Country Short Breaks

Country Short Breaks - Romantic escapes from the big city
Although big cities offer an unlimited array of attractions such as vibrant entertainment, shopping and historic sightseeing, it is often nice to spend a restful short break in idyllic rural surroundings appreciating the serenity and beauty of nature. Country short breaks are becoming more popular as a romantic getaway or for spending quality time with the family free from distractions. Enjoy the luxury of a English country manor house or historic French chateau, a rustic gite or a hillside finca in Andalucia. Many smaller cities feature easily accessible scenery of spectacular natural beauty dotted with sleepy villages and rolling countryside filled with wildlife and lush vegetation.

Country Short Breaks - Get active out in fresh country air
Short breaks in the country are ideal for pursuing a special interest be it art, food appreciation, a study break or outdoor sports. For wine lovers, Bordeaux and Bergerac offer miles of lush vineyard estates to explore and unlimited gastronomic delights while fun loving Cape Town boasts its very own winelands set tantalisingly between tropical beaches and rugged mountains. From horse riding and mountain biking in Almeria, golf in Malaga, cruising the Canal du Midi from Carcassonne, salmon fishing in Aberdeen and even white water rafting in Ljubljana, leisurely pursuits and dare dale activities can be enjoyed in the fresh air of the countryside. The appeal of a country short break is the ability to simply do nothing and merely relax with an afternoon picnic or by a roaring log fire in the evening.

Country Short Breaks - Relaxing city breaks in gorgeous surroundings
A stay in the countryside offers easy access to the delights of big city amenities such as shopping in Leeds from a quaint cottage in the Yorkshire Dales or painting the town red in Milan from a cosy lakeside retreat. Cities like Aix en Provence, Avignon and Shannon in Ireland offer a sleepy, small town atmosphere with the perfect combination of a slow paced rural lifestyle yet more than enough local amenities to keep everyone happy. Country short breaks will also encounter fabulous historic sites such as the magical castles of rural Jersey, fairytale royal palaces around Munich and ancient monasteries on the outskirts of Perpignan.