Taking place over two days, it’s a non-competitive event that allows people to discover the city whilst getting out and about in the fresh air. Participants have the choice of either a 20km or a 30km stroll across the city, uncovering landmarks such as the beautiful architectural designs of Park Güell along the way. The event first took place back in 2001, returning every year since due to its popularity.

The walks will be taking place on 20 and 21 October, with mapped routes and other information available from the official website. If you happen to be staying in any of the hotels in Barcelona during the period, why not use the event to discover Barcelona for yourself?

Image credit: Alejandro Esçario Martinez (Flickr)

In what is encouraging news for tourists ahead of the upcoming holiday season, the jump means British travellers are getting 10 % more for their money than a year ago.

Chris Towner, from specialist foreign currency firm HiFx, believes the pound is only going to get stronger in the coming months.

He said: It is at very tempting levels, but sterling is still undervalued against the euro. It should reach 1 euro 27, or 1 euro 28, in the coming months. Richard Driver, at Caxton FX echoed Towner, claiming ‘it will reach 1 euro 30 by this autumn.’

Why not take advantage of this fantastic piece of news and enjoy a summer sojourn to one of the fine hotels in Barcelona,  the perfect base for a relaxing British vacation.

Image credit: Images_of_Money

Otherwise known as La Grande Classique, the annual event has become one of the most popular on the city’s calendar, with thousands of people slipping into a sturdy pair of shoes to take part in the experience. Beginning at the steps of the Eiffel Tower, it takes participants on a 16km journey all the way through to the Palace of Versailles, breezing past numerous landmarks along the way.

The Paris-Versailles will be taking place on 30 September, with registration still open for the event. If you happen to be staying in any of the hotels in Paris over the date, why not get involved? Alternatively it’s a lot easier to watch the runners from the sidelines.

Image credit: Mr. T in DC (Flickr)

In a poll conducted by the Sunday Mirror, the city received 16.4% of the vote, finishing a respectable second place behind the American city of New York with Paris coming in at a close third. Participants where asked to give just one option in each category, with parameters ranging from best tour operator, city break, airline and favourite type of holiday.

The results were positive towards the whole country in general, with Spain and the Balearic Islands topping the location for short haul trips with a staggering 31.1%.meters ranging from best tour operator, city break, airline and favourite type of holiday.

The award only bolsters the city’s excellent reputation, so why not book into one of the many hotels in Barcelona in the coming months and discover the Catalonian capital for yourself?

Image credit: Jaume Meneses (Flickr)

A photographer was on hand to snap the cute creatures, which belong to the critically endangered Asian lion species. There are only about 400 remaining and their entire wild population can be found in the Gir Forest in India.

Officials at the zoo are encouraging people to put forward names for the cubs based on their Indian origin, with suggestions being accepted through the Dublin Zoo Facebook page, by email or by post.

Team Leader Ciaran McMahon said: ‘Both cubs are doing fantastic. At 19 months old they are still cubs, which means they are playful, energetic and a little cautious.’

Boasting a fantastic range of animals from across the world, Dublin Zoo represents a great day out for any of those enjoying a break in one of the idyllic hotels in Dublin.

Image credit: Tambako the Jaguar

Rafael Moneo, who is renowned for his ability to use and manipulate light in his building designs, will pick up the prestigious prize later this year, after beating 38 hopefuls from 25 countries to the accolade.

The celebrated architect can point to the Barcelona Auditorium amongst a list of his most famous designs, a modern complex where classical music concerts are held, whilst it is also the headquarters of the Catalonian Academy of Music, host to the Music Museum and houses the Catalonian National Opera.

Upon awarding Rafael Moneo, the awards jury said he is a ‘Spanish architect of a universal dimension, whose work enriches those urban spaces with a serene architecture.’

Why not check out the Barcelona Auditorium whilst enjoying a European break in one of the fine hotels in Barcelona,  just one of many amazing structures scattered across the beautiful city?

Image credit: Detlef Schobert

The legendary musician, also known as Chente or El rey de la cancion ranchera (the king of ranchera music), will be performing at the Plaza de Toros de Barcelona on 14 June.

A cultural icon for many, Vicente has sold more than 65 million copies worldwide, a feat made all the more impressive considering his lack of recognition amongst English speaking audiences.

He is perhaps most famous for his 1993 album ‘Lastima Que Seas Ajena’, which was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Mexican-American Album category, whilst he also earned a Latin Grammy nomination for his 2008 release ‘Primera Fila’.

Just one of many gigs taking place in and around the Catalonian capital, it could represent a great night out for any of those planning a break in one of the fine Barcelona hotels this summer.

Image credit: Giovanni Toso

The authentic Indian festival will be transforming the streets of Paris’ 18th district into downtown Delhi with a carpet of vibrant and vivacious colours against the backdrop of beating drums.

Festivities will begin with a series of religious ceremonies, with hundreds flocking to the Sri Manicka Vinayakar Alayam Temple to pay their respects to the gods. It’s then time for the party, a traditional Indian carnival which departs from the temple and sweeps through the streets of the city. Crowds line the streets year after year to watch this incredible cultural spectacle, with the great God Ganesh being paraded through the crowds on a fruit and flower decked float.

The Fête De Ganesh will feature in the city on 2 September, with the parade beginning at 11am following the ceremonies at 9am. If you happen to be staying in any of the hotels in Paris over the date, why not come along for an authentic taste of Indian culture?

Image credit: dalbera (Flickr)

Dublin finished ninth in the best European destination list, beating Scottish rival Edinburgh, which was placed thirteenth.

The news comes at a positive time for Dublin tourism, after it was revealed over half of Ireland’s tourism businesses have seen business improve in 2012, according to the latest Failite Ireland Tourism Barometer, whilst a further 21 per cent of businesses said that they were holding steady compared to just 9 per cent of businesses who said so in 2009.

Why not see for yourselves why the Irish capital has proved to be such a hit amongst tourists, and book a stay in one of the fine hotels in Dublin this year, the perfect base for an authentic Irish break.

Image credit: SebastianDooris

The Scottish megastars, whose music is often described as a mix of folk and rock music, will be hitting the Usher Hall in Edinburgh on Saturday 8 December.

Featuring two of the original members and a further two who formed part of the band’s ‘classic’ line-up, they are perhaps best known for their 2001 album ‘The Stamping Ground’, which was well received by the public and critics alike.

They also became legends in the cult sport of Shinty, after their 2007 single ‘Clash of the Ash’ from their thirteenth studio album ‘Everything You See’ became an anthem for the sport.

Just one of many gigs and events taking place in and around the Scottish capital, the date could provide a fantastically authentic Scottish experience for any of those planning a winter break in one of the fine Edinburgh hotels.

Image credit: Martin Herbst