City break in January

Posted by: JamieWednesday on 16 August 2015

It's a significant birthday for my wife in January. I want to take her away for long weekend, without the kids. Wondering where to go in the middle of January?!

Undecided between somewhere we might escape the Winter gloom like Southern Europe (she likes Barcelona lots but been there loads. So ideally somewhere different. Possibly Rome? Florence? Madrid?)

Or somewhere that makes the most of Winter, Alpine maybe (not for the ski-ing particularly, my knee won't stand it now!), or a city break some place we've not been before... Berlin, St Petersburg, Budapest?

Would like somewhere that's interesting to wander around in, nice to look at and we're not going to waste huge amount of time over the 4 days getting there and getting back to UK again.

Suggestions welcomed please..

Posted on: 23 August 2015 by DrMark

Another vote for Rome; I went in December 2013 and the weather is cool in the evenings but very comfortable, there are no lines for the things you want to see, and you can cover a lot on foot in a very leisurely fashion.

Plus you said you had not been there yet, with which I agree with rjstaines about finding something new.

Whatever you decide have a great trip!

Posted on: 23 August 2015 by joerand

Originally Posted by Wat:

Reykjavík - the gulf stream ensures it has a mild climate & there are plenty of things to see. It'll surprise you.

+1. I spent a week in Reykjavik in February (2001). Not as cold as you might think. The maritime climate is moderate and dynamic, the landscapes are geologically varied and gorgeous, if not "otherworldy" in places. So much to see in a tiny nation. Fresh seafood and hydroponically-grown veggies abound, coffee is hearty, and everyone speaks English. Expenses during winter were about a third of peak summer season which made it a bargain. Icelandic Air is government subsidized and the fares quite reasonable. The economy is heavily dependent on tourism and you'll be treated very well.

Posted on: 24 August 2015 by JamieWednesday

Thanks everyone, i think it's looking like Rome or Amalfi (if it's open...)

Combination of new (for us), relatively compact, climate as far as can be predicted should be OK plus things to see and do all look good

Posted on: 22 September 2015 by JamieWednesday

Righto, Rome here we come!

Now, can anyone suggest a nice city centre hotel please?

Posted on: 22 September 2015 by fatcat

Hotel Forum is a very nice hotel, located in what was the centre of ancient Rome, opposite the forum, just down the road from the coliseum and presidential palace. The view from the rooftop restaurant is exceptional, as are the scrambled eggs.

Not what you’d describe as a modern hotel, our room didn’t have air conditioning and the television was a joke but the bedroom and bathroom where nicely decorated/furnished. Although I doubt you’ll need the air conditioning in January or have time to watch TV.