Two countries in one trip: How to make the most of your next holiday
Why settle for one city when you could see two?
With direct flights from Edinburgh and Europe's excellent transport links, a two-city adventure is easier than you think.
Whether you're looking for great culture, food, sites or history, these trips let you maximise your time and budget by flying out to your first destination, travelling by bus or train to your second, and flying direct back to Edinburgh.
Vienna, Austria > Bratislava, Slovakia
By train - 45 minutes
Fly direct to Vienna to experience the capital's charm and sophistication. Home to one of the world’s most celebrated composers in Mozart, the city is a cultural symphony. The city centre, featured on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list, is packed full of character, with the awe-inspiring Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral all located within close proximity to one another.
Tick off another capital by heading to Bratislava by train. Only 45 minutes from Vienna, Bratislava is a true underrated pearl of Eastern Europe. The city is home to fantastic pubs and hearty food at affordable prices so it is no surprise that this city is proving increasingly popular. However with so much great history and architecture, it has a lot more to offer. The Blue Church, magnificent Bratislava Castle, and St Martin's Cathedral are three of the most impressive structures, while the Hlavné nám main square is a fascinating place to explore.
San Sebastian, Spain > Biarritz, France
By train - 1hr 10 mins
Embrace the Basque Country in San Sebastian. The city is home to some of Europe's very best beaches - La Concha being the most famous. Stretching more than one and a half kilometres, and throwing up fantastic city views, this is often ranked among the top beaches on the continent, and is the perfect place to spend those warm summer days.
After some time in the Basque, hop on a train to Biarritz to extend your seaside getaway. Just over an hour away by train, the Bay of Biscay is one of France's holiday favourites. Access to gorgeous beaches, scenic trekking routes, surfing and no shortage of golf courses mean this is a dream destination for those who love the outdoors.
Zurich, Switzerland > Milan, Italy
By train - 3hr 20 mins
Zurich is a city that breathes elegance and history. A city break will undoubtedly lead to good times thanks to the trendy bars and lively nightlife, the outstanding cuisine (yes, that includes the chocolate), and the many art galleries and museums. Among the array of highlights is the Fraumunster, a stunning church founded in 853 and famed for its stained glass windows, which sits at the heart of the Old Town.
Take the train across the border into Italy and spend a few days getting to know Milan. Just over three hours away by train, the views along the way make it an unforgettable journey before even reaching the city.
Although known for its fashion, Milan is also home to incredible art and architecture and fabulous cuisine. Among the city's most treasured possessions is Leonardo da Vinci's legendary mural The Last Supper. It's also worth noting Milan is also surrounded by some of the best spots in the Italian countryside – with some beautiful lakes and hills to explore.
Oslo, Norway > Gothenburg, Sweden
By bus - 3hr 30mins
Sitting at the head of the breathtaking Oslofjord, Oslo captures a curious blend of natural beauty and edgy architecture. A city packed with stunning sights, the Norwegian capital is home to several brilliant museums and galleries, and has a thriving contemporary arts scene enjoyed by visitors from across the globe. The remarkable Vigeland Park, which has 200 striking sculptures, is another must-see for art lovers.
Three and a half hours away by bus, you'll find an unheralded gem, Gothenburg. Famous for its seafood, the cold, fresh waters around this city mean the lobster, shrimp and fish is as good as you'll find anywhere, while the craft beer offering in the bars and pubs is well worth writing home about.
As far as sightseeing goes, you'll be kept very busy. In addition to the striking mix of historic and contemporary architecture, you've also got a selection of museums, galleries and exhibitions along with amazing gardens and greenspaces.
Brussels > Luxembourg
By train - 3hr 20 mins
Packed with incredible architecture, historic museums and, of course, the world’s best beer and chocolate – Brussels is a multicultural experience, and an ideal city break for art and culture lovers.
Take the train to the small country with a big reputation, Luxembourg, and you'll find a UNESCO-listed old town with cobbled streets, majestic castles, and scenic valleys. Explore the stunning Luxembourg Ardennes, hike through the Müllerthal region (known as 'Little Switzerland'), or enjoy the vibrant cultural scene in the capital city.
Seville, Spain > Faro, Portugal
By bus - 3hrs
For the first leg of your trip, fly direct to Seville, the capital of the Andalusian region steeped in history. A far as gothic cathedrals go, Seville is home to the world's largest, and one of the world's most impressive. The remarkable Catedral de Santa María de la Sede is a real spectacle, and the mighty Giralda bell tower is one of this Spanish city's star attractions. Despite the city's rich history, its beautiful streets still vibrate with life and colour. Whether you’re drinking and dancing in a busy Flamenco club or tasting real tapas – Seville is thriving with Spanish culture.
Three hours away by bus sits Faro, an enchanting introduction to the Algarve. With its ancient old own and medieval walls, shimmering marina, and restaurants bursting with local flavours, there's so much to see and do. Away from the town centre, one place you'll not want to miss is the jaw-dropping Parque Natural da Ria Formosa - a 60km estuary with beaches, islands, canals and marshlands.
Berlin, Germany > Poznan, Poland
By train - 3hr
Berlin is a firm city break favourite, packed with excellent nightlife, green spaces, shops and, of course, incredible history. Historic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Reichstag Building are popular spots for those who want to learn all about Berlin and it's story, while the Berlin TV Tower is a great place to see the city from high above.
A lesser known city with plenty to offer is Poznan, a three hour train journey from Berlin. Poznan is a window into Polish history, overflowing with character and colour. It’s Old Market Square is a renaissance rainbow – make sure to drop by at noon and check out the town clock as its mechanical goats butt heads!
