DESTINATION EURO 2008 - Thomas Cook's guide for international football fans
As the bitter disappointment of a football-free summer starts to sink in, it's time for the British public to pick themselves up and choose a side. Thomas Cook looks at who we will be supporting this summer and how to fit in with the fans in our favourite destinations.
Often overshadowed by their Spanish neighbours, Portugal can still hold its own when it comes to big let downs. Try the Algarve for some of the best beaches in Europe or, if you want to get in the real spirit of the occasion, a trip to Lisbon will have Manchester United fans shouting "Come on, you Reds" ("Forca Vermelhos" if you want to impress the locals).
Airtours has seven nights in The Algarve from £364 per person. Staying at the 3 star Bahia De Montegordo in Monte Gordo on bed and breakfast, London Gatwick – 17th July 2008
To book: 0871 664 7653, www.airtours.co.uk or visit your nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
Huge expectations lie on Italian shoulders this year. As one of the favourites to win, it's easy to jump on the bandwagon of this winning team. With all the sights to see in Rome, a leaning tower in Pisa and the partially sunken city of Venice to explore, you will soon be chanting 'Venire Su, l'Italia' ("Come on, Italy") all summer.
Cresta Holidays has five nights in Tuscany from £283 per person. Staying at the 4 star Gemini Hotel in Tuscany on bed and breakfast. Departing London Gatwick on the 16th July 2008.
To book: 0871 664 7558, www.crestaholidays.co.uk or visit your nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
Never rule out the Germans. Incredibly efficient with a talent for penalties, they are the ones to watch. When they're not hosting some of the world's greatest sporting events, Germany still has loads to offer the country's newest football fans. With their national drink being beer and their national dish a large sausage, fans will be shouting "Schiess" ("Shoot") before you can say "England who?"
Flexibletrips has three nights in Berlin from £255 per person. Staying at the 3 star Lindemann Hotel Alte Feuerwache in Berlin on bed and breakfast, London Gatwick – 17th July
To book: 0870 106 9192 or visit www.flexibletrips.co.uk
Will you be supporting the underdogs? Poland won't be entering into Euro 2008 as favourites but they could surprise you with an early "Gol" ("Goal"). Krakow is well worth a visit. Fly the Polish flag at the Wieliczka Salt Mines, sing some victory songs at the Cloth Hall Market or sample their national dish, Borsch.
Thomas Cook Signature has four nights in Krakow from £253 per person. Staying at the 3 star Hotel Eden in Krakow on bed and breakfast, London Gatwick – 17th July 2008
To book: 0844 854 0203, www.tccities.com or visit your nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
Or, will you be singing "Allez les Bleus" ("Come on, you Blues"), showing your support for one of our closest neighbours, France. One of Europe's most beautiful and diverse countries, you could spend your whole life discovering the endless coastline or exploring the back streets of Paris. After taking the Olympics from our French friends, it's only right that we lend them our support.
Cresta Holidays has three nights in Paris from £183 per person. Staying at the 3 star Princess Isabelle in Paris on bed and breakfast, by Euro Star from St Pancreas departing on the 17th July 2008
To book: 0871 664 7558, www.crestaholidays.co.uk or visit your nearest Thomas Cook or Going Places
