Big Short Breaks

Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

Original Travel's Big Short Breaks, launched in 2003, are a portfolio of short breaks to suit all requirements from city breaks to skiing, and adventures and escapes, all chosen with accessibility in mind. It's all about minimum time and maximum experience. While these trips are as much tailored to your specific requirements as our further-flung holidays, they represent perfect nugget-sized long weekend trips. The team at Original Travel research hundreds of potential luxury short break destinations, but only the very best make the grade in terms of accessibility, originality and value for money. Those that do appear here might raise an eyebrow or two - can you really spend the weekend sampling sauvignon blancs in South Africa's Winelands? Certainly you can, with the benefit of overnight flights and minimal time changes. Or seeing polar bears in the wild? Equally possible with two or three days in Svalbard, the desolate Norwegian island chain deep in the Arctic Circle. These and more pocket adventures are a phone call away.
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Nights in the Medina - A Big Short Break in Fez

Spend a weekend in Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital

4 days, from £705 to £1,130

Sightseeing and Foodie Treats - A Big Short Break in Beautiful Bologna

Jet off to beautiful Bologna, a city of elegant architecture, refined culture and indulgent gastronomy

3 days, from £705 to £1,215

A Short Break in Hurghada

Watch the sun set over the Red Sea Mountains on a private sunset cruise.

5 days, from £850 to £1,355

Luxury San Sebastian

Seek out the best bar snacks in the city on a pintxos (Basque tapas) tour

3 days, from £930 to £1,480

A Big Short Break to Tangier

Unravel Tangier’s mysteries and must-see spots alongside a local resident.

5 days, from £990 to £1,500

Rest and Rejuvenate - A Big Short Break in Umbria

Jet off for a long weekend in the heart of Umbria, just a stone’s throw from Arezzo, Siena, Assisi and Perugia

4 days, from £1,095 to £1,650

Scandi Culture, History & Nature - A Stockholm City Break

Enjoy privately guided walking tours of Stockholm's hidden jewels and off-the-beaten-track treasures

4 days, from £1,095 to £1,745

Visiting Roman Ruins, World-Famous Wineries and City Hotspots - A Big Short Break to Beirut, Lebanon

Set off on a walking tour of Beirut with a knowledgeable local guide

4 days, from £1,110 to £1,770

Fine Dining, Wine Tasting & Vinotherapy Treatments - A Bordeaux Big Short Break

Spend a day at the wine infused spa at Les Sources de Caudalie

4 days, from £1,170 to £1,860

Washington DC Big Short Break

Visit the key sites with a journalist or historian

6 days, from £1,245 to £1,985

Seaside Towns and Succulent Seafood - A Big Short Break in Northern Brittany

Travel from Trébeurden to Saint-Malo, soaking in the fresh sea breeze of the Breton coast

5 days, from £1,255 to £2,345

A Long Weekend in Lyon

Take privately guided food and wine tours in the gastronomic capital of France

4 days, from £1,260 to £2,015

A Festive Big Short Break in Seville

See the finest sights of Seville illuminated by twinkling Christmas lights

4 days, from £1,260 to £2,015

Sailing Trips & Magical Beaches - A Romantic Getaway to the Algarve

Rest and rejuvenate on the enchanting shores of the Algarve with your special someone

5 days, from £1,260 to £1,900

Dubrovnik in Style

City tour of old town Dubrovnik with a local guide

3 days, from £1,320 to £2,100

City Fun & Coastal Bliss - A Lisbon Big Short Break

Experience Lisbon like a local as you discover its hidden gems with a clued-up resident-guide

5 days, from £1,350 to £1,900

Copenhagen City Break

See the city, and Superkilen, by bike

4 days, from £1,350 to £2,200

A Cultural Big Short Break in Madrid

Visit the Prado Museum in 2019, the 200th anniversary of its opening

4 days, from £1,360 to £2,170

Foodie Tours & Cooking Classes - A Gourmet Getaway to Bologna & Emilia-Romagna

Delve deep into Italian foodie culture

5 days, from £1,490 to £2,380

Family Big Short Break in Istanbul

Cruise along the Bosphorus at sunset

5 days, from £1,530 to £2,100

A Parisian Big Short Break

Take a privately guided tour of the Louvre's lesser known masterpieces

4 days, from £1,605 to £2,560

Highlights of St Petersburg

Due to the ongoing situation we regret that we are currently not considering trips to Russia. We hope for a swift return to normality so that our trusted partners in Russia can once again help you discover the beautiful side to their destination.

4 days, from £1,655 to £2,635

Family Break in Lapland

Fight each other (not literally!) to be the first to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights

4 days, from £1,670 to £2,665

Culture and Kayaking - A Big Short Break to Dubrovnik and the Elaphiti Islands

Wander the streets of Old Town Dubrovnik, led by an expert guide

5 days, from £1,830 to £2,915

A Cape Town City Break

Discover Cape Town’s coastline on a private tour of its beaches and bays.

5 days, from £1,890 to £2,500

A Big Short Break in Iceland - From the Golden Circle to Reykjavik

Discover the dramatic delights of the Golden Circle’s scenery with visits to waterfalls, lava fields, geysers and volcanic national parks

5 days, from £2,070 to £3,000

Arctic Adrenaline in Swedish Lapland

Look out for the Northern Lights from a floating sauna at Aurora Safari Camp

4 days, from £3,505 to £5,590

Sunny Strolls and Coastal Drives - Miami and the Florida Keys

Sunbathe on South Beach, stroll down Ocean Drive and be wowed at the vibrant Wynwood Walls

11 days, from £5,890 to £8,470

100% tailor-made holidays

Understanding Your Needs

Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday

Personalisation

We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities

Our Services

All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges