Great breaks in and Italy that are only a flight away from Cork

Venice: Where the Streets Are Water

Ryanair flights from Cork, Wed, Sat

Stepping onto the cobblestones of Venice, it almost feels like you’ve wandered right into a Renaissance painting… except with a few selfie stick-wielding tourists about.

Built, incredibly, on top of the Adriatic Sea, Venice is an architectural marvel and an Instagram goldmine.

Visitors will all likely start their explorations at the same place - the Basilica di San Marco. A religious masterpiece, this impressive building is as much a display of wealth as it is of devotion.

The area around the basilica (the Piazza San Marco) is often thronged with tourists. Either expect (nay, even embrace) this chaos… or arrive at the crack of dawn to avoid it.

A stone’s throw away is the Campanile di San Marco - a tower offering beautiful, panoramic views over Venice and its waterways.

The Doge’s Palace is another must-see in Venice, although it (disappointingly) has nothing to do with the associated cryptocurrency! This Gothic masterpiece once served as the seat of Venetian power, and will be particularly revered by art lovers.

While we’re on the topic, art lovers will also appreciate the city’s Peggy Guggenheim Collection. This museum is named after an American art collector who amassed a huge amount of modern art works, and who lived in Venice for many years.

No trip would be complete without crossing the iconic bridge, Ponte di Rialto. Though often thronged with tourists, you’ll get stunning views of the Grand Canal and the boats and gondolas traversing it.

You can also take a ride in a gondola - but be prepared for the hefty price tag.

Expect to pay around €100 for a ride of around 40 minutes or so, which is painful for solo travellers, more bearable if you’re in a group.

Is it clichéd? Possibly. But is it also magical, and potentially a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Yes.

In general, a guided tour of Venice is highly recommended. In addition to learning about secret places you’d never find on your own, a guide can reveal fascinating insights into its improbable construction on wooden stilts, as well as its uncertain future – experts warn the city may be entirely submerged within the next 75 years. Visit while you still can.

Rome: The City That Never Runs Out of Ruins

Ryanair flights from Cork, Mon, Fri, Jan-Mar only

Rome. A city where history isn’t only preserved… it’s practically loitering on every street corner.

Whether it’s your first visit or your 15th, a trip to the Colosseum should be the first port of call. Repeat visitors can get away with marvelling at this Wonder of the World from the exterior, but everyone should go inside at least once. Having said this, lines can be long - avoid them by getting a ticket online in advance.

After you’ve gotten your fill of the bloodiest era in Rome’s history, head to the nearby Forum, followed by a short walk to the Pantheon to truly get your fill of ancient ruins.

Another must-see is, of course, the famous Trevi Fountain. In recent months, the landmark was drained and undergoing restoration works. While disappointing some visitors, they were given a unique opportunity to climb the scaffolding to see the fountain up close.

The renovation was completed three weeks ago, and the fountain is now open again. While there, tourists are invited to toss in a coin (using your right hand to throw the coin over your left shoulder) to ensure a return to Rome.

While fumbling in your bags for coins to throw, remain vigilant. The fountain, the famous Spanish Steps (well worth a quick visit), and other tourism hotspots can be rife with pickpockets.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to explore the city at night. It takes on a magical glow as its ancient landmarks are beautifully illuminated. Strolling the quiet streets or enjoying a late-night espresso at a café, you’ll understand why Rome continues to captivate visitors from around the globe.

Leaving Rome (but not really), venture into the Vatican City - the world’s smallest country. The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, is worth the neck strain, while St Peter’s Basilica is an awe-inspiring blend of art and faith. If you are up for a work-out, climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views.

For a change of pace, wander Trastevere’s cobblestone alleys, where locals gather in charming piazzas. Or head to the Appian Way, one of the oldest roads in the world, where you can rent a bike and pedal past ancient ruins.

Rome may not have been built in a day, but you’ll wish you had more than one to explore it.

Paris: Where Your Wallet Goes to Die, but Fashionably

Ryanair flights from Cork, Mon, Fri

Paris is more than a city - it’s an experience, layered like a perfect mille-feuille.

Start with the obvious: the Eiffel Tower, which dazzles both by day and during its hourly nighttime sparkle. Ascending it offers stunning views, but some say the best way to appreciate it is from afar – perhaps with a croissant in hand at Champs de Mars.

From there, stroll down the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. If you’re feeling brave, tackle the chaotic roundabout surrounding it, though most (sensibly) prefer using the handy underground age to reach the monument.

Art enthusiasts will be torn between the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. The former houses the Mona Lisa (arrive early to avoid the crowds and to snap some gorgeous sunrise photos with the glass pyramid outside), the latter offers a more intimate experience with Impressionist masterpieces.

For book-lovers, a trip to Shakespeare and Company is non-negotiable; its creaky floors and book-laden shelves are the stuff of literary dreams.

For a different vibe, wander Montmartre, home to the Sacré-Cœur and street artists who will immortalise your likeness… for a fee.

At night, the Moulin Rouge beckons with its iconic red windmill and dazzling cabaret shows. Alternatively, descend into the Catacombs, a macabre labyrinth of bones which is not for the faint-hearted.

Food in Paris is an art form, though often an expensive one. Instagram-famous cafés such as Café de Flore offer a quintessential Parisian experience, but come with a hefty price tag. Always check the menu before sitting down, and - the cost of bottled water can be a good barometer. The pricier it is, the more likely it is to be a tourist trap.

Families on vacation with children will appreciate the close proximity of Disneyland Paris, while history buffs can venture slightly further afield to the opulent Palace of Versailles, a gilded testament to royal excess.

Paris is also a city of contrasts. Modern architecture like the Centre Pompidou and the sleek La Défense district provide a striking counterpoint to the historic grandeur of Notre Dame and the gothic Sainte-Chapelle. Meanwhile, the Marais district offers a blend of trendy boutiques, art galleries, and Jewish heritage sites.

Nature-lovers will enjoy the Luxembourg Gardens or a peaceful boat ride on the Bois de Boulogne’s lakes. And no trip to Paris is complete without an evening cruise on the Seine. Seeing the city landmarks illuminated from the water is an experience as romantic as it is unforgettable.

Paris, however, is more than the sum of its parts – it’s a feeling, a rhythm, a feast for the senses. From its cobbled streets to its bustling markets, the City of Light invites you to lose yourself in its magic, ensuring no matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover.

Lyon: Ancient Ruins, Hidden ages, and Endless Food Comas

Aer Lingus flights from Cork, Sat, Jan-Mar only

Lyon is often overshadowed by nearby Paris - unfairly so. One only has to wander around the city’s old town (the Vieux Lyon) to quickly realise how much it has to offer - the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason.

A visit to the old district, in all its cobblestoned glory, will inevitably lead to the discovery of Lyon’s hidden ages (Traboules). These were used by silk merchants initially, who wanted to transport goods, and later by fighters in World War II.

While wandering these streets is undoubtedly an interesting way to discover the area, there is so much history here that a guided tour would also be money well spent.

On top of the city is the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière - an architectural delight which offers panoramic views over Lyon. The climb is steep, but don’t worry - you can skip it and ride in the funicular.

Nearby, the Roman Theatre of Fourvière invites you to experience a piece of Lyon’s ancient history, with performances that echo the city’s cultural heritage.

Foodies will also have a great time in Lyon. The heart of the city’s culinary scene is Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse - an indoor market named for Lyon’s most well-renowned chef. A paradise for taste buds, here you’ll find everything from rich cheeses to gourmet sausages and delicate pastries. In the traditional eateries (bouchons) you’ll find more traditional dishes such as fish dumplings (quenelles) and salade lyonnaise.

If art is your jam, Lyon also has you covered. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of ’s finest museums, which is second only to the Louvre in of its diverse and extensive collection.

At sunset, the city’s landmarks start to light up, creating the perfect atmosphere for an evening stroll on the banks of the Rhône. As the night progresses, Lyon’s bustling nightlife comes to life in neighbourhoods like Croix-Rousse, where you can enjoy everything from intimate bars to lively music venues.

The charm of Lyon lies in its perfect balance of old-world elegance and modern vibrancy. The city has all the grandeur of Paris but is far less crowded, making it the perfect destination for those who crave culture and culinary delights without all the hustle and bustle.

Whether you’re there for the food, the history, or the sheer charm, Lyon will leave an impression that’s hard to shake. It deserves to be more than just a stop on the way between Paris and Nice - it’s a destination in its own right, and a good one at that.

TOMORROW: The seven UK destinations you can visit from Cork.