August Bank Holiday Inspiration from Riviera Travel
Do you fancy making the most of the long summer weekend, without going near the motorway? Too many of us have thought it would be a good idea in the past to get away the moment we leave work on the Friday, only to be confronted with 10 hot hours on the road, in slow-moving traffic. This traversing of the country we do annually is in a bid to hit the best UK beaches and it never matches up to our expectations. Either the weathers a little off, road closures delay our journey, the kids start bashing each other in the back seat out of boredom, or more often than not, we find that every shop, restaurant and hotel in our destination is full to its noisy brim with everyone else in the country who had the same idea!
Riviera Travel provide short breaks to exciting European and international destinations, that will allow you to enjoy a proper getaway, without having to book too many days off work. If you travel either side of the all-too busy Friday and Monday, you wont experience the same rush of people heading off for their weekend breaks. Aspen Travel has long been a booking partner of Riviera Travel, a company that prides itself on the uniquely educational and exhilarating escorted tour packages it provides. Today were going to provide you with some European city inspiration.
You deserve a holiday!
This time next week, you could be lazing around in the Orangerie next to the Louvre in Paris as you enjoy a fresh, crunchy Brie and grape baguette, rather than the foil wrapped sandwich and cold cup of coffee on the corner of your desk. This time next week, you could be tasting one of the worlds best ice creams, while you admire the Trevi Fountain in Rome from a warm patch of grass. That surely beats glaring at Martin from accounts, as he noisily struggles with the water cooler again.
You could even be on the beach, soaking up the Spanish sun, as you contemplate whether or not its too early to buy a glass of icy sangria. Much more preferable than squinting at your computer screen when the light hits it at the wrong angle, wouldn’t you say? You work hard. You deserve a break. Why not choose to go abroad, rather than brave it out with the motorway mob? Let us give you a few ideas of where you could find yourself in just a few weeks
Venice with Riviera Travel
Venice should be on everybodys Bucket List and it should be near the top too, because this unique set of islands located on a lagoon is sinking. This exciting Italian destination wont necessarily retain its incredible good looks forever and simply must be seen to be believed. You can walk canal-side, or you can charter a gondola to explore the outlying islands, but whichever you choose, having a dedicated Riviera tour manager on hand to point out the places of interest is invaluable. Theres so much to see and explore, youll want to make sure you make the most of the whole experience.
Whether youre strolling through St Marks Square, watching the pigeons settle on the basilica at sunset, youre enjoying some mouthwatering pasta, pizza or seafood from your restaurant table with a view across the water, or youre delighting in world class art in one of the many galleries, Venice is a very memorable city. On the Riviera tour, youll explore the Doges Palace, the labyrinthine streets of the Jewish Quarter, the markets under the Rialto Bridge and even have the opportunity to buy some of Venices famed coloured Murano glass. On the island of Murano, which youll reach by boat, youll see the Murano glass being blown into its distinctive shapes. Your tour will include overnights in a four star luxury hotel, meals and all the entrance tickets youll need. For a full description of everything thats included in this package, please get in touch with the Aspen Travel team or check it out here.
Bank Holiday weekend in Rome
Not a million miles away from Venice are the exquisite streets of Italys capital city, Rome, a city that housed one of the planets most sophisticated ancient civilisations. It is the birthplace of many Roman myths and remains home to iconic landmarks of the ancient Roman world. Again, and as with other Riviera short breaks, youll be staying in a four star hotel, within walking distance of superb transport links. Your tour manager will begin the first day of your break by introducing you to the incredible sights and sounds of Rome on a walking tour that will take in the Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. Youll discover where the 18th century romantic poets used to hang out and where Romulus and Remus founded the city itself.
The three big attractions youll visit are the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus and the Caracalla Baths. Largely unchanged after all these years, youll get a historical taste of how life was lived in Roman times. There are plenty of galleries to explore here, but some of the most spectacular art treasures can be found in the Villa Borghese, which is where youll spend your final day. Rome is one of those cities that youll want to explore time and time again, so be prepared to leave wanting more. Please give the Aspen Travel team a call to make your Riviera Travel reservations.
Summertime Paris
Travelling with a loved one? Paris could be the ideal romantic destination for you. Why not make a big gesture this August bank holiday, by proposing that you and your partner hit the Parisian streets in search of adventure. Famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Notre Dame will be explored with your knowledgeable tour guide in tow, allowing you to gain the best possible insight, in a fun way, into Parisian history and culture. Youll stroll through some extraordinary art collections, experience the Champs Elysees, the Place de la Concorde and the bohemian atmosphere of Montmartre.
A particular highlight of the trip will be a day spent at the palace of Versailles, where the infamous Louis XIV resided in all his golden splendour. The gardens alone are a breath of fresh air, but youll also the tour the inside of this historic building to marvel at the artworks and decadent interiors. Your days and your evenings will be packed full of tasty meals and fascinating sights, without compromising on the time youll have to explore on your own.
Discover Barcelona with Riviera
Barcelona is a party town with huge cultural significance. Its a gem in the Catalonian crown, which attracts thousands of tourists every year and with good reason. With your Riviera tour guide alongside you, youll enjoy the street arts of Las Ramblas, the incredible Gaudi-created architecture, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, not to mention a fine sandy beach which is almost permanently bathed in sunshine.
As well as discovering the landmarks, attractions and sights of the city of Barcelona itself, youll also have the opportunity to travel around beautiful nearby countryside, rich in vineyards and the Roman treasures of Poblet and Tarragona. In Montserrat, youll not only have a local cava tasting, but also enjoy the views from a Spanish mountainside. Urban and rural, with this Riviera tour to Barcelona, youll get a panoramic insight into Catalonia and the East coast of Spain. Please get in touch with the Aspen Travel team if you agree that this sounds like a great way to spend your August bank Holiday!
Riviera trip to Berlin
Berlin isnt just beautiful at Christmas. Its also an absolute delight in the height of Summer. Your centrally located four star hotel will put you within walking distance of the renowned Potsdamer Platz and the Unter den Linden shopping area. You will be taken to see iconic sights of German history and World Wars past, such as Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. Enjoy the citys modern, vibrant atmosphere. Its alive with colour, charm and allure. Youll visit palaces and grand stadiums, whilst enjoying a wurst, Berliner or pretzel along the way.
In addition to exploring Berlin, this trip will also take you to Dresden, Colditz and Meissen; each of which has its own unique flavour. To visit Berlin, or any of the European cities mentioned here on a Riviera package during the August Bank Holiday, please get in touch with Aspen Travel to make your reservations. Our friendly and professional team are on hand to answer any travel questions you may have and simplify the booking process for you. Please give us a call or send us an email.
