October Half Term is the perfect time to whisk the family away for a cultural city break! With a growing number of flight-free options, embarking on a jam-packed, enriching trip (that’s better for the planet) is easier than ever before! Original Travel has rounded up the very best half term destinations that the whole family will love to explore.

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This October half term, continue the children’s education in a worldly manner with a visit to the tempting trio of Florence, Rome and Venice by train, or explore ‘the City of Light’ by hopping on the Eurostar from London to Paris. Include some more activity in your trip by surfing in Cascais, Portugal or diving in Malta’s neighbouring island of Gozo – both of which can be combined with some days of pure relaxation. Here’s the best selection of gorgeous cultural city breaks to fill your October half term:

Italian Train Tour

Italy’s Holy Trinity of artistic cities – Florence, Rome and Venice – can be easily reached by train from the UK and are bursting at the seams with a mixture of culture and family-focused experiences. Florence is resplendent with Renaissance art and intricate architecture, Rome boasts vestiges of its ancient past, while Venice has swapped cars for gondolas and roads for canals. Your culture-filled trifecta can be combined with a visit to Tuscany for some time spent relaxing among the rolling hills of the Italian countryside.

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The City of Light and Love: Paris

Catch the Eurostar to Paris for a tailor-made family trip that includes all of the French capital’s best bits. Tour the Musee d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower and the Sacre Coeur, before rewarding yourselves with some authentic French cuisine. Continue onwards to either Normandy, Champagne, Bordeaux or the Loire Valley to tour traditional small towns and indulge in more French fares.

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Barcelona and the Costa Brava

Barcelona is easily reached by train from London (with one change in Paris). As the ultimate artistic city, there’s no end to cultural discovery here and this can be combined with a stay on the Costa Brava for some beach relaxation. Best known for the lavish works of Antonio Gaudí, from La Sagrada Familia to Park Güell you can wander the streets and marvel at these architectural artworks.

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Culture and Coast: Lisbon

While not accessible by train, Lisbon is another great option for an October half term city break. Explore the city’s colourful cobblestone streets and then head to the coastal town of Cascais (a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon) for surf lessons, seaside strolls and al fresco dining.

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Underwater Exploration in Gozo

Combine the compact capital city of Valletta with time on Malta’s smaller sister island of Gozo, where the clear-blue sea and excellent visibility make it one of the best places to dive in Europe year round. With caverns, reefs and wrecks, whether you’re a beginner or avid diver, there’s plenty of underwater scenery to see.

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If you’re inspired to start planning your own half term holiday, get in touch with the team at Original Travel (and don’t wait too long because everywhere is booking up quickly!).