Romantic Weekend Break!
Oct 4, 2010, 6:32 am
#16
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
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Prague is great, although I'd consider Budapest as well - lots of nice spa treatments to be had! I like the Hotel Gellért.
If you want to avoid pickpockets I'd give Rome a miss - my sister lives there and it is pretty notorious! However, you can't beat the historic centre, and it is a very pedestrian friendly place (ie you don't need a car, but watch our for the mad Roman drivers!).
Vienna (where my wife's family comes from) isn't my cup of tea either - can be bitterly cold and, in my opinion, not that much to do compared to some of the other cities you mentioned.
I recall seeing in The Times over the weekend a speical offer of "free" CE upgrades when you buy the flight/hotel through their partner - don't know how great a deal it is and, despite a quick search, I can't find the link... (sorry - took too long to type this - see Redsox had a very similar offer to the Times one!!).
If you want to avoid pickpockets I'd give Rome a miss - my sister lives there and it is pretty notorious! However, you can't beat the historic centre, and it is a very pedestrian friendly place (ie you don't need a car, but watch our for the mad Roman drivers!).
Vienna (where my wife's family comes from) isn't my cup of tea either - can be bitterly cold and, in my opinion, not that much to do compared to some of the other cities you mentioned.
I recall seeing in The Times over the weekend a speical offer of "free" CE upgrades when you buy the flight/hotel through their partner - don't know how great a deal it is and, despite a quick search, I can't find the link... (sorry - took too long to type this - see Redsox had a very similar offer to the Times one!!).
Oct 4, 2010, 6:35 am
#17
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Oct 4, 2010, 6:35 am
#18
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
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If you do go for Prague or Budapest, look at the Luxury Hotels board and search for 'Virtuoso'. A Virtuoso travel agent can you book you the Four Seasons on a special package which includes free breakfast, a lunch credit and an upgrade at check-in subject to availability. The rate will be the same as the cheapest room-only rate on the Four Seasons website.
(This applies to any FS globally, by the way. I always book our FS Hampshire trips this way.)
(This applies to any FS globally, by the way. I always book our FS Hampshire trips this way.)
Oct 4, 2010, 6:39 am
#20
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Join Date: Aug 2006
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I would forget about Russia....paying out that sort of cash for a visa just for a weekend is ridiculous.
If I were you I would head for Spain or Athens....more chance of getting a bit of decent weather. You need the sun for romance.
If I were you I would head for Spain or Athens....more chance of getting a bit of decent weather. You need the sun for romance.
Oct 4, 2010, 6:43 am
#21
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
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Spain would of been my first choice but we have just come back from a ten day holiday in Marbella, so hoping to find a nice place somewhere else for this weekend break!
Thanks
Oct 4, 2010, 7:12 am
#23
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: BA Bronze FWIW
Posts: 54
I wouldn't bother with Nice, as others have already said, it's really not that great out of season.
Prague is definitely lovely, walkable and romantic. Was last there nearly 10 years ago though, and I do hear that it's turned into stag central since, which isn't great.
Pickpockets: all major towns have them, you're just as likely to be a victim of this on Oxford St as pretty much any other capital city.
Have you thought of Lyon? Second biggest city in France, lots of awesome restaurants, good shopping and not full of tourists. Picturesque old town, not too big and very safe. Great luxury boutique hotel, La Cour des Loges: http://www.courdesloges.com/index.php?page=loges
Whatever you do, I am sure your girlfriend will love it.
Prague is definitely lovely, walkable and romantic. Was last there nearly 10 years ago though, and I do hear that it's turned into stag central since, which isn't great.
Pickpockets: all major towns have them, you're just as likely to be a victim of this on Oxford St as pretty much any other capital city.
Have you thought of Lyon? Second biggest city in France, lots of awesome restaurants, good shopping and not full of tourists. Picturesque old town, not too big and very safe. Great luxury boutique hotel, La Cour des Loges: http://www.courdesloges.com/index.php?page=loges
Whatever you do, I am sure your girlfriend will love it.
Oct 4, 2010, 7:39 am
#24
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I really liked PRG when I went so could completely understand you going there - shame you'll be too early for the Christmas market though!
But in the interests of exploring options, what about MUC? While not as romantic as PRG, it still has a very pretty old town (way better than FRA), lots of old streets to ramble around, gateaux to eat etc, and easy to get away into Bavaria.
But in the interests of exploring options, what about MUC? While not as romantic as PRG, it still has a very pretty old town (way better than FRA), lots of old streets to ramble around, gateaux to eat etc, and easy to get away into Bavaria.
Oct 4, 2010, 8:40 am
#25
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: London & NYC
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Posts: 443
Istanbul, Venice, Rome or the most glaringly obvious that no one has mentioned ... the ultimate 'romantic weekend' cliche, Paris!
Surprised at all the Prague recommendations, I'm not a fan.
I think snow is better. I suggest a trip to the Alps/Rockies in Jan/Feb ...
Surprised at all the Prague recommendations, I'm not a fan.
I think snow is better. I suggest a trip to the Alps/Rockies in Jan/Feb ...
Oct 4, 2010, 9:25 am
#28
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Top Class food.
Oct 4, 2010, 9:34 am
#29
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Edit: Just saw that you looking for an alternative to Spain....
How about Istanbul, then?