Make the break

It’s not too late to book that summer getaway from Birmingham Airport

With the summer months fast approaching, it’s time to think about booking your summer holiday. Check out these amazing destinations that you can easily reach from Birmingham Airport. Morocco, Split and Budapest are all fascinating places worth exploring, so get ready to immerse yourself in something completely new.

Morocco

Situated on the north-west tip of the African continent, Morocco provides a country of spellbinding diversity with rugged mountains, ancient cities, sweeping deserts and the warmest of hospitality.

Rise early to be one of the first to enter the Majorelle Gardens, a two-and-a-half acre botanical garden which was restored by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge after years of neglect. The striking plants and spectacular painted buildings are not to be missed. Don’t forget to make a stop at the gift shop where you can pick up some high-quality souvenirs.

For lovers of gastronomy, the greatest way to discover Moroccan cuisine is to participate in a cooking class. Visitors to Morocco cannot help but be impressed by the country’s culinary scene, with the likes of delicious tagines and tasty couscous. La Maison Arab, a hotel in Marrakech, offers cooking classes in an intimate world-renowned workshop setting, based in an organic kitchen garden.

Split

Rivalling Italy for pristine beaches and summer climate is Croatia. Bright, clean and welcoming, the ancient Dalmatian city of Split is a beautiful place to take a stroll around, observing the historic buildings as well as the Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace and the Cathedral of St Dominus. Make an early start to navigate through Diocletian’s Palace when it’s least crowded. After taking in all that history, head to Bacvice beach and the sophisticated bars of the Old Town to watch the city thrive.

Try original Dalmatian dishes prepared with a touch of modern cuisine at Zora Bila. Run by a husband and wife duo, you can indulge in mouth-watering meat or octopus dishes baked in traditional stone ovens, paired with Croatian wine.

Budapest

One of the oldest and most historic cities in Europe has lots to offer. From extravagant architecture to healing thermal waters, the Hungarian capital makes for the perfect break.

In Buda, on the west bank of the Danube, you can visit Castle Hill and the Fisherman’s Bastion, offering a great view of the city. Not to mention the architecture of the terrace itself which is remarkable to see.

The beating heart of the New York Palace hotel is the New York Café – a café that was once chosen as the most beautiful in the world. Drop in for a coffee and find yourself in an authentic 19th century experience. Previously a popular place among writers and editors, the café has preserved all the authentic decoration and flair, including gilded and marble surfaces ornamented with wood and crystal.

GETTING THERE: Fly direct from Birmingham Airport with a variety of airlines. These destinations are perfect for a last-minute, mini-getaway with flight durations from as short as 2hrs 30mins from Birmingham.