If you’ve been following the recent BBC series Destination X, you’ll know that Europe has a great deal of history and culture to offer, both on and off the regular tourist trail.

While the 13 contestants on the X bus were left to guess their travel itinerary – thanks to tinted windows and their must-wear “X goggles” – yours needn’t be left to chance.

As we head into autumn, you might well be planning a short getaway for the next few months. But with so many beautiful cities to choose from, how do you decide?

Thankfully, we’re on hand to help.

1. Pula, Croatia

While Croatia has seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years, not least thanks to the so-called “Game of Thrones effect”, it still has its relatively hidden, and tourist-free, gems.

Rather than visiting its capital, Zagreb, or the beautiful walled city of Dubrovnik, complete with museums and tours based around the multi-award-winning fantasy show, try Pula instead.

Here, you’ll uncover the real-life history of the Roman Empire at the stunning – and incredibly well-preserved – amphitheatre, the Pula Arena. As with the best of Croatia’s other major cities, you’ll also enjoy a thrilling mix of history and cosmopolitan modernity, with its array of beaches and beautiful scenery alongside the historic Old Town, plus contemporary and world-class Mediterranean cuisine.

2. Salzburg, Austria

While the Central Cemetery in Austria’s capital, Vienna, is home to the final resting places of great composers including Beethoven, Brahms, and Strauss, Salzburg has its own claim to classical music fame. Alongside its dramatic mountain views and incredible architecture, you’ll find the birthplace of Mozart. Tour the house he was born in for a fascinating insight into the life of a genius.

During your stay in this truly beautiful city, also be sure to visit Hohensalzburg Fortress and enjoy the laid-back Austrian atmosphere with an apple strudel and a coffee.

And while it might be a little early to mention the festive period, hold off until December and you’ll be in time to visit Salzburg’s Christmas Market, which dates back as far as the 15th century. Salzburg is the city in which the carol ‘Silent Night’ was written and first performed, so you’ll be in the perfect place to soak up some festive cheer.

3. Paris, France

France’s capital has a great deal to recommend it, not least its proximity to the UK. The Eurostar from London to Paris takes around two and a half hours, and tickets, especially when booked well in advance, are available at bargain prices.

Once there, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the Eiffel Tower an obvious first stop among countless others. Consider the Pompidou Centre, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame.

You’ll also want to take in the restaurants, bars, and lauded cuisine. Follow this up with a boat trip on the Seine for the quintessential Paris experience.

4. Kutaisi, Georgia

If you’re looking for somewhere farther from the beaten track, try Georgia. Having arrived at the country’s international airport in Kutaisi, many visitors travel straight on to Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. But Kutaisi has a great deal to offer for those who opt to stay.

Small enough to traverse on foot, you can take a gentle stroll along the banks of the Rioni. The river originates in the Caucasus Mountains and flows, via Kutaisi, to the Black Sea. Enjoy the area’s stunning bars and restaurants, stocked by local wineries, or take a ride on the city’s cable cars.

Just a short ride out of the city, you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery and natural geological wonders, including intricate cave systems and crashing waterfalls.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

With its famous Fringe Festival over for another year, you’ll find the time and space to explore this historic city at your own pace.

From the majesty of Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle to the West End, with its independent shops and bars, and the regenerated port of Leith, there’s plenty of history, art, and culture on offer.

It’s a small city with a population of around 560,000. And a green one. It has more trees per head than any other city in the UK and more than 100 parks.

More than three-quarters of its buildings are listed, and you’ll find among them a stunning array of luxury five-star accommodation, making it the ideal UK city break destination.

Get in touch

At The Pension Planner, we can’t decide your perfect city getaway, but we can help to ensure you have the financial freedom to enjoy these luxuries while keeping you on track to your goals.

If you need help deciding if your holiday plans are affordable, or you have any questions about any aspect of your long-term financial plans, please get in touch. Email info@thepensionplanner.co.uk or call 0800 0787 182.