I love a city break. I love the anticipation of choosing somewhere new, the excitement of arriving and- perhaps most of all - putting together the perfect itinerary. I’ve been lucky enough to visit some wonderful cities around the world but for me, Europe is hard to beat. Within just a few hours, you can find yourself somewhere completely different, with its own food, architecture, history and personality.

There are so many cities I could choose from but these five are among my favourites.

Madrid – a city that never seems to stop

Madrid has a wonderful energy. Every corner seems to tell a different story, from the grand sweep of the Gran Vía, with its magnificent buildings and fabulous atmosphere, to the quieter, leafy paths of the Retiro Park.

Retiro is one of my favourite places to escape the heat of the city. This is where the Madrileños come to walk, chat, relax beneath the trees and simply enjoy life. There’s something wonderfully unhurried about it.

And then, as the sun goes down, Madrid changes gear. The streets fill, restaurants come alive and the tapas bars beckon. You can eat wonderfully well here, whether you’re looking for somewhere smart and sophisticated or a tiny neighbourhood bar serving plates of jamón and a cold glass of something delicious.

Madrid is a city I never tire of -  lively, warm, sociable and always ready for another late night.

Copenhagen – effortlessly charming

Copenhagen is one of those cities that gets under your skin. It feels happy, stylish and wonderfully easy to explore, with a lovely balance between historic charm and contemporary design.

There’s plenty of history to discover, including the magnificent Royal Palace and the Crown Jewels, which are genuinely rather magical. Wander through the old streets and you’ll find colourful buildings, beautiful squares and independent shops rather than endless high-street chains.

And, of course, there is the Danish love of good design, good food and good living. Copenhagen feels effortlessly stylish without being showy - and perhaps that’s part of its appeal.

Best of all, it’s so close to the UK, making it an ideal choice for a long weekend when you want to feel that you’ve really escaped.

Nice – sunshine, markets and the Mediterranean

Nice is simply divine.

It can be very hot in the height of summer, so I rather love it outside the peak season, when you can still be blessed with those wonderful blue Mediterranean skies but without quite so many people.

There is so much to enjoy: the colourful markets, flowers spilling from balconies, the old town, the harbour and beautiful gardens. And then there’s the famous Promenade des Anglais, stretching along the sparkling Mediterranean - perfect for a leisurely stroll with the sea on one side and the grand façades of Nice on the other.

Add excellent restaurants, a glass of rosé and a little sunshine, and frankly, what more could you wish for?

Seville – the glory of Andalucía

Seville is a city with real drama. It’s beautiful, atmospheric and full of surprises, with the Guadalquivir River winding through the city and magnificent architecture around almost every corner.

The Cathedral is extraordinary, while the Real Alcázar and its gardens are utterly enchanting. I particularly love wandering through the old Jewish Quarter, where the narrow streets and pretty courtyards make it very easy to lose track of time.

And then there’s the Metropol Parasol - affectionately known as the ‘Mushrooms’ - a striking modern landmark that provides a completely different perspective on the city.

Seville is somewhere to explore slowly, preferably with plenty of stops for tapas along the way.

And if you have time, take a little detour to Córdoba. The high-speed Renfe train makes it an easy day trip, and the Mezquita is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Thessaloniki… a city that deserves to be discovered

Thessaloniki is one of those cities that often gets overlooked – and honestly, that’s a mistake.

Set right on the sparkling Aegean, it has a wonderful seafront made for strolling, people-watching and lingering over a coffee as the sun begins to set. And those sunsets? Absolutely worth staying out for.

There’s a youthful, energetic feel to the city, thanks in part to its large student population, with buzzing cafés, brilliant restaurants and plenty of places to sit and watch the world go by. Add in a lively shopping scene and a fascinating mix of history, culture and modern Greek life, and you have a city that is surprisingly easy to fall for.

And then there’s the history. Thessaloniki has been at the crossroads of civilisations for centuries – and it was once home to one rather famous Macedonian…

If it was good enough for Alexander the Great, what are you waiting for?

Five very different cities, five very good reasons to book a European city break. And I could easily add another ten to the list…