Cheapflights sends you into a whirling Dervish
The competition that brought us ABBA, Celine Dion and Bucks Fizz, will make its triumphant return to our TVs this May – Eurovision! This year the competition will be held in Sweden (18 May), as people across the world are captivated by the show’s talents, disasters, costumes and pageantry. Whether you love or loathe Eurovision, Cheapflights has compiled its list of top host countries from the competition’s last ten years. There’s no chance of “nul points” with these little beauties…
Sing around Sweden from £106 per person
This year the competition heads to Sweden, home of Eurovision’s biggest success story – ABBA! If that isn’t enough to make you jump on a flight, perhaps the country’s history, culture and nightlife will draw you in. Head to Stockholm’s Gamla Stan or Old Town to soak up the city’s 750-year history and marvel at the stunning Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral. Stroll through Stockholm’s small, winding streets of art galleries and cafés or get your Mamma Mia fix at the ABBA Museum. Return flights from London Gatwick to Stockholm start from £106 per person.
Get your groove on in Greece from £175 per person
Greece recently hosted two of the world’s biggest events – one for sport stars, the Olympics, and the other for singing stars – Eurovision! Home to the singing competition in 2006, Athens is the perfect city break destination. One of the world’s oldest cities, visitors can explore the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon and watch the sun set on the ancient fortress of Athena and Poseidon. For those looking to try out the Zorba dance for themselves, Dora Stratou Dance Theatre runs local folk dancing workshops in Athens each summer. Return flights from London Heathrow to Athens start from £175 per person.
Put on a show in Finland from £115 per person
Finland’s monster rock group, Lordi became the first ever Finnish act to win Eurovision. After winning in Athens, Finland hosted Eurovision in the capital city of Helsinki. During the summer Helsinki experiences nearly twenty hours of daylight which means plenty of time for visitors to enjoy the Helsinki sights and Helsinki nights! Well-known for its great nightlife, the city’s music scene is popular with visitors and locals alike. Those looking for a cultural visit should head to Suomenlinna, once the greatest sea fortress in the Baltic, or the Sibelius Monument – one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Visit Restaurant Hvitträsk to experience traditional Finnish folk music with concerts held daily. Return flights from London Gatwick to Helsinki start from £115 per person.
Test your vocal cords in Turkey from £115 per person
Turkey’s capital city, Istanbul, hosted Eurovision in 2004. A world apart from brash Eurovision, Istanbul is famed for its historic landmarks and culture. Sultanhamet, the oldest part of Istanbul, is home to many popular tourist attractions including Hagia Sophia. Originally built as a cathedral 1,500 years ago and later changed into a mosque, Hagia Sophia is considered one of the top wonders of the world. Be sure to visit the 2,500 year old Serpentine Column and the Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar) with 60 streets and more than 3,000 shops. Istanbul’s Dance of Colours tour showcases ‘Whirling Dervishes’ and traditional dances of more than ten different regions of Turkey. Return flights from London Luton to Istanbul start from £115 per person.
Warm up in Russia from £115 per person
In 2009 Russia hosted Eurovision in its capital city Moscow. For those heading to the iconic city, a visit to the brightly-coloured St Basil’s Cathedral is a must. Further exploration of the famous Red Square will uncover the cathedrals and palaces of the Kremlin. For music lovers, the city’s exclusive nightclubs, bohemian art cafés and underground blues bars are the perfect escape. Return flights from London Gatwick to Moscow start from £115 per person.
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