful geometric patterns that have become one of the defining images of Burgundy. But behind those striking roofs lies a much deeper story. For more than five centuries, this was not a palace, monastery or château. It was a hospital. A place created to care for the poor, the sick and the v

Palermo has no shortage of grand palaces. But some reveal themselves more slowly. Spending time in the city recently — and starting to get under the skin of it — we’ve come across a few places that most visitors miss completely. Palazzo Butera is one of them. And it’s one of the most quietly remarkable spaces in Palermo. A Palace Reimagined Originally built in the 18th century as a noble residence overlooking the sea, Palazzo Butera had, like much of Palermo, faded over time.

There is something quietly satisfying about arriving in Lille by train. One moment you are in Paris, London or Brussels. The next, you step out into a city that feels distinctly different from anywhere else in France — more northern, more Flemish, more relaxed. Trains arrive directly into the centre at Lille Flandres Station and Lille Europe Station, and within minutes you are walking through cobbled streets lined with colourful façades, bakeries, independent shops and cafés

Some buildings impress because of their scale, and others because of their history. The Palatine Chapel inside Palermo’s Norman Palace does something rarer: it overwhelms through detail. At first glance, the chapel feels almost impossibly ornate. Gold mosaics cover the ceilings and walls. Arabic-style wooden carvings sit above Byzantine saints. Norman architecture frames scenes that look more at home in Constantinople than Sicily. Every surface appears layered with symbolism,

Monreale Cathedral, Sicily High above the bustling streets of Palermo sits one of the most astonishing buildings in Europe: Monreale Cathedral. At first glance, it seems impossible that a place of such beauty remains relatively unknown outside Sicily. Visitors arrive expecting another impressive Italian church and instead walk into a golden masterpiece that feels closer to Constantinople or an Arabian palace than a typical European cathedral. The mosaics shimmer like fire. Th

Pisa, Italy, at dusk Why Go in Spring? Spring is when Pisa and the Tuscan Coast feel at their most balanced. The intense heat of summer hasn’t arrived, but the days are already warm and bright — typically between 16–22°C. The light is soft, restaurants and cafés begin to fill again, and the coastline slowly reawakens after winter. It’s also one of the best times to experience this part of Tuscany without the crowds. Pisa’s famous sights are calmer, and the nearby seaside town

Cathedral of St Peter, Montpellier Montpellier is one of southern France’s most vibrant and youthful cities — and in spring, it truly comes into its own. Think warm sunshine without the summer heat, café terraces buzzing back to life, and easy access to Mediterranean beaches just as the season begins. Arriving by train places you right in the centre, making this an effortless long weekend destination with no need for a car. This guide covers what to see, where to eat, where t

Basel, Switzerland Basel is one of Europe’s most underrated city breaks — especially in spring. Sitting on the Rhine at the meeting point of Switzerland, France, and Germany, it blends culture, history, and a relaxed riverside lifestyle in a way few cities can. This is a city made for wandering. And in spring, when the trees are in bloom and café terraces spill onto the streets, it feels effortlessly alive. Why Go in Spring? Spring is arguably the best time to visit Basel. Mi

The Last Supper, Domenico Ghirlandaio Florence is a city where even a single day feels rich with meaning. Arriving by train places you straight into the historic centre, where Renaissance masterpieces, quiet monasteries, and unforgettable food are all within walking distance. This itinerary is designed to give you something deeper than the usual highlights — a day that blends Florence’s artistic soul with its everyday rhythm. Arriving in Florence by Train You’ll arrive into F

Historic byzantine mosaic in Saint Vitale Basilica, Ravenna Ravenna is one of Italy’s most quietly extraordinary cities — and in spring , it reveals a softer, more atmospheric side. As light filters through its basilicas, gardens begin to bloom, and café tables return to the streets, Ravenna becomes a perfect place for slow, reflective travel. Famous for its Byzantine mosaics, this compact city offers a different kind of Italian escape — calm, cultural, and deeply immersive.

Rouen is one of Normandy’s most atmospheric cities — and in spring , it feels at its most alive. Timber-framed houses, Gothic churches and cobbled lanes are softened by blossom, outdoor markets return, and café terraces begin to fill again. With direct trains from Paris, Rouen makes an ideal car-free weekend escape — compact, walkable, and rich in history without ever feeling overwhelming. This guide covers what to see, where to eat, where to stay, spring walks, and how to e

Aerial view of the Old Town of Lucerne at sunset If Switzerland had a “perfect introduction,” it might just be Lucerne — and in spring, it feels even more special. Set on the edge of a shimmering lake and framed by snow-dusted mountains, this compact city comes alive as the season shifts. Lakeside paths begin to fill with walkers, café terraces reopen, and the first Alpine trails start to emerge from winter. It’s a place that feels made for travellers — beautiful, accessible,

Pornic city, harbor and castle, Brittany in France, Loire-Atlantic Nantes is one of France’s most inventive and underrated cities — and in spring , it really comes into its own. As riverside paths fill with cyclists, markets spill outdoors, and the Atlantic coast begins to warm, Nantes offers a refreshing alternative to more obvious destinations. Paired with nearby coastal towns, this is a perfect car-free escape — think river walks, creative districts, seafood lunches, and

The Port of Genoa Genoa is one of Italy’s most fascinating and least understood cities — a powerful maritime republic whose wealth once rivalled Venice. Stretching along the Ligurian coast between mountains and sea, the city reveals itself slowly: grand Renaissance palaces, labyrinthine medieval alleys, bustling markets and one of Europe’s most atmospheric historic centres. Often overshadowed by nearby Cinque Terre, Genoa offers travellers something deeper — a glimpse into th

Panorama of Place D'Albertas, Aix-en-Provence at dusk Aix-en-Provence is one of southern France’s most charming cities — a place of sunlit squares, graceful fountains and elegant streets shaded by plane trees. Located in the heart of Provence, it offers a refined alternative to the larger city of Marseille nearby. With its relaxed pace, rich artistic heritage and vibrant markets, Aix embodies the timeless beauty of southern France. Arriving here feels like stepping into a pai