See Barcelona by Segway
The experience: Rumbling along Barcelona’s cobbled streets on a giant, two-wheeled motor vehicle adds a sense of the absurd to this tour of the weirdly wonderful architecture by Antoni Gaudí, the legendary Catalan architect. The tour winds through the central districts of Eixample and Vila de Gràcia, and you’ll learn about the Catalan modernism movement, perfectly illustrated by incredible monuments such as Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia cathedral – still unfinished – and commissions including the colourful Casa Batlló (once a private home, now a museum) and the undulating facades of Casa Milà, or La Pededra (another former private residence) on the celebrated Passeig de Gràcia boulevard.
Where to stay: Via Sants Hotel Barcelona, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
This hotel is well located in the atmospheric Eixample district, a five-minute walk from Sants train station and only 10 minutes from buzzy Plaza Espanya. Other attractions, such as La Rambla and Paseo de Gràcia, are within easy reach. Along with a hotel restaurant offering up American, Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, there’s a garden, shared lounge, terrace and bar. For those who want to keep fit while away there’s a fitness centre and yoga classes.
Explore Malaga by e-bike
The experience: Explore this charming city on the Costa del Sol via e-bike, which will help you glide smoothly up hills and around the narrow streets of Malaga’s atmospheric historic centre. It will get you effortlessly up to the Gibralfaro castle, perched on Mount Gibralfaro, which overlooks the city and the Mediterranean; for even more amazing views, cycle on to the Parador de Malaga and marvel at them from its terrace. You can also visit the birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso, explore the traditional fishing village of Pedregalejo, and zoom along the city’s main beach promenade.
Where to stay: Higueron Hotel Malaga, Curio Collection by Hilton
Base yourself a little farther down the coast at this stylish hotel, one of the most exclusive resorts in the south of Europe, where attention to detail is paramount. Book into one of the art-filled Leiro suites and residences, which take comfort to another level, and where sea views will greet you every morning. Discerning clients will also appreciate the gastronomy and luxury services on offer, whether that’s relaxing in the on-site spa or enjoying the Sport Club, with activities from tennis and paddle-tennis to swimming in the club’s pools.
Enjoy an off-road tour of Mallorca by quad bike
The experience: Explore the areas around Mallorca’s elegant capital, Palma, by quad bike, where off-roading is the name of the game. In summer, you’ll stop by the sea to swim and snorkel, and in winter, you’ll head up to the top of the mighty Puig de Randa, at 540 metres the island’s highest point, which offers incredible panoramic views. You’ll head through pine forests and across beaches, visiting hidden bays and navigating stony paths, enjoying stunning scenery along the way. And don’t worry – full training is given first!
Where to stay: Hilton Mallorca Galatzo
The hotel is within just a stone’s throw of sandy beaches, hiking trails and scenic spots. And if you’re a golfer, you’re within reach of both Andratx golf club and Golf Santa Ponsa, while the pretty harbour town of Port d’Andratx, with its lively bars and restaurants, is a short drive away. Back at the hotel, there are three pools – two outdoors with Balinese beds and sea views, and one inside in the hotel spa. There are tennis courts, and parents will be overjoyed to discover the Kids’ Club, with lots of activities for the little ones. Restaurant options range from grab and go at The Market to premium sushi at The Cotton Club Mallorca.
View Sardinia from above by paraglider
The experience: Floating above the sparkling azure sea, feeling the wind in your hair, and getting a bird’s-eye view of one of Italy’s most magnificent islands: paragliding in a lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider, is one of the most liberating ways to travel. And in this instance, you’ll be doing it in tandem with an experienced pilot, who does all the hard work while you concentrate on taking in the views. You set off from near Sassari, by the coast. Afterwards you can explore this historic town, brimming with palazzi, fountains and neoclassical architecture.
Where to stay: Sulia House Porto Rotondo, Curio Collection by Hilton
Tucked away in the northern hills of Sardinia, overlooking the Gulf of Cugnana, this hotel is the ideal place to unwind and recharge. You’ll find glorious panoramic views, innovative cuisine – don’t miss the Pasigà Restaurant by Claudio Melis – and a host of signature experiences. There are several beaches within a short drive, while the stunning Costa Smeralda is just 30 minutes away. Hikers will find beautiful routes aplenty, such as the one to Capo d’Orso (bear rock) or to the lighthouse along the coast.
Explore Sorrento and beyond by vintage Vespa
The experience: Make like a local and hop on to a classic Italian scooter, which will take you from the seaside town of Sorrento to some of the other most beautiful places along the stunning Amalfi coast. Your guide will show you points of interest as you wind along the coastal road, stopping at picturesque villages such as Positano and Amalfi. Start with a stroll around Sorrento, and try authentic limoncello, the local lemon-based liqueur, then admire the colourful houses of pretty Positano. Stop here for a coffee and a traditional delizia al limone (a sponge cake filled with lemon cream) or a typical Neapolitan sfogliatella (a shell-shaped pastry). You’ll also be able to admire Amalfi’s imposing cathedral before heading back to Sorrento.
Where to stay: Hilton Sorrento Palace
When it comes to food, this hotel has you covered: there are several restaurants on site, including Sorrento il Restaurante, whose panoramic outdoor terrace offers amazing views over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. You also have the choice of 23 Michelin-starred restaurants within a six-mile radius of the hotel. It’s just a 10-minute stroll from the historic centre, and a 10-minute drive from the captivating Bagni Regina Giovanna, a secluded natural pool. If you don’t want to stray too far, visit one of the hotel’s seven pools.
Navigate Venice by traditional boat
The experience: Try voga alla veneta, a traditional form of rowing in this canal-filled city. It’s done standing up on a flat-bottomed wooden craft known as a batela coda di gambero, or shrimp-tailed boat. You’ll be given expert tuition in how to row and keep your balance, and visit smaller, quieter canals to see life in Venice as it’s really lived by locals, far from the crowded tourist hangouts. Afterwards, you’ll explore some of the city’s cicchetti bars, where small dishes – think canape-size – are offered alongside glasses of wine, prosecco, or Aperol Spritz.
Where to stay: Hilton Molino Stucky Venice
This imposing hotel is housed in a restored flour mill on the shores of picturesque Giudecca island, and reached by private shuttle boat from Piazza San Marco. You can experience stunning views of Venice’s historic centre from the highest rooftop bar in the city, and by day enjoy the rooftop swimming pool. Take a rest from rowing, with a boat tour to one of the other nearby islands, such as Murano, Burano or Torcello.
Explore Malta by electric buggy
The experience: Once you’ve strolled around Malta’s historic capital, Valletta, explore the nearby Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua – by self-drive electric buggy, a nippy little vehicle reminiscent of a golf cart. You’ll start by skirting the Grand Harbour marina, stuffed full of yachts, and its bar and restaurant-lined waterfront, before enjoying the secluded sandy beach of Rinella Bay. You’ll trundle along charming narrow streets, pass ancient forts, and go through lively piazzas, stopping en route to explore Senglea’s pretty Gardjola Gardens and admire the view across to Valletta.
Where to stay: Hilton Malta
Take a break from sightseeing at the Hilton Malta in lively St Julian’s, where you can relax on a sun lounger by one of four seasonal outdoor pools. There are also outdoor tennis and squash courts, a fitness centre, and the Merkanti Beach Club, just below the resort grounds, with a variety of pools and an array of water sports – from snorkelling to windsurfing – to try.
Take a Game of Thrones walking tour of Dubrovnik
The experience: With a lot of significant action of the cult hit series filmed in and around Dubrovnik, you can see for yourself exact locations for some of Game of Thrones’ most memorable scenes. Dubrovnik stood in for King’s Landing – home of the house of Targaryen – and you’ll visit fictional places such as the Red Keep, Littlefinger’s brothel and the Sept of Baelor, as well as retrace the steps of Cersei Lannister’s walk of shame. GoT superfans will also be thrilled to see a range of props and memorabilia. Along the way, you’ll also learn about the city’s real history, as you visit sites such as the Pile Gate, the imposing fort Lovrijenac, and the Rector’s Palace.
Where to stay: Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
Set in an elegant, palace-like building dating to 1897, the hotel sits on the edge of Dubrovnik’s old town, with views of the city’s iconic red roofs and the Adriatic Sea. There are several beaches within walking distance, including secluded Sulic, just outside the city walls, while the hotel also has a pool, spa area, and terrace restaurant.
