From snowy streets to snug cafes, explore the cosiest short-haul city breaks this season
1. Strasbourg, France
Heavy on German influences – think half-timbered houses, buttery spaetzle and beer – Rhine-side Strasbourg is a new destination for easyJet this winter. Clients can wander the Unesco-listed Grand Île to see the grand Strasbourg Cathedral and pretty Petite France neighbourhood (pictured) with its icy canals and medieval bridges. Suggest cosying up in a traditional winstub bistro for homemade Alsatian dishes such as choucroute (sauerkraut and sausage) and crispy tarte flambée.
Book it: Kirker Holidays sells a three-night B&B stay at Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg from £798, based on two sharing, private transfers and flights from Gatwick departing February 21, 2025.
kirkerholidays.com
2. Bratislava, Slovakia
Set along the Danube, Bratislava’s Old Town is a maze of pastel buildings that feel like they’re pulled straight from a fairytale. New to Jet2CityBreaks from Manchester and Glasgow this year, clients can stroll to Bratislava’s turreted castle (pictured) or clamber to the top of the tower at St Martin’s Cathedral to peek over the Slovakian city’s frosted red roofs.
Book it: Jet2CityBreaks offers a three-night stay at Crowne Plaza Bratislava from £399, based on two sharing. Price includes luggage and flights from Manchester on January 3, 2025.
jet2holidays.com
3. Ivalo, Finland
For clients seeking out Arctic activities, British Airways’ new route to Ivalo in Lapland takes off on December 3. Suggest a stay in a log cabin and days exploring the forest trails by snowmobile or husky sled, before getting the blood pumping with a traditional Finnish sauna or a dip in an icy lake.
Book it: Regent Holidays offers a four-night stay at Wilderness Hotel Muotka from £1,965, based on two sharing. Includes snowmobile and sledding excursions and BA flights from Gatwick departing January 7, 2025.
regent-holidays.co.uk
4. Tromsø, Norway
New to Audley Travel this year is the Gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø. It’s home to the Arctic Cathedral – known for its impressive stained glass – and the Polar Museum, where exhibits delve into the history of Arctic exploration and fur trapping. To see the northern lights in all their glory too, add a nighttime ride on the cable car up Mount Storsteinen.
Book it: Audley Travel sells a five-night Short Northern Lights Winter Break in Northern Norway trip from £5,595, based on two sharing. Includes accommodation, excursions and flights from Gatwick.
audleytravel.com
5. Zurich, Switzerland
The Swiss finance hub, now served by easyJet from Manchester, maintains its old-world charm. Clients can meander through the Altstadt, where the monumental Grossmünster church stands above chic boutiques, Swiss chocolate cafes and art galleries. For a breath of fresh air, suggest venturing to Lake Zurich or walking up nearby Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views.
Book it: EasyJet holidays offers five nights at the four-star Placid Hotel Design & Lifestyle Zurich, room-only, for £335 based on two sharing, including flights from Manchester on January 8.
easyjet.com
PICTURES: Sorrisniva AS; Juha Kauppinen; Shutterstock/Fedor Selivanov, Kobkob
