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Suggestions for a European holiday, please.

(44 Posts)
nanna8 Sun 01-Jan-23 22:59:40

You are so lucky with all these lovely places nearby. That is the trouble with Australia, it isn’t that close to anywhere except New Zealand which is nice but not the variety of Europe.

Chapeau Sun 01-Jan-23 22:53:10

Thoroughly recommend Tbilisi in Georgia. I went for a wedding and had no particular expectations as I didn't really consider it a holiday as such. Tbilisi is a beautiful city and very manageable. There's an excellent public transport system but the city is compact enough for you to be able to walk from one end to the other in a couple of hours. There's an interesting mix of historical buildings, soviet concrete brutalism and some wonderful contemporary architecture. There's also a fascinating flea market with tons of soviet memorabilia and chandeliers! In the mountains surrounding the city there are easy walks with spectacular views. Georgia is not an expensive destination which is a bonus. The food is also excellent with some lovely restaurants in picturesque locations just outside the city. There are no crowds of tourists either. I was only there for 6 days but am returning in March for a week or two.

mokryna Sun 01-Jan-23 18:03:31

Thank you for your ideas. It has made me realize that I had already visited several European cities, 45 or so years ago.
I had completely forgotten what I had done before the family having a second home in the Alpes and then …

MiniMoon Sat 31-Dec-22 15:21:21

Slovenia is beautiful. The walks around Lake Bled are lovely. We liked the Italian lakes too. Did lots of hiking walking around Lake Garda. It's very hilly but the scenery is fantastic.

TerriBull Sat 31-Dec-22 15:14:46

Seville and Cordoba, it's easy to get a train from Seville to Cordoba. We did 2 nights in the latter, so much to see amazing Moorish architecture. Have been in both October and March mid to late twenties. Cordoba is the hottest place in Spain so February may be quite warm. Both are wonderful cities.

Joseanne Sat 31-Dec-22 15:11:55

February might not bring any sunshine wherever you go, so for me Amsterdam with its canals and architecture.
Santorini sounds like a good choice for May. I've never done the Greek Islands myself.
Enjoy your search!

Kate1949 Sat 31-Dec-22 15:07:47

The Amalfi coast is stunning.

J52 Sat 31-Dec-22 15:06:34

Madeira would be lovely at that time of year. Lovely walks around the island, but it is hilly.

LadyGracie Sat 31-Dec-22 15:06:01

Anywhere in Austria or Italy.
Sorrento is especially lovely.

SiobhanSharpe Sat 31-Dec-22 15:04:06

Part or parts of El Camino de Santiago in northern Spain? It starts in St Jean Pied de Port in France in the foothills of the Pyrenees and you can pick it up from there or indeed anywhere along the route.
Also Bilbao is a wonderful city with lots to explore on foot and/or, if you're a bit of a foodie, San Sebastián. Both cities are very walkable especially if you want to get the best out of them.

Fleurpepper Sat 31-Dec-22 14:58:02

Yes, Seville with a trip to Cordoba.

Kate1949 Sat 31-Dec-22 14:56:34

Oh yes Sparklefizz Santorini is breathtaking.

Kate1949 Sat 31-Dec-22 14:54:57

Venice is my favourite place in the world. Seville is also fabulous.

Fleurpepper Sat 31-Dec-22 14:53:10

And wonderful Sicily- my favourite part being the South West- the area around Syracuse- Ortigia, Scicli, Modica, Noto-

Montalbano country, for those who enjoyed the series.

Sparklefizz Sat 31-Dec-22 14:47:31

The Greek island of Santorini. Spectacular volcanic landscape. I went in June and it was hot but not unbearably so.... plenty of sea breezes, a fabulous historical site to rival Pompeii, boat trips across the sea-filled caldera to the island.

Fleurpepper Sat 31-Dec-22 14:44:01

Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia. And we loved Lubjana (and I still can't spell it) last May.

Urmstongran Sat 31-Dec-22 14:27:20

Berlin is fabulous.
Dublin too.
😊

Norah Sat 31-Dec-22 14:24:24

We love walking in the Northern parts of Portugal, it's beautiful, different to the UK, and full of surprises. Harry Potter's Porto as well.

Madrid is fantastic, the museums, the food (churros, tapas, soups), the wine. Our children loved the ham.

Prague is lovely for walking as is Budapest - nice together, we really enjoyed the trip between the two.

Riga has lovely architecture, horrible Russian flats - fascinating.

mokryna Sat 31-Dec-22 14:00:28

I thoroughly enjoyed my five-day trip walking round Barcelona last October, thank you for your tips. I am now looking for suggestions from your experiences, for similar holidays for the end of February and end of May. I have already walked the streets of Rome and Florence.