European history and culture weekends

Jan 28, 2011 1:44:15 PM

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Looking for a short European break where you can immerse yourself in the local history and culture?

Whether you want to take a trip back to imperial Portugal, grab your gladioli and relive the glory days of The Smiths in Manchester or discover something new, Lonely Planet Magazine shows you how:

Beaches and battlefields in Normandy

On 6 June 1944, 160,000 Allied troops took part in the sea and air invasion of Nazi-held Normandy – the greatest amphibious invasion in history. A visit today takes in beaches, military cemeteries and other key D-Day locations.

Music in Manchester

It’s been a while since a gang of lads in cagoules swaggered out of Manchester claiming to have ‘saved rock ’n’ roll’, but given the city’s musical legacy, the next saviours won’t be long coming. Be a part of it with a walk around the musical city.

Sintra in Portugal, a Royal favourite

The holiday destination of choice for six centuries’ worth of Portuguese royalty, Sintra is blessed with palaces, villas and churches, and has an artistic heritage that belies its tiny size. Follow Royal footsteps in this picturesque region.

A literary tour in the Channel Islands

In 2008, Annie Barrows and the late Mary Ann Shaffer wrote a best-selling novel, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Tour the places depicted in the book until the end of April 2011.

Stately music in Ireland

The sound of music echoes through Bantry House during the West Cork Chamber Music Festival, one of several events held in spring and summer at this splendid Queen Anne-era house overlooking Bantry Bay in southwest Ireland. Join the celebrations in Cork.

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This article is reproduced from Lonely Planet Magazine, on sale now across the UK priced £3.60. Make sure you never miss an issue with a monthly subscription (available only to UK residents).