Holidays

[RobMCFC]

Got Málaga, Granada and Cordoba booked for September with a bit of R&R afterwards. Tick a few more cities off the list and see some more Alcazars, which are some of the most incredible buildings I've seen.

All great cities with some amazing architecture. Andalusia has some amazing buildings. My YouTube channel has videos for all of them but I won’t clog things up by posting them all!

The Mezquita in Cordoba is jaw-dropping. One of the most amazing places I’ve seen on my travels. You can read about those magnificent, iconic red and white arches, see the photos, watch videos but nothing prepares you for how you will feel when you first walk in there. Make sure you book tickets in advance and try to get them for the opening time. Walking in with the inside virtually empty will make all the difference.

 

[diegoalv]

Krakow booked for feb

Enjoy! The food there is absolutely fantastic. Holiday discussions always reflect mixed moods. Some love the break, others find it stressful. Travel complications can amplify everything. I once read breeze airways reviews before a trip and realized expectations shape the experience. At least football keeps conversations lively. Hope everyone gets some downtime. The season flies by quickly.

 

[Blue Since 76]

All great cities with some amazing architecture. Andalusia has some amazing buildings. My YouTube channel has videos for all of them but I won’t clog things up by posting them all!

The Mezquita in Cordoba is jaw-dropping. One of the most amazing places I’ve seen on my travels. You can read about those magnificent, iconic red and white arches, see the photos, watch videos but nothing prepares you for how you will feel when you first walk in there. Make sure you book tickets in advance and try to get them for the opening time. Walking in with the inside virtually empty will make all the difference.

Got tickets booked for the Alhambra so far, they're not currently available for Mezquita, so it's pencilled in to the itinerary. It does look very impressive, so will try and get early ones - we're staying right next to it, so shouldn't be an issue getting there! Will have a look at your videos.

Favourite place for taking my breath away going inside is still La Sagrada Familia with the afternoon sun coming through the windows. Absolutely stunning and nothing like the outside.

 

[RobMCFC]

Got tickets booked for the Alhambra so far, they're not currently available for Mezquita, so it's pencilled in to the itinerary. It does look very impressive, so will try and get early ones - we're staying right next to it, so shouldn't be an issue getting there! Will have a look at your videos.

Favourite place for taking my breath away going inside is still La Sagrada Familia with the afternoon sun coming through the windows. Absolutely stunning and nothing like the outside.

Yeah the Sagrada Familia is amazing - was there over Christmas to take in the latest updates. Whilst the scaffolding is still on, they've actually stuck the cross on the tallest tower. Just the Glory Facade to go now in terms of major construction.

I've seen so many cathedrals and basilicas across Europe now that I tend to judge them in two ways: interior and exterior. In terms of interiors, the Mezquita and St Peter's in Rome are right up there. In terms of exteriors Florence's Duomo is incredible but a bit of a let-down inside. Seville is good on both counts but La Sagrada Familia is especially beautiful both outside and inside so probably gets the vote for best overall.

The Alhambra is a strange one - worth a visit: no doubt, the architecture and mudejar artwork is incredible. But it's so vast and the security is a little tiresome - there's actually a turnstile to walk through to get from the main palaces to the Generalife area. As a tourist experience, I much preferred the Alcazar in Seville.

Anyway, sounds like you've got a lot to look forward to so I'll be interested to hear what you think when you've done it all.

 

[Mr Pie]

Does anyone know if Etihad still offer season ticket holders a discount for flights?

 

[bluesteve1964]

Cheers mate

You will have to let us know what you think next week

 

[WEMBLEY76]

The best city in Europe, you're in for a treat. Gives me a chance to dig out the Seville Travel Guide on our YouTube channel:-



Incidentally, when I Googled my own link for my Seville video, it seems that Google AI knows who I am :)

"Rob on Holiday" is a travel vlogger who creates city break guides, and he has a series on Seville, including a recent comparison of visiting now versus years ago, highlighting Seville's historic sites like the Cathedral and Alcázar. His content covers key attractions such as the Plaza de España, Metropol Parasol (Las Setas), flamenco, and tapas, offering tips for exploring this culturally rich Spanish city, known for its warm climate and vibrant atmosphere.
Key Highlights from Rob's Seville Content & General Tips:

• Must-See Sights: Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, Plaza de España, Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) for city views.
• Experiences: Enjoying authentic tapas, watching a flamenco show, exploring historic neighborhoods, visiting palaces.
• Vibe: Seville offers a mix of history, culture, great food, and nightlife, with friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Planning: His guides provide itineraries for short trips (like 2 days), suggesting a mix of famous landmarks and hidden gems.

Where to Find His Content:

• You can find his guides and videos on his website and YouTube channel.

Hi Rob just watched your YT video,very informative,thanks,please let me know your next top 5 City breaks you would recommend..

 

[Bill Walker]

Just been to Cape Town. Nice place, very clean, beautiful beaches and foreshore. Table Mountain awesome.

Walvis Bay in Namibia is more of a dump.

 

[RobMCFC]

Hi Rob just watched your YT video,very informative,thanks,please let me know your next top 5 City breaks you would recommend..

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

Well, let me start right at the top: lucky for you that you are going to Seville on Friday because this is hands-down the best city that I've been to. It's got a number of attractions that I would say are in the world class bracket, and it's a mystery to me that Seville is not regarded in the same way as Barcelona, Paris and Rome (but luckily for us it isn't so it's not too busy :))

Quick tip if you are up for it and have time: Cordoba is only an hour away on the train so you could get to see the Mezquita that I was raving about earlier (check out the video for that place).

Top 5

1. Seville - Best city in Europe. Enough said.
2. Rome - Magnificent sites but very crowded and hustly-bustly.
3. Lisbon - a lot of things to see, but be prepared because they are spread out all over the city
4. Copenhagen - Nice relaxed vibe and you can jump on a train to Malmo across the Oresund Bridge.
5. Berlin - this one really surprised me. So much to see and felt relaxed for a big city.

Alternatives

Budapest - My daughters went a few months ago and said "it's amazing, it's on a level with Seville!"
Bergamo - Fantastic old town - not a massive amount to do but what's there is very good. Ideal for A 2-night break.
Zaragoza - Fly into Madrid or Barcelona and take a 2-hour high speed train. Two fantastic catherdrals and the Aljefria.
Madrid - I don't think there's a massive amount to see in the city (although Retiro Park is good) but the train connections are brilliant for places like Segovia and Toledo (less than an hour) and other places a bit further. Going for our 4th and 5th visits soon on this basis!

There will be a video up on the channel later this year for Budapest with my daughters presenting, but you can find videos for all of the other places mentioned there now.

 

[cpa]

Reykjavik for 3 nights next week
Hoping to see the northern lights , weather depending .

 

[Penfold the Duke]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

Well, let me start right at the top: lucky for you that you are going to Seville on Friday because this is hands-down the best city that I've been to. It's got a number of attractions that I would say are in the world class bracket, and it's a mystery to me that Seville is not regarded in the same way as Barcelona, Paris and Rome (but luckily for us it isn't so it's not too busy :))

Quick tip if you are up for it and have time: Cordoba is only an hour away on the train so you could get to see the Mezquita that I was raving about earlier (check out the video for that place).

Top 5

1. Seville - Best city in Europe. Enough said.
2. Rome - Magnificent sites but very crowded and hustly-bustly.
3. Lisbon - a lot of things to see, but be prepared because they are spread out all over the city
4. Copenhagen - Nice relaxed vibe and you can jump on a train to Malmo across the Oresund Bridge.
5. Berlin - this one really surprised me. So much to see and felt relaxed for a big city.

Alternatives

Budapest - My daughters went a few months ago and said "it's amazing, it's on a level with Seville!"
Bergamo - Fantastic old town - not a massive amount to do but what's there is very good. Ideal for A 2-night break.
Zaragoza - Fly into Madrid or Barcelona and take a 2-hour high speed train. Two fantastic catherdrals and the Aljefria.
Madrid - I don't think there's a massive amount to see in the city (although Retiro Park is good) but the train connections are brilliant for places like Segovia and Toledo (less than an hour) and other places a bit further. Going for our 4th and 5th visits soon on this basis!

There will be a video up on the channel later this year for Budapest with my daughters presenting, but you can find videos for all of the other places mentioned there now.

I'm saving this post Rob if that's OK! We're in a position where we can plan a few 4-5 day breaks in the next few years and have started a list. Did Dubrovnik in October and have just booked Budapest for March. I've had Budapest, Lisbon and Cadiz in mind - mostly just based on stuff I've seen on TV. But I had to show a Hungarian guy around some of the UK on business a few years ago and he completely sold me on Budapest. It seems as if it was formerly a big cheese on the European stage and is a bit forgotten now. Also got a bit of a hankering to visit Germany, lad went to Berlin with school but it was mostly WWII based and a bit short, he also got flu and missed a Cologne trip so we may look at these first as we've done some basic research on both with him.

 

[RobMCFC]

I'm saving this post Rob if that's OK! We're in a position where we can plan a few 4-5 day breaks in the next few years and have started a list. Did Dubrovnik in October and have just booked Budapest for March. I've had Budapest, Lisbon and Cadiz in mind - mostly just based on stuff I've seen on TV. But I had to show a Hungarian guy around some of the UK on business a few years ago and he completely sold me on Budapest. It seems as if it was formerly a big cheese on the European stage and is a bit forgotten now. Also got a bit of a hankering to visit Germany, lad went to Berlin with school but it was mostly WWII based and a bit short, he also got flu and missed a Cologne trip so we may look at these first as we've done some basic research on both with him.

No worries - we also went to Cologne and Munich last year. Cologne was a 1-nighter - it was a nice trip to see the cathedral and stuff along the Rhine. Videos for both cities are clogged up in our video backlog!

Cadiz is on our list, we'll probably do it as a day-trip on a future return trip to Seville.

My daughters have got Dubrovnik booked for October.

 

[Protein Junkie]

Just been to Cape Town. Nice place, very clean, beautiful beaches and foreshore. Table Mountain awesome.

Walvis Bay in Namibia is more of a dump.

Ah there you are Uncle @Bill Walker .
I’m going to the former in 6.5 weeks staying Camps Bay. Any hints and tips graciously received:-)

 

[supercity88]

Yeah the Sagrada Familia is amazing - was there over Christmas to take in the latest updates. Whilst the scaffolding is still on, they've actually stuck the cross on the tallest tower. Just the Glory Facade to go now in terms of major construction.

I've seen so many cathedrals and basilicas across Europe now that I tend to judge them in two ways: interior and exterior. In terms of interiors, the Mezquita and St Peter's in Rome are right up there. In terms of exteriors Florence's Duomo is incredible but a bit of a let-down inside. Seville is good on both counts but La Sagrada Familia is especially beautiful both outside and inside so probably gets the vote for best overall.

The Alhambra is a strange one - worth a visit: no doubt, the architecture and mudejar artwork is incredible. But it's so vast and the security is a little tiresome - there's actually a turnstile to walk through to get from the main palaces to the Generalife area. As a tourist experience, I much preferred the Alcazar in Seville.

Anyway, sounds like you've got a lot to look forward to so I'll be interested to hear what you think when you've done it all.

I have the same approach with women, but rarely manage to get to the interior.

 

[mcfcantc]

Reykjavik for 3 nights next week
Hoping to see the northern lights , weather depending .

Hi mate. We’re going in feb. Let me know what it’s like if you can!

Anyone else been? Any recommendations? Thanks.

 

[Gaz76]

Hi mate. We’re going in feb. Let me know what it’s like if you can!

Anyone else been? Any recommendations? Thanks.

I've been twice, recommend looking into a brewery tour which was good when we went.
Also everyone goes to the blue lagoon outdoor spa but if you look into the local public baths in Reykjavik it's a lot cheaper and pretty much the same thing.
My Mrs dragged me on a day long coach tour, unless your into rocks I really wouldn't bother.
There's a cafe upstairs on the main drag that does awesome soup inside a cut out loaf of bread.

 

[cpa]

I've been twice, recommend looking into a brewery tour which was good when we went.
Also everyone goes to the blue lagoon outdoor spa but if you look into the local public baths in Reykjavik it's a lot cheaper and pretty much the same thing.
My Mrs dragged me on a day long coach tour, unless your into rocks I really wouldn't bother.
There's a cafe upstairs on the main drag that does awesome soup inside a cut out loaf of bread.

Not sure I could persuade the Missus to do a brewery trip ha.
Typically with Tui you get 2 trips added in ,1 being the northern lights ... if happening, and 2 is the circle of fire which is probably your day long trip around the island looking at rocks ;-)).
Missus wants to do the Blue lagoon but at 140 quid pp it seem extortionate so Im trying to dodge that one and of course there is also whales to be watched, so going to need a holiday when i get back ,especially as just getting over flu.
Few places do the soup in a bread bowl ,used to eat it all the time in Krakow ,bowl as well. Delicious.

 

[bluevengence]

Got tickets booked for the Alhambra so far, they're not currently available for Mezquita, so it's pencilled in to the itinerary. It does look very impressive, so will try and get early ones - we're staying right next to it, so shouldn't be an issue getting there! Will have a look at your videos.

Favourite place for taking my breath away going inside is still La Sagrada Familia with the afternoon sun coming through the windows. Absolutely stunning and nothing like the outside.

Take a walk up the cobbled streets of the old Moorish district (the albaicin) to the top for fantastic views across the valley towards the Alhambra.

 

[Penfold the Duke]

No worries - we also went to Cologne and Munich last year. Cologne was a 1-nighter - it was a nice trip to see the cathedral and stuff along the Rhine. Videos for both cities are clogged up in our video backlog!

Cadiz is on our list, we'll probably do it as a day-trip on a future return trip to Seville.

My daughters have got Dubrovnik booked for October.

Thanks I'll look forward to exploring your channel and especially the 2 German cities when you do them. Absolutely loved Dubrovnik. Phenomenal old town easily navigated, public transport outside the old town seemed easy and cheap. We were let down by the food sadly, one establishment owner said that most independent food places had sold up or moved out.
If you're getting off a cruise and want dozens of restaurants that are fake Italian trattorias the you're good. Menu after menu had steak, pasta, seafood and most of all pizza. Difficult to get to try Croatian food at all, which for us is sort of one of the main points of travelling.
Found a couple of places in the old town and a couple outside - however thought it was a bit pricey. I'm assured that it's the cruise ship influence and the farther away you go the more traditional it is and with better prices!
Might look at Zagreb for a different experience next time.
Some Game of Thrones stuff filmed in the old town so if your daughters are fans they'll love it!

 

[Wayneclarkemunchescarrots]

Heading to Samui in April then back to Palermo in August,loved it there!!

Have you been to Samui before ? Any recommendations for decent hotels etc ?
Thinking of going later in the year