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Thanks to low cost flights and open borders - its never been easier for us Brits to visit our contintental cousins on a city break, and to celebrate the fact, we are offering you the chance to win a City Break for you and a friend to a European city of your choice. THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

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From john jennings
We stayed at the Troix Etoiles Park in Mcmahon Avenue Paris. We really liked the 2 minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe and metro station which gave us access to all of Paris within minutes. The hotel itself was small but excellent, very clean family run rooms were well maintained and very clean restaurant was small but again well set out. Breakfast was again excellent with a good choice; staff were very friendly and helpful. Since we have been there we have recommended it to four different couples who all were delighted with the choice of hotel, area and standard of service and proximity to main links: Especially the Arc and the Champs Ellysse which was just around the corner.
From Debbie Hughes
Pisa, Italy hotel Grand Duomo, excellent location clean, friendly, Roberto the bar man speaks perfect English. From the hotel you can see the leaning tower of Pisa, perfect for an afternoon stroll. Take a 5 min taxi journey to train station and hop on a train to Florence, journey takes an hour. Historical Florence magical place take tour bus A & B for 20 Euros and spend the day hopping off and on the bus discovering the sights. Lovely weekend well recommended.
From HARRY SUTTON
Berlin - a fantastic city full of historical references, a fusion of tastes and a superb, efficient transport system.
From Mel
We stayed at the Mozart apartments in Prague. Accomodation was excellent and the personal service was second to none. The accomodation was ideally situated to see all of the town, self catering and close to Tesco's and the tram line! It was also within easy walking distance to Charles Bridge and all the sights. Accomodation is ideal for 4 people, or even 6.
From Karen Hart
Brussels is a wonderful city with the right mixture of the old and the new. The only downside was that some of the bars overcharged us.
From Kiran
We stayed at Golf Village in Algarve in Portugal. It’s a ten minute walk from the nightlife and shops - 'the strip'. It’s a fantastic city, with its warm lovely beaches. A very clean city with friendly people. Since visiting Algarve in Portugal we have recommended it to 6 other friends. Travelling there was cheap as well as safe and it has a top range of shopping centres in Lisbon. It has its familly fun and its young wild fun, so whatever you're looking for Portugal definitely has it. I will certainly be returning to Portugal.
From peter mcentee
Amsterdam is an exciting and vibrant city, although it is rather dirty; litter is everywhere. The people are the most friendly and helpful in all of Europe though.
From Denise Blythe
I always thought London hotels were very expensive until I discovered a lovely little hotel near to Hyde Park. We stayed at Westpoint Hotel at Sussex Gardens. The reception area is amazing. Well decorated with warm friendly staff.The hotel boasts 120 rooms all with private showers and toilets. The dining room is comfortable with a huge fishtank full of mature Koi Carp. Breakfast is included in the room rate. I booked our stay online and got a £5 per person discount. We had a wonderful stay in this hotel which was central to all the attractions. If you are doing London on a budget, then this is the place to stay.
From PAUL KNIGHT
THE GLORIOUS CITY OF ROME, AN EXPERIENCE THAT WILL DELIGHT ALL THE THE SENSES!
From Shirley Hodge
When I first came to Scotland my host took me to the Isle of Sky for a weekend and we stayed in the most amazing place called the Skeabost House. It was originally a huge privately owned estate and the building is amazing. There is an amazing terraced garden which is lit at night. The rates were quite reasonable and the rooms were high ceilinged with glorious wall papers and a bay window that overlooked the gardens. Despite its age though the room had all the bells and whistles, ensuite bath, microwave, kettle, iron etc, and a great restaurant with very good food. Just a nice place to stay.
From mrs e mccarthy
Barcelona is a wonderful city. Los Ramblas is a colourful mix with expensive and not so expensive shops, thronging with people enjoying themselves. Numerous people are dressed as statues, and they are so lifelike you will really wonder if they are real! My husband and I travelled by train from Santa Susanna to Barcelona with my mobility scooter and it was a great experience. The Spanish trains are so modern and clean and cheap. People were brilliant helping us get the scooter on and off the train. Oh if only all public transport everywhere had to have ramps so that pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters could get on and off easily. But I digress from Barcelona. Do go to see the wonderful music/fountains/display high up in the city. It is a really moving, uplifting experience and one that I will never forget. We had a delicious coffee right in the Ramblas and it was not expensive.
From sandra
5 Star Disneyland Hotel in Paris was wonderful, with the large staircase that reminded me of the Sound of Music - only on a bigger scale! Chip and Dale and Goofy would dance at the top of the stairs and stop for pictures. Rooms included a bar (for over 18s!) kingsize beds, table and chairs to sit and enjoy the view outside - ample room within and the decor was excellent. Food I could not fault and Disney characters were plentiful. The whole complex had internal shops - beautiful surroundings and very helpful staff. You can walk down to the swimming pool sauna in your dressing gowns provided - the only thing - if there is anything to fault - was the size - which seemed on the small side, but given that not many people used it during our stay that did not cause a problem at all. However, given the chance - would really love to go again. Really enjoyable stay and atmosphere - the whole disney experience - just isnt only for the kids!
From Dan Fullard
Eurostar Gaudi Hotel, Barcelona. Exceptional service at the modern chic hotel. Gorgeous rooms, tasty breakfasts and great showers are guaranteed at the Eurostar Gaudi, and the staff are amazingly friendly. This place will make your stay in Barcelona extra special, especially if you are on a romantic break because you can opt in for one of their romantic packages with a bottle of cava included. It is within walking distance and has excellent views over the Sagrada Familia and has easy access to the other main city sites through the very close underground station.
From Julie Booth
Kitzbuhl is in the Austrian Tirol. More of a ski break than a city break, it is beautiful and picturesque and so good for shopping that I would highly recommend it as a city break.This resort is the ultimate alpine skiing resort. High on class and style as well as full of picturesque villages and top notch shopping facilities, Kitzbühel has something for everyone. Dating back to the 14th century, the town is partnered as a resort with Kirchberg and both are mostly pedestrianised with traditional painted houses and narrow romantic lanes and passages in which to sneak a quick dose of 'how's your father' with your loved one. Check out the 'Aquarena' if you want to get wet or the casino if you want to lose your money at an even faster pace than you would otherwise. Kitzbühel is Austrian to the core but international to the bone. Watch out for the odd Italian playboy or a couple of Zsa Zsa Gabors floating around. This resort is also Fergie’s favourite (Sarah not Alex).
From Maureen Millward
Krakow is a wonderful city to visit, with a magnificent central square with wonderful architecture. There is a large choice of places to eat, all at reasonable prices. There are many museums and old churches to visit and excursions to Auschwitz can be made from here. We stayed at Hotel Classic, a 3 star hotel just a 5 minute walk from the central square. A modern, fairly basic and clean hotel for a very reasonable price.
From Sven Lind
Istanbul is the choice for travellers interested in history. This link between Europe and Asia has a lot to offer for anyone interested in our past. A trip up the Bosphorus is a suitable one day excursion. On one of the regular ferries it costs less than £10 return and takes about 3 hours one way. Private tour companies can be very expensive though!
From Lynda Chisholm
I visited Hungary recently. The food was amazing and there's plenty to do - I visited Budapest, which has some beautiful architecture. The cost of food and drink is very cheap - a 3 course meal is about £5.00 and a pint is between £0.50 and £0.70. I found it clean and it's quite warm this time of year.
From David Bell
Lisbon - great city for a break, short or longer. I stayed in the modern Expo 98 area at 4* Hotel Tivoli Tejo, centrally situated seconds from bus/rail/subway hub and major retail/entertainment/restaurant complex. Oh and it overlooks the bay too, and is only a 3 minute cab ride from the airport. Subway is new, clean, cheap, safe and idiot-proof - only e1.35 return to city centre. Lisbon has great charm but is not unduly 'touristy'. A marvellously different choice for an away weekend.
From hf
Naples, Italy. This city may not have the best of reputations, but it is one of the most beautiful, atmospheric, laid back places I have ever been. Go in late spring, take the ferry to Capri, go for coffee in the fabolous Galleria Umberto, drive the Amalfi coast, eat in a restaurant on Via Marechiaro in the Posilipo area and walk the Santa Lucia. If you are more adventurous then venture into the back streets of the Spanish districts and be humbled by the poverty. Truly one of the best holidays I ever had.
From Amy Jackson
Warsaw. A big and busy city. Great for a long weekend. Make sure you look up the tourist sites before you go because a lot of the city is very industrial and boring. Make sure you see the old town, particularly the Royal Castle in the square - and spend an afternoon at Lazienki Park.
From audrey smith
I would like to go to Marseille or Nice because I lived in the region for twenty years and have many friends there.
From Lindsay Davies
Rome, Cork, Paris to name a few...are all great cities to go to..I love them all and I would love to go to back. Shops are fantastic! :-)
From Donna Moore
Barcelona is a lovely place to visit, fresh fruit and vegetable markets, fantastic shopping, lovely picturesque harbour. Its street cafes are fun and inviting. Lots of bars and clubs. The transport, trains in particular are easy to use and very cheap.
From Tina Cleveland
Barcelona is such a beautiful city, very cultural and steeped in history. Goudi has made it famous for its qwerky arcitecture. A must see is the fountains at Mount Juic which flow to music usually with a finale of 'Barcelona' by Freddie Mercury. It's spine tingling. Other sights worth seeing are the Sagrada Familia, La Ramblas and the Olympic Stadium.
From Andrew Craig Brett
I visited Prague on a 4-day break. The city is breathtaking - our trip was at the end of November, so we managed to see the Christmas Market. A walk across Charles Bridge is essential. Food and drink are very reasonable, but it is advisable to wear warm clothing if out at night. I will definitely go back to Prague again in the future.
From Jude
Barcelona is a must visit city. It has something for everyone, from the Gaudi architecture to the cafe culture, from the harbour area to the mime artists, not forgetting the football stadium!
From Ron Marriott
My wife and I visited Rome to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary and stopped at the Hotel Borgia which we found delightful and wellplaced. We only stopped for 3 days but during that time we visited many locations, including The Colliseum the Forum etc and were amazed at how many places have remained intact down the millenia. Even though we were pickpocketed to the tune of 300 pounds we still departed with wonderful memories and plan to return for a longer trip next time, although I will make certain that, firstly im wearing a money belt and secondly it wont be August as it was 'TOO HOT.'
From allison pink
When i went to Cape Town i sayed in, The Cape Hollow Hotel was a little shabby but staff were helpful and rooms and lobby areas spotless.The restaurant was good and served Italian food, however they do not do anything else apart from the set menu. Fish and Chips of Steak would have made a pleasant change .The country is brilliant and Capetonians hospitality made me not want to return home.We travelled in May 2007. Regards Allison Pink.
From Janet Campbell
Cologne is one of my favourite places for a city break. It is compact enough to get around in a few days with plenty of variety of things to do and see. Depending on the time of year the Rhine is a fascinating place to walk along and abounds with pavement bars where you can sample Colognes famous beer.Superb shopping, a mouth watering range of restaurants and superb hotels, my favourite being the Hilton, right next to the railway station.
From Ray
Amsterdam is a great city to visit and a wonderful way to see the place is on a bicycle. These can be hired very cheaply and you can even take a guided bicycle tour during which you visit a windmill and a cheese factory. The only hills are the bridges over the canals so it not strenuous and there are the usual stops for refreshments.
From Chistine Wall
Bruges is the most exciting and pleasurable destination. Lots of old buildings, antiques, markets and cobbled streets.
From Janet Downings
Amsterdam is a great city to visit. There is plenty to see and do. Everyone there is friendly.
From Marie-Josephe Pradere
I went to Barcelona 4 years ago, ostensibly on business, but was so seduced by the streetlife, beach area, markets and old/new blend of architecture, I've been promising myself a return trip there ever since!
From Stephen Ashiotis
I cannot stress how much I recommend travelling to Barcelona. Me and my partner stayed in Hotel Barbara and although basic, provides very hygienic standards and the location is perfect as it is just off Las Ramblas. This includes a long stretch of romantic restaurants and it is also very close to the harbour which has a great shopping centre to keep the Mrs happy. I highly recommend you go and I would love the chance to go back one day.
From Richard West
I took my children on a cruise in 2006 and we saw Majorca, Spain, Italy, France and had the best of all worlds. Every morning we woke up in a different port and saw so many sights, Naples, Pompei and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We stopped off at a beach in France Toulon that was completely unspoilt and enjoyed the lovely weather. Unfortunately for us when we reached Barcelona it was a Bank Holiday and everything was shut except the magnificent Football stadium that every one of us enjoyed. We were able to sample the food and sights of 3 Countries in one week and it still felt like a relaxing holiday.
From john collins
If you want historic, academic, trendy and a good ole jolly place to visit that's close to the ole smoke; well you can stuff our over-priced, un-friendly European cousins and go to CANTERBURY IN KENT! I went there today and it was great. And the coast is there as well, what more do you need? hahaha
From Linda Hine
Dublin - a wonderful city with loads to see and do. Get the open-top City Tour Bus and you will be shown all around the sights and attractions (with a very funny live commentary from the driver thrown in!). Hop off if you want to spend some time at a sight and then hop back on the next bus. In the evening visit the Temple Bar pub for some Irish music or the Arlington for music and dancing.
From Chris Woolhouse
Barcelona - The liveliest city on the planet. Las Ramblas is the place to go for bars and related frolics, but for more traditional Spanish venues (including superb tapas bars) then head down some of the back streets and see what you find!
From Nicola Ryall
Budapest is a great to visit as Buda offers countryside and beautiful scenery. There is railway run by children which takes you to the top of the nearby hills. There are churches, monuments, parks and a palace to visit. On the other side of the Danube is Pest which is full of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. There is also a zoo to visit and thermal baths. Or why not take a boat trip down the Danube to Margret Island and sit by the fountain or hire a bike.
From Zydrunas
Vilnius is a great city to visit. There is plenty to see and do. Everyone there is friendly and welcoming.
From Janine Faulkner
Varna, Bulgaria. A delightful city with a beautiful Cathedral and plenty of activities for young and old in the Sea Gardens. There is a Dolphinarium, Plantetarium, Theatre, Zoo, Navel Meseum and much much more and all at affordable prices. The beach in Varna itself is not the best but with Golden Sands and St Konstantine resorts only 15-30 minutes away there is certainly no shortage of sandy beaches. The food and drink in Varna is excellent and very affordable with something for everyone. If you haven't been to Bulgaria before, now is a good time, it's still relatively unspoilt and full of beautiful culture.
From PAVELAS
Graz is a most exciting city to visit this summer!!! Nice, clean, romantic and cheap flights from Stansted airport with Ryanair.
From David Butterworth
Prague is the place to go, it has places to see like the monastery and the view from Petrin Hill. You can visit the old town square, go on a ghost tour, enjoy the night life in many of its pubs & bars (too many to mention!), get about on the tram system which runs 24/7 365 days a year or the underground metro. Get a ticket at the airport or any shop, make sure you get one for your stay and stamp the first time you use it, then put in your pocket till you leave, make sure you have it when travelling just in case you have to show it to an inspector.
From christine ashworth
When my husband suggested we go to Amsterdam I thought he had something else on his mind! What I found was totally unique and diferent to any other city I've been to. Culture - yes. History - yes. Good food - yes (and not hard to find). Beautiful places to walk - yes. Beautiful people. Wonderful shopping. Whether it's with friends, family or a romantic weekend away I can promise you Amsterdam has it all. Just watch out for the bikes - they have right of way!
From Janine Conteh
La Villa Maillot, Paris-A` Bientot! (See you soon!) Location is a ten-minute stroll from the Arc de Triomphe and there are many shops to browse en route. This hotel is enchanting. The Reception area is stylishly decorated in red and mahogony, with top quality fittings and fixtures. Off this area, is the Dining Room - again spectacularly and luxuriously decorated. A floor-to-ceiling window overlooks a plant-filled water garden that exhudes serenity and tranquility! Continental Breakfast is cereals of every type, toasts / marmalades, cold meats, breads, tea coffee, juice etc. Very spacious mahogany-decorated rooms, marble ensuite, and fitted with plasma tv, tea / coffee making / fridge facilities, provided. Spa treatments available at reasonable cost.Staff are welcoming and friendly and nothing is too troublesome for them. English is spoken fluently and service throughout, really first-class. Highly recommended and a return is iminent.
From Cheryl Stephens
Rome is wonderful, and you can either walk to its attractions or use its very easy tube (2 lines) - you can't get lost! Book a tour for the Colosseum, then sit outside to eat pizza, drink cappuccino and savour the ambience, even in winter! We stayed in Hotel Zara, very good value, helpful and location great, just rock hard beds. Great history, manic drivers, fun destination!
From Andy Hayes
Last year my wife and I took a long weekend in Tallinn, Estonia. We had feared that it would be full of Stag parties and it is getting a reputation for these. However we had a fantastic relaxed weekend in the old town, sight seeing and enjoying excellent treatment. We never even saw any evidence of the stag weekenders. A fantastic place clearly capable of simultaneously keeping very different people happy.
From Judy Beer
I can recommend the Cumberland Hotel in London. Wonderfully modern hotel with a lobby whose lighting changes colour dependant on the time of day! Luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets and flat screen tvs in the rooms. Gary Rhodes W1 restaurant is also in the same building and offers delicious, relaxed dining, although a little expensive (you do pay for the name).
From jane case
We went to Brussels, gateway to Europe. What a fantastic place! The best hotel to stay is the marriott 5 star, it was one of the best hotels we have stayed in and in the best location. You can barter for free drinks when you go out to eat in the evening as everyone wants your trade. The nightlife is great, got in most nights about 3. Visit the square and the market stalls, and taste the homemade chocolates. We did the bus tour which takes you around all the famous landmarks and you can hop on and off.
From TRACEY LAIDLAW
BARCELONA - You get the best of both worlds. A city break with a beach holiday. The best thing was being able to get on a tour bus and get on/off at all the attractions and a must to see is the Football stadium
From ian
Stayed at the Athenaeum hotel in London. Very central, excellent food, house wine good too. Apartments are comfortable and quieter than the rooms looking over Hyde Park, they are very quiet by Central London standards. Was not impressed by the tray left outside the next apartment for more than 12 hours or by the attempt to overcharge me.
From joanne harrison
Elite park hotel - Gothenberg. Brilliant location in a beautiful city. Lots of great bars and restaurants...loads of canals...best chocolate sorbet I've had in my life!
From john ross
Oslo - one of Europe's hottest party cities right now. Stunning views whether you arrive by car, plane or sea. In summer - daylight to burn! The only limit to what you can do here is your imagination!
From Shaun Heckles
My wife and I booked to stay the weekend in Munich. To be honest we did not know a great deal about the place before we went. We stayed at the Gastwert Hotel which is centrally located and priced around 120 Euros per room. The food is excellent. We enjoyed exploring the city - areas such as Deichstrasse Mansion Square - the oldest residential area in the Old Town of Hamburg. It dates from the 14th century and now consists of lavishly restored houses from the 17th through the 19th centuries.On the other side of the coin we found time to visit Reeperbahn. There you can browse in the quirky sex shops, and dive into the bizarre nightlife of Europe's biggest red-light district. A real eye opener!
From Heather Marrison
Hotel Budapest in Budapest. Not the most luxurious hotel I have ever stayed in but it has the most spectacular views of this beautiful city.
From Sara
I visited Brussels and enjoyed every minute! I didn't realise how much culture there was there!
From Susan Roskell
We stayed at the Hotel Splendid in Nice which was ideally located a short walk away from the Promenade. Excellent facilties, with a rooftop pool and fantastic buffet style breakfast at cost efficient prices! I couldn't fault the weather - especially when it was constantly raining back home. All in all Nice is a fantastic location with easy and cheap access to Monte Carlo and St Tropez if you fancy doing a bit of sightseeing.
From Jon Payne
Stayed in Stockholm for a weekend break. We booked the Sheriton right in the middle of Stockholm. It's a 5 minute walk to the train station and the old town. Stockholm is very nice and family friendly. We went to Skansen in Dugarden. This is a large island which is natural parkland with a zoo. The zoo contains bears and animals native to Sweden. There is also excellent underground shopping. Everybody speaks perfect English, better than a lot of people in the UK!
From Stuart Pithie
Gerona, a wonderful weekend break, although much smaller than Barcelona, a vibrant city, good shopping (I was told) but certainly high quality dining out experiences that did not empty the pocket.
From angela taggart
Hotel Presidente Barcelona on av. diagonal. 3 star rating very good accomodation clean and spacious rooms. Excellent buffet breakfast. Hotel is situated amongst good shops and cafes. Walking distance to las ramblas apx 15 minutes. Buses and train station by hotel.
From mrs sharron page
I would like to comment on George V, Four Seasons Hotel in Paris. It definitely lived up to its reputation as one of the finest hotels in the world. From the moment that you enter the hotel, you are truly treated like a VIP. Each of the bedrooms are decorated in different styles. The beds that you sleep in are the most comfortablist that I have ever slept in, made from goose feathers and imported from Canada.The food is exquisite and is prepared with expertise and colour. It is definitely the nicest hotel in the world. A must for anybody who wants to celebrate an anniversary of special occassion.
From Jenifer-Mary Pettitt
We had a wonderful family Easter holiday at Alghero in Sardinia. We stayed at a very convenient B&B with full use of the kitchen , lounge & terrace.It was a short walk from the old walled town & the white sandy beach.We watched the sun set eating our home prepared meals. The disadvantage was that we had to climb up several flights of stairs
From zoe corbin
Amsterdam is an amazing city. Cobbled streets, lots of history, cafes, shops, and architecture, ect. Dutch people very friendly, and made us feel very welcome. Didn't make it to the Anne Frank House, the one place we really wanted to go to. Hopefully going to go back one day and check that out. Great place lots of good points, hardly any bad points.
From Liz Gregory
I stayed at the Tryp Apollo in Barcelona and it was a lovely hotel. Right in the heart of the city and near to all the nightlife. The hotel was a clean friendly place. The breakfast was a buffet style one with lots of fresh fruit but also the traditional english breakfast. Barcelona itself has a lot to see if you are into sightseeing and there are plenty of day trips to be booked
From joanna leigh
LUXOR hotel in LAS VEGAS - spa out of this world, great gym & the suite we stayed in had a jacuzzi by the window looking over the strip, the RA night club within the hotel was superb & due to staying in a suite we were given by the reception a VIP tickets, would RECOMMEND to everyone!!!
From Revd Mark K Madeley
With water lapping everywhere, the city of Venice is stunning in its beauty. Words of description are simply not enough to describe this magnificent placed, steeped in beauty and history. Houses are partially submerged - porches replaced by landing stages. Buses dart here and there, but float rather than drive on wheels. It all adds to the magnificence. What can one say about the bridges spanning the canals? Their majesty is second to none and despite carrying thousands of people on the small area of dry land they look every bit as beautiful as the day they were built. For the best approach take the water bus from the Lido de Jesolo and have your first view of this unique place from the water that has made it so famous.
From Christine Noy
France has such quaintness especially in places such as Bayeux. This place with its Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Bayeux Tapestry and its Saturday market all add up to a feeling of being with one with life and nature, The grey-stone buildings have remained pretty much untouched for centuries. The market stall holders take no notice of European Rules and Regulations selling fresh milk and cream from a plastic bucket into your own container, prepared chickens laying on the stall tables ready for the oven, cheese to die for without being refridgerated. Along the main street and down side alleys there are so many places to eat, drink and socialise. Further down the road is Port Bessin a working fishing harbour extraordinaire, with stalls selling fish so fresh and in prime condition. Who needs the big bustling citis when this little one has it all.
From Christopher Mullane
Madrid - Barcelona's smarter, cleaner, more compact bigger brother. A wonderful city bursting with architecture, art and great restaurants and bars. The underground system is first class, get a pass for a couple of days. Plaza Santa ana is the best place for tapas and very central. Usual touristy places such as the museums and the bernabeau are musts, but try the horse racing on a Sunday morning, it's great fun and there is a free bus. Don't think about eating until 10ish!
From audrey smith
Marseille is the largest port in Southern France. It is on the Mediterranean sea and is the haven and home of many luxurious boats, both big and small. It is a thriving port of all nationalities and boasts, some excellant cuisine. It nestles in green countryside, yet has many ancient buildings and several busy markets. It is a real jewel.
From Mary Kane
I had always thought of Zurich as a grey city concerned with money and banking. A recent weekend there has changed my mind forever. We arrived from a damp England to brilliant sunshine and lunch with a free glass of champagne on the pavement allowing us to people watch as well as eat well. The town is split in two by the river which is used as transport by boats and river taxis. The Zurich See, a huge lake, is a bustling area, full of small boats, ferries to outlying areas and pedalos. The quais are alive with pavement artists, music and the young and old strolling and enjoying life. And the town itself is a mixture of beautiful medieval houses, tiny streets, interesting shops, museums, art galleries, avenues with trees, markets and restaurants and bars on every corner. We ate well and drank delicious Swiss wine, all at a price much less than London. It's a city I would go back too and discover even more about but equally one weekend was perfect to see a lot.
From Gillian Bond
Cork is the hidden gem of Ireland. Gourmet food at reasonable prices, every kind of great accommodation from friendly bed & breakfasts to 5* hotels. Festivals abound all year round. Jazz, Film, Traditional music, dance and theatre. Needless to say the bars are full of atmosphere and the locals very talkative. You'll never be alone for long!
From jo Kinsman
Saltzburg is the most fantastic place, full of old world charm. The birth place of Motzart too! and his first home is right there in the main shopping street. Countless eating places, shops and buildings of historic interest abound, and the view from the castle - is breathtaking. What more can I say? This city has just about everything.
From Margaret McCaffery
Guardamar del Segura is a delightful town with shops and restaurants in abundance. A beautiful beach, marina and forest walks.
From Stuart Evans
A group of us stayed at Tallinn in Estonia in the old part of the town. Tallinn is a beautiful little known place where there is plenty to see. The local people here are very friendly and the local food at all the places we ate at was extremely tasty and good value for money. More importantly the beer is good to drink and cheap. The surrounding countryside is beaufiful and if you get the opportunity to see it I recommend going quad biking for several hours to do it. Highly worth a visit!
From Philip Attwood
Bratislava is the new Prague. I advise you to go the the capital of the more populer Czech Republic's neighbour Slovakia before it is spoiled. A beautiful city, very reasonable prices for accomodation and food. Strongly recommend trying national dishes, hearty peasent food and peasent prices, but also more upmarket European cuisine still very cheap compared to the rest of Europe. Try the restaurant on top of the tower at the Freedom Bridge. This place is worth checking out even if just for the toilets, there can't be many loos with a view that these have, it is so high up that the glass wall means you can relieve yourself looking down on the city. Nice thing is you won't be distracted by the shops, there is still a communist look and feel there, but this is changing fast, so go before MacDonald's and Starbucks get there!
From susan hawthorne
We visited Basel, Switzerland. We stayed in the beautiful youth hostel. Many sights to see a visit to the fountains out side the tourist info shop is a must see. Then purchase train tickets to Grondelwald in the mountains. Again, stay in the delightful family youth hostel. Open your curtains in the morning and soak up the breathtaking view of the Eiger.Travel on a cable car into the mountain itself and lay in the grass and pretend you're Heidi. Best holiday so far.
From Ferriel Brooks
Nice! The Queen of the French Riviera. Cloudless blue skies and an azure Mediterranean bordered by the Promenade des Anglais lined with palms. The flower market in the Cours Saleya, the Old City every morning, is unmissable as is a wander through the narrow winding streets of this quaint area, overflowing with the rich culinary delights of the south of France - cheese, olives, wines. Come and taste, savour and experience!
From Jeane Armstrong
We stayed in an excellent hotel (Esterelle) in Amsterdam right on the edge of the canal. It was in an ideal position. We visited Rembrandt's house which was very interesting and bought a 2 days pass for the canalboats which meant we could hop on and hop off and travel all over Amsterdam. We visited the flower markets and bought all our winter bulbs (which have flowered beautifully). A visit to the Red Light District is a must. There are plenty of eating places with good food. We took a trip to a village with real Windmills - it was like stepping back in time and very picturesque. There was also a clog factory there where a man was making the clogs. Lots to do and not enough time to do it all!
From Miss Catherine Findlow
I have been to Amsterdam a few times now and always stay in the Delta Hotel. This hotel is very central and 1 minute walk away from the train station. Very friendly and clean. Would always use and recommend this hotel to anyone.
From Milly Jones
I went to St Petersburg in 1982 and the buildings were magnificent - hotels were basic and manned on every floor by a dower old lady sitting on a chair. The trams had holes in the floors and the shops still had empty tins in the windows -and no real food. 'peasants' queued for poor vegetables and the people did not know what was happening in the outside world only what they were told by their own people. What is the difference now? Can someone tell me
From Julie Giles
Salzburg is my favourite city - absolutely magical!
From Jo-anne T
I went to Edinburgh in 2000 during the Festival in August and it was amazing - all the shows, bars, people and the architecture - WOW! There is so much to do and see, from museums, architecture, shopping to bars and nightclubs you really couldn't describe it all. There is something for everyone - from traditional to contemporary and I will definitely be back very soon!
From Richard Gordon
The Sheraton Hotel and Spa is in my opinion the best hotel in Porto. The rooms are modern, the restaurant is superb and the staff are very friendly and helpful (something you don't always find in Portugal). The spa is beautiful and has a pool and several jacuzzi's.
From beverley keenan
Barcelona is a beautiful city, a visit to the football stadium is a must for sport fans, but be warned it is massive and if you are like me bad on your legs, give it a miss! Also, be very very vigilant in Barcelona, as there are many thieves, they would take the sugar out of your tea and come back for the milk, I lost a brand new camcorder which was strapped to my shoulder.
From philippa quigley
Palma is wonderful, cool shady streets, great shopping, grea street cafes and a wonderful cathedral.
From viv clarkson
Brussles is a very interesting city. The Grand Place is a 'must see' sight. We went in August and much was closed for the annual holidays. However, there was still lots to see and do. First a visit to the tourist information office in the Grand Place to pick up a Brussles pass and then use the pass to get a 25% discount on the sightseeing bus to orient yourself. There are lots of musuems to visit, some traditional like the fine arts musuem, some much more quirky. Food was very good but expensive - expect to pay 50% more than in the UK.

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