Filed under: World Wide Travel
Posted by Kirstie
As Valentine’s Day is just around the corner we’ve put together our selection of 5 top romantic cities in Europe to help you plan your perfect getaway with your loved one. Whether you enjoy taking romantic strolls through the city or prefer to explore by boat or horse-drawn carriage, these European cities are full of history and character that will leave you with long lasting memories of your escape together.
1. Bruges, Belgium
The capital city of Bruges in Belgium is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world. With perfectly preserved medieval houses at the heart of the city’s network of canals, the waterways are an excellent way to discover the hidden beauty of Bruges. Many of our hotels in Bruges are close to the city’s iconic landmarks including the 13th century belfry in the main market square which visitors can climb to get a fantastic bird’s eye view of the city. Treat your loved one to the fantastic Belgian chocolates sold in many of the charming boutiques and try the famous Belgian beers at one of the local bars. Getting there couldn’t be easier as we’ve got a great range of Mini Cruise Breaks to Bruges on offer, making a romantic escape to this beautiful Belgian city accessible and affordable.
Romantic Tip: Take the weight off your feet and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city.
2. Paris, France
Rich in famous landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe, Paris is well known for being a top destination for romantic breaks and as the French capital is brimming with fancy restaurants, elegant boulevards and stunning architecture it’s easy to see why. Take your loved one on a tour of the city’s many galleries and be wowed by some of the world’s best masterpieces before relaxing in one of our luxury Paris hotels. Sunny afternoons can be spent strolling along the banks of the Seine and exploring the beautiful sculptures in the Tuileries Garden. If you fancy a romantic trip to the French capital check out our great selection of Paris Eurostar Breaks that make escaping to the continent easier than you think.
Romantic Tip: Climb the steps on the Rue Foyatier in Montmartre for a fantastic view of the city.
3. Venice, Italy
Known as ‘The Floating City’, Venice is a truly unique and beautiful destination perfect for a romantic getaway. Laced with canals, the whole city is built around the curving Grand Canal and is connected to the north eastern coast of Italy by a single road bridge known as the Ponte della Libertà. The city of Venice is full of historic buildings, galleries and museums as well as grand cathedrals replete with breathtaking artworks from the grand masters. The most famous of the city’s churches is the striking St Mark’s Basilica at the eastern end of the Piazza San Marco. The square is home to the iconic bell tower, or Campanile, which visitors can climb to get a panoramic view of the city below. If you’re inspired to visit the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’, take a look at our fantastic range of hotels in Venice.
Romantic Tip: To ‘guarantee’ eternal love, take a gondola trip under the Bridge of Sighs.
4. Barcelona, Spain
This vibrant and colourful city is the second largest in Spain and is always a popular destination for those looking for a romantic getaway. Couples escaping to the Spanish favourite can enjoy a stroll hand in hand down the famous La Rambla and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine before relaxing on the gorgeous sandy beaches. Be sure to discover the awe-inspiring architecture of Gaudi at the Parc Güell gardens and at the iconic Sagrada Familia. Make the most of the local delicacies and sample a tapas platter at one of the many cafes and bistros. After a long day of exploring this Spanish city, retreat to one of our superb Barcelona hotels before indulging in the lively nightlife.
Romantic Tip: Head to the Avenida Maria Cristina to see the Magic Fountain of Montjuic lit up at night.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland
Escape to Reykjavik, the northernmost capital city in the world, to discover the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and oceans. Brave the cold together and wrap up warm as you take a wander round the cities colourful buildings. For a day out to remember, take a tour around the Golden Circle and enjoy the stunning sites of jetting geysers at Geysir, and glacial waterfalls at Gullfoss. Excursion tickets to these fantastic destinations and more can be added to your stay when booking any of our Reykjavik hotels. Spend a magical evening together by taking a Northern Lights Tour to try and catch a glimpse of the sublime Aurora Borealis. We’ve got an excellent choice of hotels in Reykjavik to choose from if you’re inspired to visit this wintry city in Iceland.
Romantic Tip: Get steamed up by taking a dip in the thermal pools at the Blue Lagoon.
We hope our pick of these ultimate romantic destinations have inspired you to take a trip with your loved one. Fingers crossed someone will whisk us away soon! Which of these cities would you like to visit?
February 8, 2012
2012 is a huge year for England as we prepare for the arrival of the Olympic Games and celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee. London is going to be a busy hub of activity and while many people are planning on heading to the capital to make the most of these incredible events, some are opting to explore other parts of the region and escape from it all.
Up and down the UK people are already adding the final touches to their Queens Jubilee celebrations; many are planning street parties while others are preparing for their trip to London. London hotels for the Jubilee weekend have also seen a huge early booking increase as visitors from all over the world are heading over to join in this huge day.
If you are looking to make the most out of the extended bank holiday weekend then a short break or a getaway is perfect and you don’t have to face the London crowds to celebrate the Jubilee. The Royals are well known for frequenting many beauty spots in the UK including Sandringham, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Balmoral and with many hotels surrounding these beautiful locations you could soon be enjoying a break like royalty.
For many people the Jubilee brings back memories of last year’s Royal Wedding, when the UK went crazy and communities joined together to celebrate a truly historic day. In the run up to the Royal Wedding it was thought that many Brits were taking advantage of the long weekend and deciding to jet off to warmer climates and simply watch the event unfold from the comfort of their sun lounges and with the June extended weekend
If you still haven’t decided on how you want to spend the weekend make sure you check out our Queen’s Jubilee breaks with ideas for people who want to celebrate and those who don’t!
January 11, 2012
As we get ready to welcome in 2012 may of us are working out what we can change in the New Year, whether it’s the old cliché of going to the gym, giving up a vice or simply seeing more of your family everyone likes to clean the slate and start New Year afresh.
2012 promises to be an exciting year from the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee to the 2012 Olympic Games there is plenty going on. Why not make your 2012 one to remember with some of Superbreak’s top resolutions.
Travel More
From exploring the British Isles to taking the trip of a lifetime the world is full of new places to discover. See the fantastic cities of Europe on a Eurostar break, climb to the top of the Empire State Building in New York, tour the Sydney Opera House or simply relax on the beautiful beaches of the Canary Islands. If you don’t want to travel far then there are plenty of cities and towns to explore throughout the UK, from the picturesque scenes of the Cotswolds to the bustling streets of Birmingham or Manchester and the stunning coastlines of Cornwall and Devon.
See a West End Musical
There’s nothing quiet like seeing a top musical in the heart of the West End, whether after drama, comedy or family entertainment there is a theatre break to suit you. New for 2012 London welcomes Sweeny Todd with Michael Ball and Singin’ in the Rain, while many of the top shows are now touring across the county you can see Sister Act in Cardiff, Phantom of the Opera in Manchester and Dirty Dancing in Birmingham. For serious drama there is a fantastic array of Shakespeare plays and adaptations as part of the World Shakespeare festival.
Go on Safari
A great suggestion for all animal lovers but if you can’t afford a trip to Africa then why not head to one of the UK’s wildlife parks. Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire is home to a huge selection of animals from big cats to monkeys, penguins, reptiles and more. The park even offers special experiences where you can get up close and personal with the animals and Feed the big Cats or have Tea with the Tigers.
Have Fun
Across the world there are a superb range of attractions and themeparks to suit all tastes, from historic castles, stately homes and gardens and world class museums to adrenalin fuelled rides, aquariums and sightseeing tours there is something for everyone to enjoy. This year get out and about and explore what’s all around you.
What New Years resolutions will you be making?
December 30, 2011
While the cold snowy winter of 2010 is now a distant memory, we are still waiting to see a good dusting of the white stuff in 2011. Snow is one side of winter that we all love to see, giving us the perfect opportunity to make snowmen, slide down incredibly steep hills and throw ourselves on the floor to make snow angels. Many people opt to seek out snow for their winter breaks and head off to the snowy Alps in Austria or Italy for a few days of adrenaline filled fun!
Skiing is now one of the most popular choices for a holiday and its thought that more people are taking a second short break abroad in the winter and are heading to popular skiing destinations in Europe and beyond.
If you are looking for somewhere with one of the biggest vertical drops then Stowe in Vermont is perfect! Stowe is complete with traditional New England charm and with two ski areas it’s ideal for skiing thrill seekers. France also holds some of the most incredible ski slopes and was the host of the world’s first Winter Olympic Games in 1924, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is among the elite contenders for the title of “World’s Most Famous Ski Resort.” With an incredible run at a massive 13.7 miles the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an attraction in its own right and a must for skiing enthusiasts. But if you are looking for a huge drop, towering mountains and fantastic shopping and restaurants then a visit to Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia is a must. Snowboarding and skiers love these slopes and it has been constantly voted as “Best North American Ski Resort”.
Where are your favourite skiing destinations?
December 21, 2011
The Christmas trees are going up and the cakes are ready to be decorated, yes our favourite time of year has now arrived! Here at Superbreak Towers we love Christmas and as a way to thank all our lovely Superbreak Superstars we have launched a huge competition to celebrate the festive season.
Superbreak’s 12 Days of Christmas competition will give one lucky person the trip of a life time to Disneyland® Paris. The prize includes return rail from any UK mainline station, Eurostar tickets directly to Disneyland Paris, a 2 night stay in either the Disney’s Newport Bay Club® or Disney’s Sequoia Lodge® and one 3-day hopper ticket per person, valid for both the Disneyland® Park and Walt Disney Studios® Park! To be in with winning this fantastic prize all you have to do is enter your details. But that’s not all; we are also offering some fantastic daily prizes one to be revealed each day behind our 12 Days of Christmas advent calendar.
So what are you waiting for!? Visit our 12 Days of Christmas competition now or keep up to date with all the prizes on twitter and facebook.
December 2, 2011
Steven Spielberg’s new film Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn hits the cinemas this week and brings the young reporter to the big screen. Created by Belgian artist Georges Rémi, using the name Hergé, Tintin has been a hugely popular character around the world since he first appeared in 1929, the Tintin stories have been published in more than 80 languages and over 350 million copies of the books have been sold to date.
Whether a fan of the adventure stories, a collector of memorabilia or discovering Tintin, Snowy and Captain Haddock for the first time a short break in Belgium is a fantastic way to discover more about this fiery young adventurer. Travelling into Brussels on a Eurostar break you will arrive into Tintin’s home town at the Brussels Midi station where you will be welcomed by a giant mural of Tintin just outside the station. Brussels is brimming with Tintin artefacts and reference points, enjoy a walk through the city and discover some of the sights and landscapes so familiar to Tintin as well as the rich variety of Tintin murals dotted throughout the city.
With a great range of Brussels hotels to choose from you are never far from Tintin. From the renowned Tintin shop to the celebrated Hergé Museum on the outskirts of Brussels there is plenty for the Tintin fan to explore.
Have you been to Brussels? What is your favourite Tintin memory?
October 28, 2011
There are many outstanding natural wonders across the globe from dormant volcanoes to stunning mountain landscapes and serene lakes there are plenty of sights to discover on a short break.
Many of these sights are in far flung destinations, but with thousands of waterfalls cascading throughout the world you can be sure of seeing some closer to home. Some of the tallest waterfalls in the world can be found in Norway. With over a hundred waterfalls you are sure to discover a spectacular array of waterfalls on your Norway break. From the heights of the Vinnufossen at 2,800 feet to the unregulated force of Langfoss Norway is home to a spectacular selection of waterfalls.
While the larger waterfalls are outside the UK, you can see a great selection of waterfalls without leaving the country. From Britain’s highest waterfall, Eas a Chual Aluinn not far from Unapool in the Scottish Highlands, which stand at 658 feet to the stunning power of High Force in County Durham there is a great selection of waterfalls for you to discover throughout the UK.
Whether impressive by its height, power or spectacular scenery waterfalls have captured our imagination in film, television and everyday life. If you are planning a short break in Yorkshire then you are spoilt for choice with waterfalls, Hardraw Force and Aysgarth Falls were both used in the Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves film, while Cautley Spout is a striking waterfall that cuts through the surrounding scenery.
Where is your favourite waterfall? Have you been to any of the worlds tallest or largest?
September 29, 2011
As we wave a fond farewell to summer and start to wrap up warm ahead of the long winter we have decided to look for the best places to head for a bit of winter sunshine! If you don’t fancy skiing and you need some sunshine all year round then here are our top places to head this winter.
1. Canaries
What better place to head off for some winter sun than the beautiful Canary Islands. Offering subtropical weather year round and warm clear seas it’s easy to see why people flock here throughout the year. Choose from a selection of some of the finest hotels in Tenerife and enjoy plenty of winter sun whatever the weather is back in England.
2. Egypt
Steeped in history Egypt is one of the most popular destinations for winter and summer sun! If you enjoy exploring then experience a cruise along the Nile River, or discover the Sahara Desert you could even spend a day scuba diving in the beautiful red sea. Situated in North Africa, Egypt enjoys incredible weather all year long.
3. Australia
The UK winter is the perfect time to head over to Australia as they are just entering the start of their summer, if long warm sunny days and BBQ’s on the beach are your thing then you will love it! See all of the incredible sights that make Australia one of the must see places on everyone’s list and select from a range of popular Australia hotels.
So there are just a few ideas for a Winter Sun Break where will you be heading in search of some sun?
September 22, 2011
If you are one of those people who like to shy away from the crowds and enjoy seeing something a little bit different then you may be planning a short break somewhere away from the expected. Across the world there are hundreds of countries and cities waiting for you to discover them, from the ancient Tombs of the Kings in Cyprus to the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico there is a huge choice of exciting and different places to see.
With the autumn weather drawing in now is the perfect time to put on your adventure boots and start exploring. Whether it’s a weekend break in Dubrovnik or a voyage of discovery to the stunning Pyramids of Egypt there are a great number of beautiful and fascinating sights to choose from. Here is our selection of some of the must see destinations:
Tallin:
The 2011 European Capital of Culture Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia. With cobbled streets, medieval city walls and the striking Toompea Castle it is a beautiful city well worth visiting.
Marrakech:
Near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech combines bustling city life with a rich landscape. Close to the valley of the Draa River, near the Sahara desert and the beautiful Waterfalls of Beni Mellal there is plenty to see and do in this great city.
Santorini:
Although popular, if you travel outside of the summer months then you can enjoy this remarkable Island without the crowds. Santorini is one of Greeks most beautiful islands, with traditional white buildings, an active volcano and surrounded in the myth of the lost Atlantis it’s an ideal spot to escape to.
So there’s a few of our suggestions for something a little bit different, where would you go to?
August 26, 2011
As you prepare to jet off on your jolly holidays it’s easy to forget even the littlest things, so to help you feel fully prepared for this year’s week in the sun or short break we have teamed up with our very helpful Twitter and Facebook followers who have shared some of their tips to make your holiday run as smoothly as possible.
Special Requests Before Travel
If you have any special requests it’s always better to check before you travel, giving the accommodation the opportunity to make sure they have everything needed to make your stay as enjoyable as it should be. Most hotels are fully prepared with accessible rooms and different foods on offer for any allergies but it’s always best to check and remind us when you are booking.
www.tourismforall.org.uk gave us some fantastic top tips for disabled guests. They suggest checking beforehand that accommodation has been assessed for availability and to obtain an access statement if available. It is very important to check this before you book and before you travel as not all information will be stored in brochures and on websites.
They also suggest if you do need aids or equipment and your accommodation doesn’t have these, find out ahead of travel if they can suggest somewhere you can hire them and always make sure that there is ample parking if you are arriving by car.
Packing
It’s easy to over pack when you are getting ready to head off and if you takes Susan Reid’s advice you might even find a little bit of extra room in your case! Susan recommends not weighing your bags down with heavy bottles of sun lotion and shampoo but to take one small bottle of each that will last you until you find the nearest shop. Make sure though you get the right size so you use them all up before you head home.
If you are like Jane Crease then you might find it easier to write a packing list and checking things off as you pack them. You can’t beat a good holiday list J
At the Airport
Airports can be incredibly stressful and Val Kennedy suggests remaining cool, calm and collected at all times. With flights sometimes suffering delays from bad weather and other unavoidable situations, emotions always seem to be on edge at the airport. It’s easy to get stressed as you are eager to getaway so make sure you pack a book to keep you occupied if you do have to wait.
If you are travelling with kids Jules Bowley had a fab idea in packing new toys and books to keep the kids entertained as they can soon become bored if they are waiting around. This is a must for any family travelling anywhere you might encounter a delay or a long period of travelling.
So there you have some of the top tips from our Twitter and Facebook followers, what top tips have you got to help your holiday run as smoothly as possible?
August 20, 2011
Previous page
