For some years now a number of the so-called “budget airlines” in Europe have been taking part in a price war trying to offer the lowest air fares to a host of cities throughout Europe. It’s quite normal to see that one of the major low cost carriers such as Easyjet or Ryanair has an offer of return flights from the UK to France, Spain or Germany for £1 (approx $1.45). There could be airport landing fees and taxes to be added to the fare, but it’s still an absolute bargain if you’re keen to visit a number of European cities. One of the major drawbacks of these flights is that they often fly to the smaller municipal airports rather than the more well known big international ones. This sometimes means that a flight that is supposed to be flying to a major European city actually lands anything up to 50 miles away. In fact there are a number of advantages with this arrangement, the smaller airports often provide a much slicker turnround on luggage and check-in because they are servicing a much smaller number of flights. The disadvantage is that transportation to and from these airfields can be patchy at best and a very popular option is hiring a car from the airport. Here are some of the beautiful cities that we have visited whilst making use of cheap flights from the low cost airlines. We’re confident that you will enjoy visiting any of these fine areas, you can rest assured that they have a lot to offer the visitor to their shores.

Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow, once the butt of so many jokes about the slums of the Gorbals has undergone a Renaissance and is now a wonderful, architecturally diverse city welcoming a vast number of visitors throughout the year. The trendy West side of the city is home to one of the oldest universities in the U.K.. Situated on a hill amidst the Medieval part of Glasgow, its students bring a cosmopolitan, fun loving atmosphere to the city. The budget carriers use Prestwick Airport which is approximately 51 km (35 miles) to the north east of the city centre and there is an excellent road between the airport and Glasgow city centre. This is a popular area for sightseeing, so the best idea is to rent a car in Glasgow in advance of your trip. A congestion free 30 minute drive from the airport terminal along the M77 motorway brings you to the centre of the city. Glasgow is a perfect starting point for an adventure in the Trossachs National Park. Just 13 mile (20 km) drive out of the city and you could find yourself enjoying sensational countryside on the back of a pony, whilst a 50 km (30 mile) drive east along another excellent motorway will find you in Edinburgh , the city of festivals complete with Princes Street shopping, castle, palace and the seaside.

Florence, Italy

Without doubt one of Europe’s most stunningly beautiful locations, Florence is served by the airport at Pisa, which is 84 km (50 miles) west of Florence. Rent a car at Pisa airport and you will be in position to explore Pisa with its leaning tower, the wonders of historic Florence and a selection of some of the most picturesque countryside in the whole of Europe, that of the disturbingly beautiful Tuscany. Thus it is hardly surprising that Florence is high in the popularity stakes when looking at European cities. Once you arrive at the city of Florence you will find that most of the centre is pedestrianized thus preserving the many ancient statues and architectural treasures from the pollution and vibrations caused by busy roads. As a result you are overtaken by a sense of tranquility as you walk from one monument to the next. You do not need to walk too far before experiencing the ghastly, ear splitting roar of the scooter riders of Florence. Other than the Ponte Vecchio all of the bridges leading to city centre are noisy, polluted places, thus providing an added incentive to stay within the narrow alleyways and tranquil sanctuaries of Florence’s wonderful piazzas.

Tours, France

Tours, set amongst the famed Loire Valley châteaux but without a solitary château to its name! The ideal centre for discovering the Loire Valley renowned for its wonderful selection of palatial residences, the city has a number of charms of its own. Although the little airport is but a couple of miles out of town, it’s almost essential that you rent a car at Tours airport in order to explore some of the most stunning towns and villages in the whole of France. A host of cultural treasures will be found along the banks of the Loire. The Loire valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers scenic countryside, historic villages and lots of flamboyant castles. Formerly the “Retreat of Kings” back in the days of the Renaissance and the middle ages, the Loire Valley was a favorite location for the French monarchy. Originally constructed as working fortified castles, the buildings were converted into the palatial châteaux that you will find today. Tourists from all over the world are attracted to the historic towns that are situated along the banks of the Loire. Towns such as Blois, Chinon and Tours have lots to see and do whilst the most popular of all the châteaux is maybe that on the Chambord Estate. Throughout the region you will find little, family owned vineyards offering a variety of tasty wines at very low
prices. Look out for the word “degustation”, which means sampling I guess, and as long as ‘Le Patron’ is not enjoying a long leisurely lunch you will be offered a warm welcome and he will be delighted to offer you a tasting of his complete selection of wines. Naturally, it is strongly advised that you take a tee-totaller as your driver, some of these tasting sessions can become extremely alcoholic!.