Euorpean city breaks- recommendations please.

[ameliagrey]

Am thinking of a few days- maybe 4 - in a city for DH in Jan as he is knackered. We don't want to do much- just chill, wander into galleries and see a few local sights.

it would be great to be able to fly from Luton, or stansted rather than Heathrow.

I want a nice hotel- am fussy- possibly with a pool for him, but not essential.

was thinking of Vienna but no Luton flights. Is Salzburg an option or boring? And what about somewhere like Dubrovnik, or anywhere within a 2hr ish flight?

Done Florence and loved it but flights to Pisa seem the only way.

Hi
I personally would recommend Barcelona or Seville, which is a bit of a drive from Malaga (1-2 hr). Perfect for wandering aimlessly, with the gentler weather for a January visit. Lots to do in both too. Madrid is great also, but less walkable (but only just).

If you want wintry, I would recommend Vienna over Salzburg unless you are a big fan of either Mozart or the Sound of Music.

I also enjoyed Stockholm, they have some lovely museums, but will be very dark, which might limit you a bit.

I haven't been to the balkans at all I'm afraid.

Depends what you are looking for - any art in particular? Or history? Or scenery? Or food?

Thanks- no not looking for anything especially- DH just needs a break- 2011 was his annus horribilis.

We like galleries but have an open mind, and he likes open air cafes ( in January??) but neither of us is a bright lights person.

he's been to Sweden loads with work- though not Stockholm- but it doesn't really appeal, sorry.

Scenery is nice but for 4 days in Jan there might not be much to see as we don't want to drive- he does too much of that for work.

Right. Monarch have a route to Rome from Luton which is nice. I also like Lisbon, though I am not sure about flights.

For open air, you're looking south, really, aren't you?

If you are near Luton then might a Eurostar be an option (incl train to St Pancras)? Brussels, Lille and Paris all fit the bill by the sounds of it. Not warm outside, but a very strong cafe culture to compensate.

I'm jealous already :)

Rome is on the to-do list so thanks for the reminder!

Yes, Paris is an option too. Dismissed as too obvious but need to re-think that one!

never thought of Lisbon so will look into that too. Thanks

Lisbon, Budapest , Rome or Verona.

Madrid - fabulous museums, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, Royal Palace.....and tons of hotels to choose from! SHopping and Food amazing!! Much prefer to Barcelona. Lots of lovely tapas bars and coffee shops to sit outside.

Bordeaux is beautiful and further south may be a little less cold in January.

Or Antwerp by train

You could fly to faro and get the train from there to lagos and stay for the weekend - the harbour is pleasant and it will be warmer than most other places further north. If you stay in lagos you don't need to drive anywhere, there will not be crowds of people though a sprinkling.

Lot of cafes etc to sit outside - the news cafe is my favourite behind the main street by the fountain

How about Barcelona?

Second Seville- its gorgeous. Think we flew ryanair from Stansted, but could be wrong. We were there in Janaury and it was 20 degrees!

Venice - Ryan Air fly to Treviso which is connected by bus that meets the plan to the city. However Treviso is currently closed and so planes are coming into Vence proper. Treviso should open at the end of Dec but it will probably be late. Its a great wandering place and quite compact.

What about a ferry to Belgium? Be like a min cruise. :)

It has to be Vienna, must admit to a slight bias as lived there for 5 year and definitely left a "bit' of me there. I'd go there like a shot (can be cold & grey in Jan).

Florence is one simple bus journey from Pisa. Don't let that put you off.

Berlin - went in 2003 and can'r wait to get back!

Milan - can I come?

Copenhagen - plenty of cafes!

We spent five lovely days in Rome, staying in Hotel Campo De Fiori, right next to Piazza Campo De Fiori. No pool, but fab views from the roof and a great location for walking to all the sights. Highly recommend.
My review is in here somewhere!

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g187791-d208552-Reviews-Hotel_Campo_De_Fiori-Rome_Lazio.html

We went to Rome and Barcelona in feb ( duff years) Rome rained but barc great. Lots of places to wander around and you can sit outside cafes in the day. Lots of things shut on Monday's so try to avoid.

Quite a bohemian feel to it. Rome more big city feel like london

I got great trip planning advice from people on the TA Rome forum. Lots of tips like buying combined ticket for Colosseum and Forum in advance to save queueing and also saving money. We bought Vatican Museum tickets online as well, which saved a huge queue at 9am.
Recommend the TA forums for detailed trip planning advice from people who know their specific destination very well.

Oh thanks- hadn't looked for a few days so plenty of nic ideas here.

Have a look at the Hotels in Paris thread. Wigglesrock has just returned from the Hotel Excelsior Latin, and had a lovely time.

Barcelona or Madrid, both very relaxing and culturally stimulating

Geneva - went for my birthday last year, it was fab!

How about Malaga itself. We didn't stay anywhere posh when we went (last minute city break) but the city itself was lovely: old quarter, great shopping and restaurants; the Citadel, Cathedral, Piccasso museum . . .

How about Nice.. we have booked a 3 night break for our 10th wedding anniersary in sept.. ..not sure it would b that warm though.. have booked a hotel looking over the sea.. enjoy whereveryou choose.. can fly from luton to Nice.