Portugal, Iceland, Hungary or Austria…..???

Portugal, Iceland, Hungary or Austria….????

No these are not my next holiday destination alternatives, but whichever of these Countries’ teams finishes as the Runner up of Group F in the Euro 2016 Championships will be the next opponent to face Roy Hodgson’s England Men as we continue the fight to repeat our victory of 1966 in a major football tournament.

The history of England’s football team goes back to the first ever International football match in 1870, We have won just the one World cup in 1966, whilst although hosting the Euro championship in 1996 the English team has NEVER made it to the final of the competition..  Could this be the year to change that ?

Anyone remember collecting the good old stickers – can’t believe they are still doing these..

Every other year when it comes to a major football tournament, as fans we start the campaign with fantastic high expectations for our boys to bring it home… only normally to end in disappointment..  After watching the first 3 group stage games I feel that we are lucky to have even made it out of the group stages, especially as 2nd place, given that we only managed one win and 2 draws and was very disheartened with last nights “performance”.. but still we live to fight another day and will be glued to the edge of our seats – or propping up a local bar – for the next match Monday 27th June at 8pm.  For the fact that my work rota is planned several weeks in advance Monday night is actually the best time for me that we could be playing, and should we win through then the dates of the 1/4 final suit me better too, but one game at a time.

This year also seems to be one of the few years that we have not had an official football song.. so here is one of my favourite’s to get you in the mood, from the Euro’s of 1996..

Three Lions

Of course as well as being great sporting teams, they do all have some absolutely stunning cruise ports that are well worth a visit:

Portugal – Main Ocean cruise ports of Lisbon & Oporto, with a few of the smaller cruise ships calling at the beautiful Algarve ports of Portimao or Praia da Rocha.  Portugal is a favourite personal holiday spot of mine for land based or cruise itineraries, the people are so friendly and wonderful local cuisine and I have always had a bit of a soft spot for Luis Figo !!.. sorry Christiano Ronaldo does not do it for me.

The spectacular statue of the Monument to the Discoveries at Lisbon.

Iceland – With the main port & Capital of Reykjavik being featured by many of the major cruise lines, gives the opportunity to explore this amazing country including a visit to the stunning Blue Lagoon, a chance to see the northern lights and some spectacular Whale Watching.

The spectacular Iceland scenery and the Blue Lagoon

Hungary & Austria – may not be countries that you would naturally associate with cruising but with several companies offering River Cruising this is a fantastic way to see some of the amazing cities featured in these countries.  River cruises get you right in to the heart of the city and are a great alternative to your standard city break.

Click here for our guide to River Cruising and explore some of the wonderful itineraries available.

Until my next post, by which time we may have secured our place in the Euro 2016 Final !!… Happy Cruising & Football watching !!..