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    HomeTrip ideasTrendShort city breaks are the latest trend

    Short city breaks are the latest trend

    A weekend escape, for those that work, is a refreshing alternative, as you end up going on holiday more often and you don’t use up all your holiday allowance! We fly to the most beautiful cities in the world, and it only takes 4 hours.

    Turkish Airlines Blog
    Turkish Airlines Blog
    With this account, managed by our writer team, we welcome all who love travel and exploration to enjoy these blog posts. And we gently remind our readers of the delight to be found in 'hitting the road'. As Tolstoy said: “All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.”

    Prague, Czech Republic

    On your first day in Prague, stretch your legs and take a short but sweet city tour. This delightful city takes you to the Municipal House, Charles Bridge, the old town hall with Astronomical Clock, St Vitus Cathedral, Mustek Square, Vaclavske Boulevard and Karlova Street, each as charming as the next. Take a boat tour on your first night and meander down the beautiful Vltava river. On your next day, take a stroll through Carlsbad, famously known as a spa town for its thermal springs; There is a gallery where 12 different types of thermal water are on display. The streets are lined with beautiful palaces. You can even visit the houses of Göethe and Beethoven. Then browse the shops and find traditional Czech presents for your loved ones made from crystal or porcelain. Sample the Czech cuisine on special Czech Nights. Book a flight to Prague for a three-day adventure.


    Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    When in Dubai, visit the Burj Al Arab, the only 7-star hotel in the world, and relax on the Jumeirah beach. As the sun is setting walk around the marketplace, restaurants and cafes, find some authentic goods at the Souq Medinat. In the evening, take a boat tour from the Marina region; marvel at the city and colorful city lights shimmering on the water, as you enjoy a nice dinner. The following day take a day-long safari tour in the desert. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the Bedouin camping site. On the third day, you can admire the view from the observation deck of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which is 828 meters long. The visit the Miracle Garden, according to the Guinness Book of Records it is home to the world’s tallest flower wall. Go shopping on your final day in the world’s largest shopping center. For a fun-filled holiday, book a flight to Dubai.


    Rome, Italy

    Rome was once the capital of the world and is filled with ancient ruins and monuments that will dazzle you. Roam the picturesque streets, visit the Colosseum, and the Forum, the heart of ancient Roman public life, where the famous gladiators’ battles took place. Close to the Forum you can find the monument of Vittorio Emanuele II. Save the second day for the enchanting sights that are awaiting you: the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums and the Raphael rooms. On your last day, visit Navona Square and the Travestere neighborhood, where you can find delicious local food. Italian cuisine is just as amazing as the marvels it has to offer. Book your flight to Rome, for an unforgettable experience and a quick getaway.


    Barcelona, Spain

    Barcelona lies at the heart of Europe. Start you trip in this colorful city at the Marina, view the Columbus monument and the incredible houses of Antonio Gaudi, the Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. On the second day, visit La Sagrada Familia, Olympic Stadium, Catalonia Square and the old bullfighting arena. Save the third day for a lovely stroll down the famous La Ramblas street, where you can enjoy a nice meal in a café or restaurant. Make sure to wander off into the side streets, where you can find flamenco performances, and peruse the quaint boutique shops. Gaudi’s masterpiece Park Guell, is a must-see. Afterwards, rove through the authentic Gothic quarter. For a holiday filled with music, art and delicious cuisine, book a flight to Barcelona.


    Malta, Malta

    Malta is a great place for a short trip, in just three days you can discover many places. Start out by walking the streets of Valletta, the capital city. Here you can visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens, then the baroque-style St. John Co-Cathedral. On the second day, we recommend that you take a thirty-minute ferry ride to the Gozo island. Then visit the old city, Mdina. Malta is also known for its three fortified cities of Cottonera: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. You could also wander the Streets of Rabat, Malta’s oldest city. Visit the fishing village of Marsaxlokk if you want to eat fish and watch the colorful fishing boats floating by. For a great short-trip getaway, book a flight to Malta.


    Lisbon, Portugal

    On your first day in Lisbon, explore the Rossio and Alfama squares where you can wander down narrow lanes and find a nice cafe or restaurant and try the local cuisine. You can get around easily on Lisbon’s famous tramway. Your first spot should be the 25th of April bridge and the Belem tower. The next day should be spent admiring the view at St. George’s Castle before hitting Augusto street, where you can find plenty of street musicians. Then visit the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument. Last but not least, visit the historic city, Sintra, atop a hill, and enjoy the stunning views of Cabo da Roca, the Cascais Fishing town on the Atlantic coast, also Estoril. For the holiday of a lifetime and escape the everyday life, book a flight to Lisbon, with a Schengen visa.


    Lebanon, Beirut

    One of the ideal holiday destinations for a weekend getaway, that is just a short flight away, is Beirut. Home to 5000 years of rich history, Beirut, is an open-air museum. As you wander through the streets of Beirut, you will see the new face of Beirut, but come across many restored buildings that were heavily damaged during the war. On your first day in Beirut, visit the Beirut National Museum, the old Crusader church, the El Omer Mosque and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St George. Fully reserve your second day in Beirut for the city’s commercial district, Raouche. A spot called Pigeon Rocks, is one of the most popular places in the city, a beautiful spot in which to watch the sunset. At Pigeon Rocks in Raouche, there are plenty of restaurants to be found. Feast on the main staples of Lebanese cuisine: grain, fruit, vegetables, sea food and chicken. Some must-try dishes are zahter, humus, falafel, muhammara, mutabbal, makadami, manqoushe and ashta. Set aside your last day in Beirut, for shopping, and exploration of the city streets. On Sundays, there is a famous market, Souk Al Ahad, where you can find almost everything, from antiques, clothes, household goods and food. There are plenty of brands to be found at shopping centers in Beirut. We also recommend that you stop by the jewelers, as you can find reasonably priced earrings embedded with precious jewels. To explore historical places and for many shopping options wrapped up in a 3-day holiday, book a flight to Beirut.


    Montenegro, Budva / Kotor

    Montenegro, the new center of attraction of the Balkans, has gotten very popular, due to its development in recent years, with its rapidly growing economy and geographical structure, the historical, cultural and natural riches of Montenegro are just waiting to be explored. Most touristic attractions in Montenegro are in the capital Podgorica, Budva and Kotor. As the airport is situated in Podgorica, it should be the first destination on your list. In the city, you can visit the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, Hercegovacka Street, the Trg Republike district, the Clock Tower, the Petrovic Palace and the Ostrog Monastery. Save the second day of your holiday for Budva and Kotor. Budva is one of the most popular cities in the country, with pristine beaches, clear blue bays and little islands. You can have a sea, sun, sand holiday and explore history in Budva. Start the day in the old city Stari Grad, then discover Sveti Stefan Island. Afterwards go and see the dancing girl statues, Santa Marija in Punta Church, The Ancient Necropolis, Rustovo Monastery. The next stop after Budva is Kotor. Here you can discover the St. Trifon Cathedral, Oruzja Square, the St.Luke and St. Nikola Churches, the Clock Tower of St.Mary Church, St. Nicolas Church and the Napoleon Theatre. For a fun-filled historical, beach holiday book a flight to Podgorica. After a short flight you can rent a car and enjoy these famous cities to the fullest.


    Morroco, Marrakech

    At the base of the Atlas Mountains, lies ‘the red city,’ Marrakech. Perfect for short holidays, you do not require a visa to walk the streets and discover Marrakech, an exotic city, located in West Africa. Prepare to explore the old city Medina and the new city Gueliz, where you will find plenty of squares, bazaars and historic buildings on the labyrinth-like streets. On your first day, visit Ali Bin Yusuf Madrasa, Bahia Palace, Kutubiye Mosque and Jemaa El Fna Square. In this square you will be amazed by the storytellers, jugglers, acrobats, snake charmers and tattooists. On your second day, hit the bazaars, brimming with cloth-makers, hammersmiths, carpenters, great craftsmen of handmade goods. Don’t forget to visit the stalls heaped with healing herbs and creams. On the same day, you can also visit the Majorelle Gardens and the museum, famous for its exotic variety of herbs. On your third day in Marrakech, head to the villages close to the Atlas Mountains. There you can go on a 4×4 tour. Afterwards, you can visit Mulay Brahim Village and Tifruin and Taddart villages, where women who cannot conceive have visited for centuries, in the hopes of finding a cure. You can feast on African delicacies, especially couscous, on the banks of the Lalla Takerkust lake, not far from these villages. Before returning from Marrakech, you should definitely watch the traditional world-famous Chez Ali show. This exotic city is even more enjoyable in the spring and autumn months, and for a quick getaway, book a flight to Marrakech.


    Ukraine, Kyiv

    No need for a visa on your short holiday to Ukraine. The capital city, Kyiv, is also the largest and an ideal location for a short getaway. Kyiv, straddled across the two banks of the Dinyeper River, draws in tourists with its magnificent architecture. You can spend three full, delightful days exploring the churches, monasteries, wide streets, avenues, squares, museums, historical places and entertainment in Kyiv. On your first day in Kyiv, explore the National Opera House, Independence Square, Kreşatik Street, Golden Gate, St Sophia Cathedral, and the Mikhailovsky Cathedral. Make sure to visit Pechersk Lavra Monastery, also known as the Monastery of Caves and the Micro Miniature Museum on your second day. On your last day, discover the World War II Museum, Podil, Andreyevskiy Hill and the Motherland statue. For a three-day trip and exploration of Slavic culture, book a flight Kyiv.

    Recent research shows that people prefer short breaks at destinations, that are only a few hours away.

    *The date of this blog post may have been updated due to additional content. Please be aware that information on fees and transportation is subject to change. The content of this post reflects the author's opinion and views.

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