Janine Kelso picks the best short breaks in central Europe, featuring destinations in Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Austria
With the credit crunch forcing everyone to tighten their purse strings, short breaks are an increasingly attractive holiday option.
No-frills airlines frequently launch new routes to cities in central Europe. This has encouraged interest in towns previously unheard of by Brits. Why not suggest these short breaks to your customers?
Bavaria, Germany
Its world-famous fairytale castles dot the forested and mountainous landscape of this green and scenic region of southern Germany. The fresh air and varied terrain is ideal for hiking and biking.
The pretty village of Schwangau is a good place to start exploring Bavaria, Austria and the Swabian Alps. Germany specialist Dertour has recently shown its commitment
to the region by launching an online brochure dedicated to Bavaria for 2008.
Sample product: Dertour offers two nights’ bed and breakfast at the three-star Hotel Kleiner Konig for £329 per person all year round, including flights and rail travel.
Bratislava, Slovakia
On the banks of the Danube is the fascinating medieval city of Bratislava. It’s perfect for travellers who have seen Prague but would like to explore somewhere less crowded. The historic capital has cafes, restaurants and wine cellars on every corner.
Kirker sales and marketing director Ted Wake said Bratislava is one of its up-and-coming gems. The operator offers a twin-centre break to Vienna and Bratislava, as the Slovakian capital is only an hour by train from the Austrian city.
Wake added: “Bratislava has got a lot of character. In some ways, a trip there is like going back in time and it contrasts well with sophisticated Vienna.”
Sample product: Cresta Holidays offers three nights’ bed and breakfast at the three-star Club Hotel in September for £264 per person, including flights.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest has seen a recent boom in business thanks to Ryanair and Aer Lingus increasing routes from the UK to the Hungarian capital. Ryanair added more flights to Budapest from Bristol, East Midlands, Liverpool and Glasgow last November, while Aer Lingus recently introduced a new service from Belfast.
The city has also seen the opening of two new four-star boutique hotels, Lanchid 19 by the Chain Bridge and Hotel Zara, in Pest. This year, a series of cultural, gastronomic and scientific events have been arranged in the city to mark the 550th anniversary of the coronation of King Matthias. An exhibition of renaissance art is
on display at the Hungarian national gallery until July 27.
Sample product: Regent Holidays offers three nights at the five-star Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal in Budapest for £455 per person, year round. Price includes breakfast, return flights with British Airways and all air taxes.
Innsbruck, Austria
Gothic and baroque buildings line the streets of this medieval town, crammed full of churches, museums and palaces. Surrounded by mountains accessible by bus or cable car, the region offers endless hiking and climbing opportunities.
Innsbruck is also home to Europe’s highest zoo, Alpen. Inghams introduced Innsbruck to its Lakes and Mountains programme this year.
Sample product: Inghams offers four nights’ bed and breakfast at the three-star Goldene Krone Hotel for £447 per person in July, including flights and transfers.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
With a backdrop of snow-peaked mountains and forests, the breathtaking Lake Bled looks like something from a fairytale. Overlooked by a cliff-top castle, the lake has an island at its centre, which is home to an ancient church.
It’s little wonder the destination has become popular with couples who can marry in the lakeside registry office before being rowed across the lake in a gondola-like boat to the church for a blessing.
Romantics will love walking around the lake, taking a bike ride or hiring a boat. Recommended day excursions include a visit to Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana and a walking trip to Postojna Cave to see its stunning rock formations.
Sample product: Kuoni offers four nights’ bed and breakfast at Hotel Golf, Lake Bled, for £495 per person in September, including flights and transfers.
