–Paris–

With regular direct flights to the French capital, this is a perfect pit stop for everyone from romantics to history buffs. Iconic bucket-list attractions, world-class art galleries and museums and diverse cultural experiences are interspersed with fabulous eating and shopping opportunities in each of the city’s distinct districts, and no matter how many times you visit there is always something new to see, do and experience. Anyone staying a little longer should definitely take a trip out to discover the magic of Versailles, the beauty of Monet’s gardens at Giverny, the moving D-Day landing beaches of Normandy or even Disneyland Paris.

Stay: There’s so much choice in this beautiful city but we love Hotel L’Eldorado in the heart of the Batignolles Quartier, tucked between the city’s well-heeled neighbourhoods and the workshops of Montmartre. It’s charmingly eclectic decor transports you to the real Paris, whilst the pretty garden and courtyard are the perfect places to while away a few hours over fine food and drinks.
hoteleldoradoparis.com

Fly direct from Newcastle Airport to Paris (CDG) daily with Air France and easyJet.

–Porto–

Twice-weekly direct flights to the Portuguese city of Porto start in May 2026. This charming, historic centre is renowned for port wine, but the city’s UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, the delicious food and unique atmosphere makes this a perfect pit stop with many of the main attractions all within walking distance. Palacio da Bolsa is a national monument, Clérigos Tower opened its doors in 1763 (becoming the highest bell tower in Portugal), Inglesia De San Francisco is a Gothic church with an incredible Baroque interior, the blue-tiled Capela das Almas is undeniably beautiful, and the bustling Mercado do Bolhao completes the list of must-visits. The Douro Valley is within easy reach for a day trip but it’s likely you’ll want to put a few days aside once you’ve done Porto to explore this uniquely beautiful, wine-producing part of Portugal.

Stay: The Yeatman sits on a hill overlooking the city with outdoor and indoor infinity pools and a Wine Spa. All the spacious rooms and suites have a terrace or a balcony with stunning views across Porto to the jumble of medieval streets across the river. There are plenty of quirky corners, from the library to the terraces and the impressive wine cellar, and the hotel’s restaurant holds two Michelin stars.
the-yeatman-hotel.com

Direct flights to Porto from Newcastle Airport start May 2026 with Jet2.

–Budapest–

With two airlines now flying to Budapest weekly, this is a great option for culture vultures to immerse themselves in Budapest’s unique blend of old and new. Historic landmarks such as Buda Castle, Matthias Church and the Hungarian Parliament and State Opera buildings are must visits, as is immersing yourself in the vibrant nightlife for which Budapest is renowned. Stretching out along the Danube, the impressive architecture here includes a mix of baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau styles. Visit the famous thermal baths, take a night cruise on the river, sample the goulash and the Palinka and discover the many unique ruin bars found in abandoned buildings in the city’s Jewish Quarter.

Stay: Hotel Vision Budapest is a brand new boutique hotel in the heart of the city with a unique location on the Pest side of the Danube Bank, and with a panoramic view over the Elizabeth Bridge, the Gellért Hill and the Liberty Statue. Each of the 82 stylish rooms has a French balcony, and the nine spacious suites boast river views, whilst the hotel’s popular Tapas Fino restaurant serves a creative tapas menu and special house cocktails.
hotelvision.hu

Fly up to four times a week this winter with Jet2 and Ryanair direct from Newcastle Airport.

–Dublin–

Lovers of Netflix’s House of Guinness won’t need much encouragement to visit the city that is home to the great brewing dynasty, but everyone should know that this lively city offers an engaging mix of history, vibrant culture and strong literary heritage. With a world-wide reputation for its lively pubs and bars and burgeoning music scene played on the streets and in the pubs, it’s lucky that most of the must-see sights are within walking distance with Dublin Castle, Trinity College, National Museum of Ireland, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the Book of Kells, and the National Gallery all on the list. In St James’s Gate, explore the seven floors of the Guinness Storehouse building for an insight into the Guinness story.

Stay: Temple Bar is where to stay if you’re after nightlife, but for luxury and a quiet life head to The Westbury in central Dublin where there’s a wide choice of rooms. Family friendly, there’s a choice of restaurants too, from the Instagrammable, flower-strewn, more formal Wilde to the more laid-back all-day bistro Bales, and the hotel’s Sidecar cocktail bar, an elegant take on a 1930s bar.
doylecollection.com

Fly direct to Dublin daily with Ryanair and Aer Lingus from Newcastle Airport.

–Malta–

More regular flights from the North East have put this historic Island firmly within reach for a short stay. Its ancient cities, fortified walls, baroque palaces and the medieval streets of Mdina make it a history buff’s dream. The island has played host to the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Knights of St. John, Napoleon and the British Empire and a jaunt to its phenomenal fortifications, and taking in its awe-inspiring architecture is a must. The capital Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and everywhere are beautiful beaches and great restaurants where the cuisine shows strong influences from neighbouring Sicily and North Africa.

Stay: A bastion of Maltese hospitality since the 1940s, The Phoenicia, with its art deco soul, has seen countless visits from celebrities and royalty who have wandered in its historic gardens and traced wartime tunnels beneath the hotel. There are 132 rooms and suites, a choice of restaurants and the legendary Club Bar, an outdoor infinity pool looking over the city, and a spa and wellness suite.
phoeniciamalta.com

Fly direct to Malta with Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 from Newcastle Airport.

–Menorca–

More low-key than its Balearic neighbours Mallorca and Ibiza, head here for stunning beaches, secret coves, and a slower pace of life. White sandy beaches in the south give way to darker, volcanic coves further north but everywhere there are opportunities for diving, snorkelling and sailing, and kayaking is the perfect way to explore the less accessible coves. No wonder Menorca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as there are an amazing 1,500 prehistoric and Talaiotic sites, charming old towns, historic fortresses and palaces. Nature lovers will be drawn to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and foodies will be tempted by the fresh seafood, local cheeses and Pomada (their local drink). Mahon is the Mediterranean’s largest harbour and the world’s second deepest natural port and a great place to stay for a long weekend, wandering around the old town, exploring the shops and enjoying a drink on one of the many terraces overlooking the harbour, as is Cuitadella with its cobbled lanes, street cafés and ancient palaces and cathedral.

Stay: In the heart of Mahon, Can Alberto 1740 is an elegant boutique hotel with a large roof terrace perfect for a sundowner as you watch the sunset over the town. There are just 14 rooms here, breakfast is a feast, and there is an honesty bar, but given its location guests are expected to make the most of the many fabulous local restaurants for dinner.
hotelcanalberti.com

Fly direct to Menorca from Newcastle Airport with Jet2 from April 2026.

–Riga–

With direct flights available, this still relatively undiscovered Latvian city is fast become a must-visit. Perfect for a weekend break, Riga is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of stunning Art Nouveau architecture and the historic UNESCO-listed Old Town has a heady mix of medieval churches, Gothic spires and pastel-painted buildings. Riga’s central market (the largest in Europe) is a cultural hub for food and local artisan finds, the Latvian National Museum of Art and the Holocaust Museum are well worth checking out, and don’t miss the iconic Freedom Monument, St Peter’s Church (go at night for the views across the city), and the intriguingly named House of the Blackheads. The city also has a lively bar and restaurant scene where visitors can expect to try traditional Latvian dishes mixed with modern Nordic cuisine. If you want to escape the city, the seaside resort of Jurmala, with its wide sandy beaches and gourmet restaurants, is just half an hour’s drive from Riga’s centre.

Stay: The city is more affordable than many European capitals which means there is plenty of choice. Centrally located in the Vidzeme area, and within walking distance of many attractions, The Grand Hotel Kempiniski is, well, grand. This five-star luxury hotel has 141 rooms and suites, a great rooftop restaurant, and spa and wellness centre. Overlooking the Bastion Hill, the Grand Poet Hotel is another great option (with 20 luxury suites amongst its rooms, a popular restaurant and a wellness centre) as is The Dome Hotel, combining tradition and contemporary design in a 400-year-old building on a quiet city street in the heart of Riga’s Old Town.

–Verona–

This romantic city is a blend of ancient Roman ruins, a well-preserved medieval old town, pretty piazzas and streets that inspired Shakespeare’s famous tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Explore the Roman Arena amphitheatre and wander the the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient bridges, castles and Roman ruins. Quieter than other Italian city hotspots (Verona is referred to as ‘little Rome’), the vibrant cultural scene for which Verona is renowned includes world-class opera, but most visitors also make sure to take in Casa di Giulietta, the 13th century palazzo which was Juliet’s house, and Via Mazzini, a popular shopping street connecting the two main piazzas. Verona’s more relaxed pace allows you to enjoy the many bars and restaurants serving the city’s speciality, risotto with tastasal (risotto with minced, salted and peppered pork) and plenty of local Amarone wine.

Stay: The Balcone di Giulietta, with just 16 rooms and suites, actually overlooks Juliet’s Balcony and offers access to the courtyard below at all times of the day and night, even when it is closed to the public. There’s a rooftop terrace with whirpool and popular restaurant with tables overlooking Piazza Erbe. The more traditional, five-star Due Torri Hotel is in the historic centre, near the church of Saint Anastasia, and a stone’s throw from Juliet’s famous balcony, Piazza Bra and Roman Arena. In the basement of this former 14th century palace is the fresco Arena Casarini, a recently restored masterpiece.