Broaden your horizons the next time you plan a trip away with these top historical European break destinations…

Sometimes you want a break away that is just that – sun, sand and cocktails, with nothing more to think about. But sometimes you want to explore and find out more about a place, immerse yourself in the local culture, discover the incredible history hiding beneath the surface and really embrace the destination. And it’s never been easier to visit these places either, with multi-city breaks allowing you to pack even more into your annual leave. You can hop on a short flight and spend your week basking in Budapest’s thermal baths, bar hopping in Malta and walking Dubrovnik’s historic walls. Discover somewhere new with our top historical European break destinations you need to visit…

1) Berlin

First on our list of top historical European break destinations is Berlin. Berlin is a city that is as vibrant as it is historical, with a diverse mix of sights and things to do. Be sure to stroll through Brandenburg Gate, visit the glass dome of the Reichstag and explore the Berlin Cathedral. Head to the Holocaust Memorial to reflect on the war-torn past of the country and be sure to visit the Charlottenburg Palace which was built over 300 years ago. Venture to the Berlin Wall where you can see the famous border crossing Checkpoint Charlie and take time to just wander the historic streets of the city.

2) Istanbul

Explore some of the world’s most spellbinding attractions in Istanbul, a city packed with so much history and culture you’re guaranteed to be mesmerised each way you look. If you’re only heading for a few days, there are a few main historical sites you need to see: Hagia Sophia – this is one of the most remarkable monuments of the ancient world and features a large beautiful dome which is considered the epitome of Byzantine architectural expertise. Topkapi Palace is utterly beautiful and worth a visit, as is the Basilica Cistern and different mosques such as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque.

3) Venice

When you think of top historical European break destinations, Venice is one that instantly comes to mind. Make time in between indulging in the delicious Italian coffee and gelato to visit Doge’s Palace, which once served as the residence of the doges, the city’s chief magistrates. Make time to explore the famous Piazzo San Marco, the Basilica di San Marco and St Mark’s Campanile, one of Venice’s most recognizable symbols. Why not take to a boat and explore the city from their many canals?

4) Malta

Malta is a lesser considered vacation destination compared to locations such as Greece and Italy but is one that you cannot afford to miss on your travels. Malta is packed with several museums to visit and historical sites such as the Tarxien Temples in Mdina, St Pauls Catacombs, St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grandmaster’s Palace. Spend your days exploring the beautiful winding streets and seeing the vast array of history peeping out from the architecture.

5) Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is known for its distinctive Old Town, encircled by stone walls and surrounded by beautiful crystal clear waters – making it a clear contender for our top historical European break destinations. It has a range of well-preserved historical buildings and museums that you need to visit on your trip. Be sure to head to the baroque St Blaise Church, Renaissance Sponza Palace and the Gothic Rector’s Palace which is also a history museum.

6) Budapest

Budapest is a great destination for all travel tastes and is steeped with a history that makes the city as beautiful as it is interesting. Take a wander through the historical streets where you can see the famous art nouveau architecture, as well as other Gothic, Renaissance and Classicist structures. Be sure to visit St Stephen’s Basilica, the Chain bridge, Bauhaus and the thermal baths when you are in the city.

Which is your favourite of our top historical European break destinations? Let us know!