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City Breaks

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Travel podcasts for city break fans. All the historical and cultural background you need to enjoy your visit.

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#252
June 3 · 32 min
Exploring Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon
This final episode in our Stratford-Upon-Avon mini-series revolves around all things theatrical. First, there's a little history on where in the town Shakespeare found his inspiration, then there are 'visits' to all three Royal Shakespeare venues as well as information on the company's museum of props and costumes. Whether you want to discover Stratford's theatres, see a play or learn more about life behind the scenes, all you need to know is here. Reading Suggestions Know-it-All Shakespeare Edited by Ros Barber and Mark Rylance The Man who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench Fools and Mortals by Bernard Cornwell Links for this post The Royal Shakespeare Company The 3 Stratford theatres RSC information on Shakespeare RSC Public costume hire The Play’s the Thing (exhibition) City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Stratford-Upon-Avon mini-series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#251
May 6 · 26 min
Stratford-Upon-Avon Episode 02 Finding Shakespeare in his Home Town
Stratford-Upon-Avon has many charms – its Tudor ambiance, its riverside setting – but really there’s only one reason why it attracts up to 6 million visitors in a year. Shakespeare. And this episode is dedicated to places where you can 'find' him there today. There's a little biographical background, focussing mainly on his Stratford years and a run-through of five of the most significant places in his life which you can still visit today. As usual, there is much more detail on the podcast. Reading Suggestions Shakespeare The Biography by Peter Ackroyd Hidden Shakespeare by Nicholas Fogg Shakespeare by Bill Bryson Fools and Mortals by Bernard Cornwell Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell Links for this post Shakespeare’s Birthplace Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guild Hall Anne Hathaway’s Cottage New Place Holy Trinity Church City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Stratford-Upon-Avon series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#250
April 1 · 29 min
Introduction to Stratford-Upon-Avon
Ok, so Stratford-upon-Avon is not actually a city, but as a town which punches well above its weight historically and culturally, we’re giving it an honorary place in the City Breaks collection. This is the introductory episode, with a little geographical and historical context and an idea for a first get-your-bearings walk around Stratford. It will introduce you to Stratford's Tudor gabled houses, riverside setting, swans and boats and, of course, give a flavour of Stratford as Shakespeare's home town, where he was both born and buried and where he bought the town's second biggest house as a retirement pad. So, with no more ado and as the great man himself might have said, shall we wend? Reading Suggestions Stratford-upon-Avon Quick Trips by Cynthia Atkins A-Z of Stratford-upon-Avon by Will Atkins Secret Stratford by Nicholas Fogg Shakespeare The Biography by Peter Ackroyd Links for this Episode Visit Stratford-upon-Avon Guided walks around Stratford City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Stratford-Upon-Avon series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be very much appreciated!
#249
March 4 · 27 min
Paris Episode 24 Vincennes and St-Germain-en-Laye
Both Vincennes and St Germain-en-Laye make excellent days out from Paris, or even half days as both can be reached by public transport in less than half an hour. Each has a magnificent castle to visit, plus a range of other cultural, relaxation and shopping possibilities. So this episode tells you how to get to each place, following up with what there is to see and do there, plus – bien sûr! – a few of the interesting historical snippets which will inform your visit. Links for this post Château de Vincennes Vincennes Tourist Office Château de St Germain-en-Laye St Germain-en-Laye Tourist Office Espace Vera Debussy’s Birthplace City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Paris series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#248
February 3 · 27 min
Paris Episode 23 Fontainebleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte
This Paris episode covers two of the most beautiful châteaux in the Paris region. Both are easy to reach on public transport and both have fascinating stories to tell. We cover how to get there, what you can expect to see and make sure we cover the most interesting tales – François I’s show-off gallery, Napoleon’s refurbishment to impress the Pope and the party-to-end-all-parties which went ended in disaster and ruination. Reading Suggestion Francis I, The Maker of Modern France by Leonie Frieda Useful Links Château de Fontainebleau Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Paris series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#247
January 7 · 31 min
Amsterdam Episode 12 An Amsterdam Anthology
Our Amsterdam Anthology rounds off the series by offering some different perspectives on the city. Here, you’ll find Amsterdam seen through the eyes of writers, some from the past, many contemporary: travel writers, journalists, novelists and an author of short stories. Between them they provide lots of different ways to get to know – or reminisce about! – the city and, we hope, plenty of inspiration for further reading. Reading Suggestions My Dam Life by Sean Conlan Amsterdam Stories by Nescio Amsterdam by Ian McEwen The Coffee Trader by David Liss The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton The House of Fortune by Jessie Burton Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Amsterdam series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#246
Dec 10, 2025 · 30 min
Amsterdam Episode 11 Food and Shopping
This episode in two halves starts with food in Amsterdam; the street snacks you’ll want to try, the Dutch specialities to look out for in restaurants and a brief introduction to the city’s favourite ethnic cuisine, namely Indonesian. If you don’t know your drop from your rijsttafel, help is at hand. After a brief word on bier and jenever (Dutch gin) and a look at the Heineken Experience and the city’s Brown Cafes, it’s time for shopping: a tour of the best markets and a visit to the two best areas for wandering, browsing and maybe making a purchase or two. LINKS FOR THIS POST Kaaskamer Amsterdam Foodie guide to Indonesian restaurants I love Amsterdam post on pancakes Van Wonderen Stroopwafel Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje Café Chris Café Hoppe The Heineken Experience I am Amsterdam post on the best breweries to visit in Amsterdam Bloemenmarkt Waterlooplein Flea Market Previous Episode Tulips and diamonds Next Episode coming very soon. City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Amsterdam series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#245
Nov 5, 2025 · 22 min
Amsterdam Episode 10 Tulips and Diamonds
Tulips and diamonds: both figure centrally in the story of Amsterdam. The Netherlands is known as the ‘flower shop of the world’ and a visit to Amsterdam’s flower market a must for any visit. Equally, you will surely want to explore Amsterdam’s heritage as the ‘City of Diamonds’. This episode brings a little background history on both topics, plus ideas for three places to visit to find out more. Reading Suggestions The Tulip by Anna Pavord Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach Links for this post The Tulip Museum The Diamond Museum Royal Coster Diamonds City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Amsterdam series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#244
Aug 1, 2025 · 28 min
Amsterdam Episode 09 Van Gogh, the Man and the Museum
This episode covers everything it's good to know before you visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam: a brief biography of Vincent himself, followed by tips on what to look out for in the museum dedicated to his work. To finish, there are ideas for 3 more arty venues to visit in Amsterdam if you want to investigate the city's modern art and street art offerings. Reading Suggestions Van Gogh The Life by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh Van Gogh The Complete Paintings by Ingo F. Walther and Rainer Metzger Links for this post Van Gogh Museum Stedelijk Museum NDSM Loods Straat Museum City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Amsterdam series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#243
Jun 25, 2025 · 24 min
Amsterdam Episode 08 Rembrandt, Vermeer and the Rijksmuseum
This episode revolves around Amsterdam's top art gallery, the Rijksmuseum. It starts with a little history, explaining how art came to be of such importance in Amsterdam's Golden Age in the 17th century, then continues with some biographical details on the two top artists from the era, Rembrandt and Vermeer. It finishes with pointers to some of their best-known works, plus ideas for other highlights to look out for when visiting the gallery. Reading Suggestions Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach Vermeer by Christopher Wright Rijksmuseum guidebook Links for this post The Rijksmuseum Rembrandt House Museum Old World Voyages blog Essential Vermeer Simon Schama, Great Gallery Tours, the Rijksmuseum City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Amsterdam series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#242
May 28, 2025 · 30 min
Amsterdam Episode 07 Anne Frank and World War II in Amsterdam
This episode on World War II in Amsterdam looks at how 5 years of German occupation affected everyone living there and suggests places to visit to find out more. We start with the population in general and the Dutch Resistance Museum, then look at the plight of the city’s Jewish population before finishing with a section on Anne Frank: her story and the museum now operating in the building where she and her family lived in hiding for 25 months. Reading Suggestions The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank The Dutch Resistance 1940-1945 by Klaas Kastlein and Michael Wenting Links for this post The Dutch Resistance Museum The Hollandsche Schouwburg Memorial Site The National Holocaust Museum Anne Frank House City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Amsterdam series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#241
May 7, 2025 · 22 min
Amsterdam Episode 06 Jewish Amsterdam
This episode introduces Amsterdam's Jewish culture. There's a little historical context, beginning with the arrival of Jews fleeing from other parts of Europe in the 16th century and ending in today’s city where Jewish culture is centred around the Jewish Quarter. Then there's a description of some of the most significant places to visit, focussing especially on the Portugese Synagogue and the Jewish Museum. The holocaust will be dealt with in the next episode. Links for this post National Holocaust Museum Hollandsche Schouwburg Portuguese Synagogue Jewish Museum City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Amsterdam series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#240
Apr 23, 2025 · 25 min
Amsterdam Episode 05 The Golden Age
This episode takes you to Amsterdam's Golden Age, the era when, as the Encyclopaedia Britannica puts it, ‘the little nation on the North Sea was one of the most powerful countries in the world, dominating the seas and flourishing in trade, science and – especially – the arts.' First there's a little history to explain how this phenomenon came about and what it meant for Amsterdammers and for the rest of the world, then we visit three different places in the city where you can find out more. Reading Suggestions The Embarrassment of Riches The Dutch Golden Age by Simon Schama Amsterdam A Brief Life of the City by Geert Mak Amsterdam A History of the World’s Most Liberal City by Russell Shorto Links for this post Rembrandt House Amsterdam Museum Rijksmuseum City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Amsterdam series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#239
Apr 9, 2025 · 23 min
Amsterdam Episode 04 The Churches of Amsterdam
The churches of Amsterdam are not always what they seem. One is more of a national memorial, another is an art gallery and concert venue. A third is a museum where you can learn the story of the hidden churches which opened in the 17th century and where worshippers gathered for over 200 years. The key factor is a date – 1578 – when an event occurred which changed everything: the Alteration. This episode explains what happened and then tours half a dozen of the city’s churches and explains what you can expect to find if you visit them today. Reading Suggestions Amsterdam A Brief Life of the City by Geert Mak Amsterdam A History of the World’s Most Liberal City by Russell Shorto The Invention of Amsterdam A History of the World’s Greatest City in 10 Walks by Ben Coates Links for this post The Begijnhof The Oude Kerk The Nieuwe Kerk The Westerkerk The Noorderkerk St Nicholas Our Lord in the Attic
#238
Mar 26, 2025 · 23 min
Amsterdam Episode 03 The Canals of Amsterdam
The canals ARE Amsterdam and Amsterdam IS its canals. This episode is all about them, covering both the engineering genius which gave them their UNESCO World Heritage Site status and their beauty, charmingly different in each season. We bring you a little history, a little atmosphere and 4 suggestions for places to visit to find out more. READING SUGGESTIONS Amsterdam A Brief Life of the City by Geert Mak Amsterdam A History of the World’s Most Liberal City by Russell Shorto The Invention of Amsterdam A History of the World’s Greatest City in 10 Walks by Ben Coates LINKS FOR THIS POST The Canal Museum The Van Loon Museum The Willet-Holthuysen Museum The Houseboat Museum City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Amsterdam series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#237
Mar 12, 2025 · 25 min
Amsterdam Episode 02 5 Walks Around Amsterdam
Here are 5 suggestions for walks around Amsterdam. They include possible stopping places and between them they offer a way to see something of all of the main parts of the city. We give enough detail to follow the route if you take a map with you and a little info on the main places you’ll be passing, although we’ll be coming back to most of them in later episodes. None will take longer than an hour if you don’t stop anywhere. . Links for this post Grand Café Restaurant 1e Klas Anne Frank House Royal Palace Nieuw Kerk The Houseboat Museum Albert Cuyp Market The Reijksmuseum The Van Gogh Museum The Stedelik Museum MOCO Hop on Hop off bus tours Boat trips City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Amsterdam series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!
#236
Feb 26, 2025 · 27 min
Amsterdam Episode 01 Introduction
Welkom in Amsterdam! This introduction to our Amsterdam series brings you the basic facts - geographical, historical, cultural - which underpin everything. To capture the spirit of Amsterdam, here’s Russell Shorto’s description of the view from his Amsterdam window: ‘the little boats moored by the quay, the row of tilting, gabled buildings on the opposite bank and, on any given day, a couple of bicycles chained to the railing of a hump-backed bridge.’ So, let's go, or as the Dutch say ‘laten we gaan’. City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Amsterdam series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be very much appreciated!
#235
Feb 12, 2025 · 27 min
Valletta Episode 08 Stories from Malta
This last episode on the Valletta series brings you lots of different stories from Malta. We start with a little descriptive writing, factual and fictional, followed by mini-biographies of 4 people who’ve featured in previous episodes but not really had the time they deserve: St Paul, St Publius, Caravaggio and Daphne Caruana Galizia, the high-profile journalist murdered for her stand against corruption in Malta. And to finish, some literary extracts, namely a mystery story set in Malta and 2 World War II love stories. In short, a whole range of new perspectives on Valletta and its surroundings. Reading Suggestions The Kappillan of Malta by Nicholas Monserrat Ladies of Lascaris by Paul McDonald Secrets of Malta by Cecily Blench A Death in Malta by Paul Caruana Galizia A Sunny Place for Shady People by Ryan Murdock Links for this Post Short Lets Malta blog City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Valletta series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be very much appreciated!
#234
Jan 29, 2025 · 26 min
Valletta Episode 07 Easy Days out from Valletta
Here are our ideas for easy days out from Valletta if you want to explore some of the rest of Malta. We start with the two most popular day trips, to the 3 Cities and to Mdina and Rabat, both very easy to do on public transport. Then we have a look at hop-on, hop-off bus tours and boat trips. You could spend a week in Valletta, you could just as easily spend a week doing day trips with Valletta as a base! Most likely, you’ll do a little of each and this episode will help you plan your excursions to other parts of the island. The Inquisitor’s Palace Malta at War Museum St Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina Carmelite Priory, Mdina The Roman House, Rabat St Paul’s Grotto, Rabat St Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat Hop-on Hop-off bus tours Malta Boat Tours Luzzu Cruises City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Valletta series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be very much appreciated!
#233
Jan 15, 2025 · 27 min
Valletta Episode 06 Food and Festivities
This episode is dedicated to two topics which are very important in Malta - food and festivities. Malta has more public holidays – 14 – than most other European countries, plus a whole range of other feasts and festivals. Of course, food is key to most of them and so this episode introduces you to both. We cover the varied culinary offerings, influenced by so many centuries of foreign cultures coming to the island and then look at the equally expansive range of celebration days, religious, national and cultural. In short, plenty of fun! Reading Suggestion Taste of Malta by Anton B Dougall City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Valletta series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be very much appreciated!

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