Madrid and Milan – Football Related holidays for the 2011/12 season

We all love a summer holiday, but doesn’t it make more sense to take a trip in the British autumn or winter, when the weather is dark and dreary and you need a break from work? It certainly does if you can combine relaxation and luxury with a home match at one of Europe’s leading football clubs. Forget Ibiza or Majorca, ditch Benidorm or Butlins – look to combine the family holiday with a bit of footballing culture.

Madrid – Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid side improved in 2010/11, and with a busy transfer window thusfar will look to end Barcelona’s monopoly of La Liga next term; The Special One and Cristiano Ronaldo are not used to second best. The Meringue sell out their home games on regular occasion, but tickets are available if booked in advance. Not got a ticket? Watch the game in a bar close to the Santiago Bernabeu and the elation of the crowd after Los Blancos score will make you feel like you are in the front row.

Cross-town rivals Atletico are going through a rebuilding phase, with the departure of David de Gea widely expected to be mirrored by Sergio Aguero, and a new sporting director and coach in place for next campaign. The Vicente Calderon is a lively stadium full of atmosphere and Gregorio Manzano’s side have the ability to beat anyone on their day. The La Liga fixture list is released on July 20th.

The Spanish capital has an array of different activities and things to see that cater for any and all holidaymakers. For all of you looking to indulge in some culture, Madrid has world famous architecture and a walking tour around the city gives the opportunity to see stunning cathedrals and monasteries. Countless tapas bars, clubs, cocktail bars, , live music venues and flamenco theatres ensure that the city’s nightlife is second to none, whilst the bullfighting season runs from March to October for those looking to get some travel insurance and take a walk on the wild side.

Milan – AC ended Inter’s dominance of Serie A by winning the Scudetto in 2010/11, equaling their rivals’ total of 18 all time top flight titles. Massimiliano Allegri’s side have a great blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, and will look to retain their title amid competition from a number of improving sides.

Inter fans have a sour taste in the mouth after relinquishing their Serie A and Champions League crowns, and Leonardo has been replaced by Gian Piero Gasperini in the Nerazzurri hotseat. A squad of world-class players including Samuel Eto’o and Wesley Sneijder, Inter will come back fighting next term and will be eager to wrestle the Scudetto back and once more be the top team in Italian football.

Whilst you may be keen to pay homage at the Giuseppe Meazza, your wife or girlfriend may not; luckily Milan is the international capital of fashion and design, and your other half should be contented by spending her Post Office travel money in the shopping districts inhabited by Gucci, Prada and Versace. Italian cuisine is world renowned, and a romantic dinner at one of the top drawer city centre restaurants should make for a memorable break.

Gareth McKnight writes for Soccerlens.com.