Destination: U.K

Itinerary: Urban Odyssey

ONE TO TWO WEEKS/Bristol to Manchester

In theory you could do this 725-mile urban odyssey in a week, but England's cities may tempt you to linger longer. Better to allow at least 10 days. Two weeks would be even better. Don't say we didn't warn you...

If you want to dig under Britain's skin a little, take this ride through some of the country's less well-known cities.

Kick off in Bristol, once a poor cousin to neighbour Bath, today a city with fierce pride, a rich historic legacy and a music scene that rivals cool northern outposts. Next stop, Birmingham, a city that oozes transformation, with a renovated waterside, energised museums and a space-age shopping centre. Nearby is Nottingham, forever associated with Robin Hood, but renowned today for some very merry nightlife. If hitting the dance-floor isn't your thing, relax in the city's great pubs.

But don't dawdle. Down your pint. We're off again - to culturally restyled and famously to-the-hilt party town Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Still want more? It's got to be Glasgow. Sign up here for pubs and clubs, some truly electric venues, fabulous galleries and - only in Scotland - unpretentious bars.

Pausing only for coffee and toast, head next for Liverpool. The Beatles may be done to death, but there's a rich and genuine musical heritage here plus a rather famous football team.

Finish in Manchester, England's second city and a long-time hotbed of musical endeavour, with thriving arts and club scenes, galleries a go-go, dramatic new architecture and a rather well-known football team.