The kids are on holiday, spring is in the air, and the last minute offers are very tempting. So be an Easter bunny and go hopping around Europe.
It hasn’t been scientifically proven yet. However, we don’t need any proof to confirm that no one can face an Easter chocolate egg without wanting to touch it, poke it and break it into little pieces. It’s just to see what surprise is hiding inside, you might counter. But let’s be honest, it’s the chocolate that gets you every time.
In much the same way, you cannot look at the calendar, with the half term holidays circled in red, and not resist the temptation to pack your bags and treat the family to a short-haul break.
Magic in Marseille
The port city of Marseille used to be the scene of some gritty adventures. However, it used its 2013 status of European Capital of Culture to push for regeneration. And regenerate it did because nowadays, Marseille is one of the hottest destinations in Europe.
The beautiful thing about Marseille is that while flaunting the new, it has also retained the old charms of its bustling pavement life
Marseille has always looked good, with its Vieux-Port, dazzling water and the charm of old crumbling apartment blocks. Now it looks even better: seedy waterfront apartments have been transformed into beautiful real estate and the city’s landmarks have been given a good polish. There’s also the attraction of the new: from Norman Foster’s L’Ombriere to the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations and Zaha Hadid’s CMA CGM headquarters, Marseille’s new builds are spectacular.
Yet the beautiful thing about Marseille is that while flaunting the new, it has also retained the old charms of its bustling pavement life, buskers, fisherman selling their catch and a steaming serving of bouillabaisse.
The scoppio del carro in Florence.Fireworks in Florence
The Mediterranean celebrates Easter with dramatic processions and religious festivals. In Florence, drama takes on a whole new meaning with the scoppio del carro, which is literally an exploding cart.
Historians say that the scoppio del carro has its origins in the first crusade when a military expedition from Europe besieged and ultimately captured Jerusalem. In 1097, Pazzino de Pazzi, by tradition the first man to scale the walls of Jerusalem, was rewarded with three flints from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. These flints were carried back to Tuscany and are kept in the Church of Santi Apostoli in Florence.
Inspired by these flints, young men bearing torches would roam around the city during Easter festivities. In time, this tradition developed into the present form, when a cart is hauled from Porta al Prato to the Piazza del Duomo. The cart is loaded with fireworks which are then let off against the background of ringing bells.
Beautiful Croatia.Camping in Croatia
Croatia has it all: sapphire waters, ancient walled towns, balmy weather and natural wonders. Croatia also lends itself to a spot of family camping.
One of Croatia’s best campgrounds is Simuni, which is located along the bays on the western shores of Pag island. The size of it can be a bit daunting at first: it can host a maximum of 4,500 campers. However, with an area that stretches over 85 acres, there’s plenty of room for everyone. The campground also organises themed evenings and dinners as well as tasting events starring the area’s wines and cheeses.
Another camping option is Campsite Porto Sole in Vrsar. Surrounded by pine and cypress groves, the campsite overlooks the Lim estuary so if the water isn’t too cold, you can treat yourself to the first swim of the season. There are also other facilities such as a diving centre and tennis courts.
Magic in London
JK Rowling may now be writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith and Daniel Radcliffe has moved on to more adult roles. However, the magic of Harry Potter lives on, especially at the Georgian House Hotel in London.
London is the perfect setting for a family holiday: from museums and attractions to parks and shopping, this great city has it all. And when it’s time to turn in, the kids can carry on with their adventures at one of the Georgian House Hotel’s Wizard Chambers. The rooms have the Harry Potter gothic feel, with four-poster beds, potion bottles, cauldrons and spell books. You can also treat your kids to a Harry Potter package, which includes a walking tour of London landmarks featured in the films as well as a trip to Warner Bros Studio to see how the films were made.
Skiing in Switzerland
Enjoy the last of the winter snow with a skiing trip to Switzerland: cue log fires, cosy cabins and a rush down the slopes.
Verbier in Switzerland has some fantastic slopes for all levels, from kids to veterans. Apart from skiing, you can also try out other sports such as snowboarding. The two neighbouring resorts of Crans and Montana are also great for skiing: perched above the Rhone Valley and enjoying an impressive view of mountain peaks from the Matterhorn to Mont Blanc, Crans-Montana also offers walking trips through mountain forests and five swimming lakes.