Ever been anywhere that far surpassed your expectations?

[cptartapp]

In contrast to the current thread about places which disappointed, where have you been that far surpassed your expectations?
For me, Seville. And El Djem in Tunisia which topped the Colosseum in Rome. We climbed all over it unaccompanied top to bottom and underground. And no crowds.

Jordan - I had high expectations but it just absolutely blew me away
Zagreb - zero expectations but ended up as my favourite European city

I loved sarlat too.

Had a fantastic weekend in Bradford, which I was not expecting at all.

Bucharest - the people are lovely, the city bears the marks of its recent history of course and the current economic issues too. But it really opened my eyes to what my perception of Romania as a country was vs what it is. It is a beautiful city, it is clean, full of parks with amazing playgrounds for children, it felt safe, the people were friendly and take a pride in their appearance that the UK seemed to lack quite starkly upon my return.

I did go further afield and saw some of the deprivation we see so much of in the media, that is real too, undeniably so. But it is not all the country is. I felt a bit of an idiot about my preconceived notions after visiting.

@ZittiEBuoni did you camp in the dordogne?
I agree with all the Croatia comments
I also loved the auvergne region of France - so unspoilt and a beautiful volcanic region. (Obviously helped by the amazing weather whilst there).

The Masai Mara

Iceland and Scotland far exceeded expectations. Agree Myanmar was a surprise hit. Loved Japan. Hawaii (Big Island).

Russia was also great - glad I went when I did. Also really enjoyed Rome, Venice, Florence.

Was underwhelmed by Lake Garda. Really didn't enjoy, India which surprised me.

Seville is high on my list of places I want to visit. Glad to see it's well thought of.

Cadiz, just lovely.
Rhodes the medieval town is stunning
Athens
Wadi Rum
Cambodia

Alcudia old town - much, much preferred to Pollensa town - and how different from the resort part of Alcudia

Torremolinos- had an unscheduled short stay there last year when we were unable to fly home as planned - and away from our horrendous apartment block (cheap, last minute ), the old town and sea front by La Carihuela beach were much nicer than expected

Norwich - based ourselves there on a week's holiday in Norfolk 2020 and really pleasantly surprised

Conwy - in particular the approach across the bridge where you see the castle

This is lovely to read! Bradfordian here! There is so much to see, do and enjoy here. It's a great city, if you can get past the negative stereotypes and what the media likes to portray

For me, Funchal in madeira. Definitely not the retirement home I was expecting! Incredibly beautiful, buzzy, gorgeous old town, so much going on. I'd be back this year but scared it can't live up to my previous trip!

Also, Thessaloniki in December. What a city! Literally tripping up over incredible history on every street, great bar/café culture, beautifully decorated for Christmas, amazing food. Just loved it

I feel the same about the Imperial War Museum in Salford. So well presented and really made me feel the human impact and cost of warfare. I found it profoundly moving. The building is gobsmacking as well.

Totally agree about Madeira. It was gorgeous!
Also agree about Northern Island - the coast is stunning and so easy to fly & drive to just for a day or two.
I am getting some great holiday ideas on here.

DisneyWorld in FL. Thought I was going to hate it and only went because the PILs wanted to go with their GC, but I loved it. PIL ended up not coming, because FIL was ill, so it was just the four of us and we had a great time.

@Sgtmajormummy can I ask how did you get to cesky krumlov if you're in the uk? It sounds complicated from a quick search, it looks stunning though!

What is/was it about Luton that was so grim

Strasbourg. Preferred it to Colmar. Wroclaw in Poland.

We visited by hiring a car . We stayed in Prague for a few days then a cottage in the countryside .

I went as a tourist by car to Santiago de Compostela years ago and visited the cathedral as it was getting dark, wasn't expecting such an amazing atmosphere with all the pilgrims arriving from the different routes.

Have a look at this hotel to stay in Seville.

Alcoba del Rey de Sevilla. Just down the road from the incredible cathedral.

Sorry, not the cathedral, the Basilica Macarena, with the jewelled Madonna , she is the Madonna revered by bull fighters, but I don’t remember why.

Recently returned from the Outer Hebrides. Absolutely stunning.

Athens, Washington DC, Rio de Janeiro & Venice.

I love the support for Leicester and Bradford 😂