Berlin or Bruges or any other suggestions

JoeyG

OP have you thought about Copenhagen?
Stunning buildings, lots of interesting shops, very peaceful and less of a 'big city' feel than Berlin

Mardrew

Many thanks everyone for taking the time to reply.

Ixia - I would love to go to Sorrento and explore around that area but I don't think we would have time to do it justice in 4/5 nights.

Bluekp/Hobsons Choice - I will take a look at Tallinn, Riga Latvia, Krakow and Budapest.

I would also love to go to St Petersburg and actually, before posting this thread I did have a look to see if I could get there from Manchester on a direct flight but can't. I certainly think that would be a memorable place to visit.

(Leeds is our nearest airport and it takes approx 40 minutes to get there and about 1 hour 10 minutes to get to Manchester.)

Errata & Spider - I've been having a play around with trains and it looks as if the journey would take from 8.30 am - 5.30 pm and so, on that basis it would make sense to fly. (Short train journey to Leeds; Leeds - London; London - Bruges)

JoeyG - thanks for the Copenhagen suggestion. I don't know if this is wrong but my first thought when I think of Copenhagen is that it is expensive.

Falafeley - Thanks for mentioning that you consider Berlin cheap. I think I have read that Bruges is quite an expensive city.

I am feeling so indecisive - I think the reason for this is that, as mentioned, it is going to be my 50th whilst away and so want to go somewhere that I can look back fondly on.

Matt2389

I'd really recommend investigating into going to Russia. Went last month, 4 nights in St Petersburg (GREAT PLACE) and 3 nights in Moscow (Red square is something that must be seen-imo) We flew via Budapest with Malev Hungarian Airlines, paid £157 return (from London) don't be put off by not flying direct! The visa is easy enough to sort out, also found both St Petersburg and Moscow to be fairly inexpensive, even though was warned about costs before i went! Lots of history, lots of free tours etc! Take a look!

Matt2389

Found flights from Leeds to St Petersburg via Amsterdam with KLM (1 hr stopver) + visa fees + plus central 3* hotel for 1 week= around £1050

Piggo_2

We went to Bruges last year on the P&O boat from Hull - they do a 2 for 1 ticket on the mini cruise I think from October. You sail overnight, have a full day in Bruges with transfer from the boat (about 20 minutes on the bus) then sail back overnight that evening. You can opt for the stay one night in bruges as well. We found a day there really nice and could see how you might like to stay overnight. The main square is very nice and there are plenty of wanderings you can do around the old streets and by the water. it's not a huge place which we liked but there's plenty to see. The chocolate is yummy as well! Definitely recommend a visit.

Katiehound

Since you can't go to ALL the places recommended above for this one weekend why not plan to splash out in your 50th year and try to have several long w/e's spread over the year? OR look for a last minute cruise deal to the Baltic (that won't be available for half term methinks!) some of the cruiselines spend 2 nights in St Petersberg which is fantastic & also stop at Tallin or Copenhagen.
Enjoy your special birthday and make it memorable!!

ocalllo

HI Mardrew

im not sure if you have made your decision or not but i thought i would throw in my 2 pennys!
Brugee is beautiful, quite expensive and quite small...2/3 days is enough.
Berlin is again beautiful and there is lots to see (esp History wise if that is something you are interested in). Much better when the christmas markets are on tho.
I have been to both this year and enjoyed both.

What about Riga or id be another vote for Krakow.

Would you drive?

Outside Prague, Czech is a beautiful country, lots of castles and countryside. there is a small place South called Cesky Krumlov (look it up) beautiful views/castle/town all rolled in to one, slightly touristy but should be totally different in October. 2 days max.

Copenhagen is very expensive no matter what anyone tells you.
Ghent over Brussels anyday.

What about Austria or Switzerland? (not the cheapest) but stunning views over the mountians. Innsbruck and a lovely skiing village called Zermatt top my list. Or look at the Swizz Alps train or a drive through the Gr St Bernard Tunnel for views over the alps.

enjoy your birthday what ever you do.

edit - what about Croatia or India even if you want to go further? Croatia is amazing, lots of small islands to explore. India might need more then 5 days but if you have the time its great.
I havn't been to St Petersburg but i have been to Moscow, quite hard to get visa's and the hotels can be expensive (we stayed in an apartment we found online) it is WELL WORTH the hassle tho and you wont forget it. We flew via Ams with KLM.