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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Ideas wanted for foodie couple short break

29 replies

MissesBloom · 13/01/2019 22:52

Could anyone recommend a destination for a short break. It will be our 10 year wedding anniversary next year, and dh and I want to go away but have never left the dcs (6 and 3).

We'd like to go somewhere less than 3 hours away ideally, somewhere not too bustling (it'll be end of June so being stuffy and surrounded by loads of people doesn't appeal)
.
We love food and dh loves fine dining. I adore shopping and little markets so anywhere where we could tick both boxes would be fab.

So far my only thought has been the amalfi coast. I'm totally lost.

Anyway any suggestions would be gratefully received

OP posts:
Grumpasaurus · 13/01/2019 23:07

San Sebastien in Spain would be perfect and ticks all the boxes!

VanCleefArpels · 13/01/2019 23:07

In UK, Pentonbridge Inn. Best food I’ve ever had anywhere

brokenhead · 13/01/2019 23:09

Liss

brokenhead · 13/01/2019 23:09

Sorry

Lisbon

Seville

YahBasic · 13/01/2019 23:10

100% Bilbao & San Sebastián - I’m taking DH there this year for a joint birthday & wedding anniversary present.

Original poster
MissesBloom · 13/01/2019 23:17

Have just looked into San Sebastian, looks AMAZING! Had never heard of it before, dh is in agreement.

Going to look at all of these suggestions thanks so much Grin

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UrbaneSprawl · 13/01/2019 23:19

I clicked on this to suggest the Basque Country too. The covered market in Bilbao is amazing. We’ve never got as far as San Sebastián, but it’s the obvious place for a couple of foodies to celebrate a special occasion...

peachypetite · 13/01/2019 23:21

Lisbon

parrotfashionista · 13/01/2019 23:22

Bologna is small but very foody. It makes for a relaxing break.

Tinkerbell89 · 13/01/2019 23:24

Malaga they do some amazing Tapas tours where you go to several restaurants and try Tapas dishes and different wines. It's amazing.Trip advisor may be of some help 😊

Grumpasaurus · 13/01/2019 23:25

Honestly, I think you would love it, given what you are looking for. Bilbao is a bit more touristy but nothing like southern or central Spain, or Lisbon.

I have been to Seville (lovely but wouldn't strike me as a foodie place, also not AMAZING), and Bologna is okay but not earth shattering. Just my opinions though!

Original poster
MissesBloom · 13/01/2019 23:30

Sad dh has.poo pooed San Sebastian because you can only fly to bilbao and then do an hours drive to it. Grrrrr. Would be perfect for us, looks amazing.

OP posts:
gallicgirl · 13/01/2019 23:33

It'll be an easy drive I bet. We drove from Biarritz with no problems.

How about Lyon? Amazing food, lots to do and brilliant public transport so no driving needed.

If you want to stay in the UK, then I'd recommend Ludlow.

AdaColeman · 13/01/2019 23:33

Eurostar to Lyon, a food lovers paradise!

Original poster
MissesBloom · 13/01/2019 23:44

Wouldn't have thought of Lyon, must be fairly easy with the eurostar. Another place I've no experience of, have only ever travelled through it. Might be worth a look.

Apparently dh wants to just jump on a plane, get off and be there... He's thinking more Barcelona, rome etc. (my idea of hell Grin)

OP posts:
Grumpasaurus · 14/01/2019 00:17

Well bigger cities would for sure tick the foodie box, but you said you didn't want that :-).

An hour's drive is nothing! Or stay in Bilbao and travel to SS as day trips.

Lyon does have good food but I wouldn't say is a particularly gorgeous city.

What about Florence? Some lovely markets but also nice upscale restaurants? Barcelona has better nightlife.

Grumpasaurus · 14/01/2019 00:18

Sorrento would also tick your boxes I think!

AdaColeman · 14/01/2019 05:09

It’s quite a trek from Naples airport to Sorrento though. What about Genoa?

Original poster
MissesBloom · 14/01/2019 09:19

Thanks all, its apparently a 45 min transfer from biarritz so dh has agreed to it Grin I also think an hours drive is fine but as we're only going for 2 nights dh feels like it'll be a faff. He wants to fly directly to a destination and just be there. I prefer more laid back places so a compromise was needed.

Am now saving all the other suggestions for any other little getaways we might have. Mumsnet is Brill thanks all Flowers

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Verbena87 · 14/01/2019 09:21

Ah fab choice! We have family who live nearby so go quite often and it’s glorious!

Lollicent · 14/01/2019 09:24

The bus to San Sebastian goes from the front of Bilbao airport. It's really easy to do.
You get dropped at the bus station in the middle of San Sebastian.

Original poster
MissesBloom · 15/01/2019 12:09

Yep lollicent it's a shuttle bus isn't it? Doesn't sound difficult in any way. Am now VERY excited. Seems like the perfect place for a grown up break (and to ruin my diet Grin)

OP posts:
Lollicent · 15/01/2019 18:37

It's an air conditioned coach. Very comfortable and frequent.

BIWI · 15/01/2019 18:39

San Sebastian is amazing, and perfect for foodies - but it will be HEAVING at the end of June!

LaBelleSausage · 15/01/2019 18:41

Porto. We did an absolutely great food tour with a company called Taste Porto, toured the Port houses and the Douro Valley, drank lots of Port and had some great food. What more could you want?