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Giving the gift of travel: Our top picks if you're treating your loved ones to an adventure

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Who wouldn't want to wake up on Christmas morning to learn they've got an adventure to look forward to?

If you're seeking a great way to treat family or friends this festive period you could do a lot worse than giving the gift of travel.

Here are our top picks if you're looking for the perfect destination to surprise your loved ones with - from stunning cities to adventures of a lifetime.

Bologna

Featured image - Destinations - Bologna

This city's three nicknames sum up Bologna perfectly. La Grassa (the fat one) refers to its world-famous food scene - known for being among the best around, La Rossa (the red one) is a reference to the way it looks, and La Dotta (the learned one) is a nod to the esteemed university which was founded in 1088.

Check out the medieval history and amazing street art, and for the best views in the city climb the 498 steps to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli which sits more than two metres off vertical, and is the tallest leaning medieval tower on the planet. Its twin, the 47-metre high Torre Garisenda, tilts more than three metres.

More on Bologna here.

Billund

Filled with fun it's no surprise Billund is deemed ‘The Capital of Children’. With Legoland one of Denmark's most visited attractions a trip to this town is guaranteed joy for families and big kids alike.

In addition to the amusement park there's plenty else on offer - not least the WOW PARK play and amusement area in the middle of the forest which features ziplines, suspension bridges and treehouses set in a park the size of 40 football fields.

Find out more about Billund here.

Paris

A gift to woo your loved one. The French capital is bursting with life and landmarks, incredible art, stylish shopping and gastronomic delights.

Packed with iconic sites there's plenty to pack into a city break in Paris, and you can get an Eiffel of it all from one of the world’s most iconic structures.

Visit our Paris destination page here.

Orkney

Featured image - Destinations - Kirkwall

Treat someone to the magic of Orkney with a trip to Kirkwall.

Here you can visit Britain’s most northerly Cathedral, indulge in some of the food Orkney's so famous for, and raise a dram the unique history of the islands. All that and you've got Neolithic monuments, Viking graffiti, and idyllic beaches to check out.

Visit our Orkney destination page here.

Athens

Athens - 1800x600 plus padding

A city steeped in ancient history, Athens is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The cityscape is dominated by the Acropolis - visible for miles and miles - but in truth there are historic landmarks at every turn so you don't need to look too far. It's not just history tourists flock to Athens for, though. Go stargazing at the National Observatory, try some of fresh seafood at the city's top restaurants, and savour the lively pubs and bars.

Visit our Athens destination page here.

Alicante

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So far as gifts go you could do a lot worse than a relaxing break in the sun.

As temperatures drop the thought of a warm weather break could be just the tonic, and in Alicante you've got plenty of beaches and waterfront bars and cafes at which to enjoy the heat.

More information on our Alicante destination page - here.

Or gift the trip of a lifetime!

If you're looking to tick off a major bucket list item you can connect to South Africa through Amsterdam, Paris or Qatar.

Fly onwards to the cities of Johannesburg or Cape Town, or book a safari and see the big five. One thing's for sure - this is a gift they'll not forget in a hurry!

Check out our destinations page for more - here

For more travel inspiration visit one of our blog posts.

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