Lisbon

A short city break to Lisbon is the ideal "getaway". I recommend you need three nights and no less. Lisbon is only two and a half hours flight from Manchester direct with TAP Air Portugalia. The airport is only 20 minutes from the city centre which is absolutely brilliant! The people are friendly and it’s a compact city, so it’s simple to get about and very inexpensive. This is perhaps its best trait.

The 5* Hotels are mostly based in the Business District as there is no room in the main part of the city – the streets are narrow with old buildings. There is a lovely atmosphere of restaurants, bars, shops, and history which means there is no room for anything other than small boutique hotels. Taxis to downtown Lisbon are cheap and so is the over-ground and underground transport. 15 minutes maximum and you're in the heart of Lisbon.

VIP Grand Hotel de Lisboa is a modern, minimalist Hotel, which is 5*, comfortable, clean and practical. This is really all you need, as well as a good breakfast to start your day. The Sheraton, further in towards the city, was a typical Sheraton, but the food was good there, and so was the ambiance with the travel trade of Lisbon mixing in a relaxed atmosphere.

My “must-see’s” 1. Terrero Pacu - the main square and a scene of great aura and historical significance. Visit the restaurant Marinho da Arcada. 2. Trams 3. Shopping behind Rossio Square 4. Nightlife of Bairro Alta 5. Harbour Area around Ponte 25 Abril 6. Belem

Further afield we found Sintra (Heritage Centre), the mountains, Cabo da Roca (furthest point of mainland Europe), and the beautiful seaside and golfing resort of Cascais and Estoril which is upmarket and classy. We had lunch and a tour of the 5* Palacio, where James Bond came alive! Ian Fleming used to stay and write all his 007 books! The food was excellent and so too were the rooms.

There is plenty to do and see and the food and wine is top class. The people are very friendly and all speak English! It’s also the same time as the UK!