Top 5 city breaks this Autumn
Thursday, 2nd October 2008
Put some brightness in your diary this autumn.
August has just been pronounced the worst on record, we’re almost in autumn without even seeing a summer, and the evenings are starting to draw in. Anyone living in the UK has ample reason to be jumping on a plane right now - and it seems that, despite the credit crunch, people still are. One thing we’ve proven we won’t give up is our holiday time, for this one- or two-week break is a coveted ray of light in what’s otherwise a pretty gloomy forecast. So, with this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of our best city breaks this autumn - fantastic cities that aren’t too expensive to fly to, yet where you have a world of history and culture to explore, and of course wonderful food and drink that you may even be able to sit outside and enjoy...
1. Nice: The gateway to France’s stunning and fashionable Cote d’Azur, Nice sits between Monaco and Cannes, just 30km from the Italian border. It boasts an enviable position on the stunning Bay of Angels, where the famous palm-lined Promenade des Anglais is the place to see, and be seen. Head for the beach or explore the city’s colourful cultural and artistic background by day, before settling in one of its many café terraces and enjoying some delicious Provençal cuisine washed down with a beautifully chilled rosé.
Cactus offers French courses in Nice, starting from £209 for 1 week of 20 lessons >
2. Barcelona: If you haven’t been to Barcelona then it is an experience not to be missed. Quintessentially Spanish in many ways, yet unique in so many others, this city is quirky, eccentric and fun. Different people are seduced by different things, so take your pick...will it be the art, architecture, nightlife, beaches, shopping, food, or simply that old Spanish knack of bringing old lazy, sangria-filled lunches under the Mediterranean sun? Your city break here will be what you make it, but one thing’s for sure - you won’t forget it.
Cactus offers Spanish courses in Barcelona, starting from £149 for 1 week of 20 lessons >
* Festival Watch! If you’re in Catalunya in October don’t miss Cava Week! Usually celebrated during the second week of the month, this is a festival dedicated to the famous Catalan champagne.
3. Berlin: Germany’s capital city is lively, multi-cultural and edgy, perfect for those looking for a city break in style. With a surprising third of its area devoted to green parks, lakes and forest, the rest is a stunning blend of modern and war-torn architecture, eclectic museums, fantastic galleries and endless entertainment opportunities. As the only city in Germany where the bars never officially close, the party-lover in you can dance until dawn, down beer in a traditional bierkeller or sip cocktails to your heart’s content in one of the city’s many late-night bars.
Cactus offers German course in Berlin, starting from £139 for 1 week of 20 lessons >
4. Rome: Italy’s romantic and historical capital doesn’t disappoint. While it’s noisy and bustling in a way only Italians know how, it’s also compact and dazzles at every corner. In amongst the ruins the Eternal City lures you in with its traditional trattoria, upmarket restaurants, iconic landmarks, religious importance, irresistable gelati, classic cars and buzzing Vespas - the old and the new all thrown into one captivating melting pot. This is la dolce vità in one big unforgettable dose.
Cactus offers Italian courses in Rome, starting from £209 for 1 week of 20 lessons >
5. New York: The Big Apple has long been known as a popular and exotic location for an autumn, or fall, break. With cheap trans-Atlantic flights and a favourable exchange rate against the pound and euro, this is the place to go for early Christmas shopping! But there’s a lot more to New York than hitting the stores: Broadway calls out with its multitude of shows; Central Park is a must for a walk, run or skate; the Staten Island ferry and Empire State building afford unmissable views, and the plethora of multi-national restaurants and bars will keep you satiated for days...it’s like living on a film-set, but it’s real.
Cactus offers English courses in New York, starting from £129 for 1 week of 15 lessons >
* Festival Watch! Time your visit to New York with Thanksgiving on 27th November and you’ll be treated to some fantastic traditions and parades as the city celebrates one of America’s most important festivals.
Tags: english, spanish, french, italian, festival, new york, barcelona, nice, rome, berlin, thanksgiving, city break
Posted by Editor under Destinations for you,
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