10 European city trips

LJUBLJANA

The Slovenian capital is brilliant in the build-up to Christmas with festive markets, concerts, ice rinks and the whole centre illuminated, as well as its fairytale castle.

PALMA

The Majorcan capital may not always be balmy but this pleasantly-compact city boasts myriad tapas bars, chic hotels and tourist attractions.

BARCELONA

A big city break destination, with good reason. There is so much going on and it changes so often it’s great even if you’ve been before.

STOCKHOLM

Now we are looking for some serious snow, which you often find in the Swedish capital. It’s chocolate-box pretty, too.

PARIS

The French capital is at its best in winter when the crowds have eased away along with the queues.

LONDON

The newly revamped Caledonian Sleeper offers a great way to head off on a capital break in a city you can never get bored of.

LISBON

The Portuguese capital can offer decent weather when there are no Atlantic storms brewing. It’s a great city for aimless wandering and superb value, too.

DUBROVNIK

This remarkable baroque city is so much more fun to spend time in when the cruise ships are not in town.

PRAGUE

Quite possibly the most romantic city in Europe in the build-up to Christmas, as the cobbled streets of its old town ripple with festive cheer. Great for gift shopping.

REYKJAVIK

The Icelandic capital is a great place for anyone looking to savour the Northern Lights and bash about on snowmobiles.