Your Recommendations Please

[black_cat51]

we have a special anniversary coming up and would like to go away (in july). We only have 1 week (possibly 10 days), so not antipodes, but we could go anywhere. We like a mix of things, quiet and busy, sun and snow, relaxing and active so we're not tied to anywhere special. money not too much of a problem. your recommendations please

[treetops68]

Hi black_cat51,

If you enjoy culture and history I would recommend Malta but at that time of year it will be very busy. However, at that time of year that probably applies to most places.

[MallyJ]

Norway, Sweden, Finland .... ever so slightly off the beaten track. Close to the Uk. Chose one and do a bit of a tour.

[Buenchico]

Well I can't include snow but Barcelona has everything else you could want. It's got great beaches, superb restaurants, quiet or lively bars, excellent shopping, loads of history and cultural activities, an excellent fully-integrated transport system, hotels ranging from 'budget' to 'de luxe', etc, etc. Further, since it's served by three airports (Barcelona El Prat, Reus and Girona) there are loads of flights from almost anywhere in the UK, at times to suit just about everyone.
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/English/

[black_cat51]

hi, i don't want sun and snow together :) i was just making a point that i like both

[rockyracoon]

I'd recommend Boston.

[Maydup]

I second that Buenchico....Barcelona is hard to beat.

[bhg481]

Interlaken, Switzerland is a possibility. Sail on the lakes, mountain railway for views or the spectacular Jungfraujoch. Close enough for a day-trip to Berne, a lovely old city. Hang-gliding/paragliding for your active bit. It's got everything.

[sunny-dave]

Brussels - go first class on Eurostar - fascinating and under-rated city.

[Buenchico]

I regard Brussels and Cardiff as Europe's most boring cities, Dave!

However Belgium does have a lot to offer. Bruges might be well worth considering. It's really easy to get to via Eurostar as there are frequent trains from Brussels Midi to there. As well as being interesting in itself, it's only a short hop on the train (15 to 20 minutes) to the coast.

I'd also back first class travel on Eurostar. It's particularly good if you're travelling in the evening as the champagne and wine you get with your complimentary dinner are both excellent!

[mikey4444]

How about Switzerland ? Stunningly beautiful scenery, with loads of things to do. Cleanest country you will ever visit, world class hotels and its only 2 hours away !
Have a look at these photos ::

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=grindelwald+switzerland&es_sm=122&tbm=isch&tbo=u&;source=univ&sa=X&ei=CMlfU4iyG_LA7Aa4qIHIDg&ved=0CEkQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=693

[murraymints]

Rome is lovely

[mikey4444]

Sorry bhg481...didn't mean to steal your thunder ! I posted before I read your. But we are right, aren't we ?

[mikey4444]

Actually I have just thought of another reason to go to Grindlewald. If you take the trip up to the top of the Jungfrau, you can still ski in July ! I know because I did it in 1989. On the same trip I we also skied on the Klein Matterhorn, in Zermatt.

[whiskeryron]

//
rockyracoon
I'd recommend Boston. // I second that.

[bhg481]

Apology accepted Mikey and, yes, we are right.

I prefer Interlaken to Grindelwald just because of its central location - makes getting to Thun, Brienz etc easier.

I think our only disappointment was the Schilthorn - as expensive as the Jungfraujoch but nothing to do when you get there whereas the Jungfraujoch is a full day.

[mikey4444]

Many, many years ago, when I was still a teenager, I stayed at a wonderful Youth Hostel, at a place called Gimmelwald, below the Schilthorn. I had very little money back in the early 70's, so stayed in YHAs a lot. This place was simply wonderful, with a view to die for. One day I spent about 5 days living expenses going up on the cable car, to the Schilthorn. It was a completely cloudless day and myself and my party walked back down to the Hostel in the afternoon. One of my most treasured life experiences, something I am no longer young enough, or fit enough to do again.

I googled Gimmelwald YHA this afternoon and it is unrecognisable from my time 40 years ago. Then it was run by an old lady and her even older mother, and it was very simple and completely unluxurious.

Happy days !

[black_cat51]

thank you for all your answers