Ideas for a holiday for parent's anniversary present?

TotallyLost

Hi,

It's the parent's 25th wedding anniversary coming up and we're hoping to get them some sort of trip away, July or August for 4 days to a week.

They both work extremely hard and could do with some time relaxing by a pool and chilling out but I know they'd also like to see some historical sites and interesting things. The problem is everywhere I look either seems to be too sun holiday-ish or else based in the middle of a city, I'm looking for something in the middle! They're active and young but wouldn't be big drinkers so nightlife wouldn't be a factor!

I'd hope to come in under €600/700 but that could be wishful thinking for that time of year I know..

Any advice at all would be really appreciated!

readytosnap

If this is one of my children just gimme the cash in an envelope

closifer

TotallyLost wrote: »

Hi,

It's the parent's 25th wedding anniversary coming up and we're hoping to get them some sort of trip away, July or August for 4 days to a week.

They both work extremely hard and could do with some time relaxing by a pool and chilling out but I know they'd also like to see some historical sites and interesting things. The problem is everywhere I look either seems to be too sun holiday-ish or else based in the middle of a city, I'm looking for something in the middle! They're active and young but wouldn't be big drinkers so nightlife wouldn't be a factor!

I'd hope to come in under €600/700 but that could be wishful thinking for that time of year I know..

Any advice at all would be really appreciated!

I would reccomend Malaga city. There is a lovely city beach and you are only a very short bus/train ride from the costa del sol resorts but there is also lots to see and do in the city. We stayed in a lovely hotel there with my parents and all agegroups enjoyed it. We stayed in Silken puerta malaga - right opposite the train station/shopping centre and 5 mins walk to beach/10 mins to city centre.

nibtrix

What about Malta? Sun and relaxation as well as loads of historical stuff to see. Small enough to get around easily. Plenty of options for accommodation.

jt_dublin

Hi

I would totally recommend Girona and the surrounding region in north eastern Spain. It is a small historic city and the area & the coast is beautiful. We usually stay in a small town on the coast called Begur. You can have a look at my previous post for more details.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=86009161

TotallyLost

Thanks so much for the replies.

nibtrix wrote: »

What about Malta? Sun and relaxation as well as loads of historical stuff to see. Small enough to get around easily. Plenty of options for accommodation.

Had looked into Malta as it really fits the bill, but flights seem very expensive in comparison to other places. I'd rather save a bit on flights and put it into nicer accommodation.

Spain seems like one of the most reasonable options, they've been there a few times but not to Girona or Malaga so they'd definitely be options!

readytosnap wrote: »

If this is one of my children just gimme the cash in an envelope

Ha unfortunately I know if we gave my parents the money it would end up being spent on something sensible like the mortgage, not the most romantic of anniversary presents!

ElleEm

I have never been to either of these places but Barcelona looks fab, it is a historic city yet has the beaches too. Croatia (may be more pricey) seems steeped in history, blue sea, gorgeous beaches and looks amazing in all the photos I have seen. I wanna go on holiday!

miamee

We sent my parents to Sorrento last year for my mams birthday and they enjoyed it. It is on the coast, they could fly with Aer Lingus to Naples. They could do a day trip to Pompeii or to Naples and a third one my parents did but I can't remember (:o)

It looks nice, we booked flights and accommodation separately for April last year a few months in advance. Including baggage, flights were €325 and accommodation was €360 for 4 nights in a decent apartment/hotel complex via hotels.com.

Sunny Dayz

Where did they go on honeymoon 25 years ago? Maybe suggest that?

When my parents celebrated 25 years together they went back to Tenerife where they had gone on honeymoon and couldn't get over the change in the place. It also brought back memories to them of their first time there.

P. Breathnach

TotallyLost wrote: »

...
Spain seems like one of the most reasonable options, they've been there a few times but not to Girona or Malaga so they'd definitely be options!...

Remember that it will likely be very hot in July and August. Are they okay with high temperatures?

TotallyLost

Thanks again for all the ideas, its great to get some other opinions.

Good point about the temperature but thankfully they both love the sun so it shouldn't be an issue.

Sunny Dayz wrote: »

Where did they go on honeymoon 25 years ago? Maybe suggest that?

When my parents celebrated 25 years together they went back to Tenerife where they had gone on honeymoon and couldn't get over the change in the place. It also brought back memories to them of their first time there.

That's a great idea but unfortunately they went on a tour of the coast of Ireland for their honeymoon so it's not really an option, it could end up more expensive then going to Europe!!

We're looking at Sicily now or possibly Nice...