My fiance and I are planning a 6 week adventure in September / October in France, Spain, and Italy. Its his first time in Europe. I have been to Italy and loved Tuscany and Cinque Terre. We would like to hit some of the highlights of a few of the bigger cities, but would love to enjoy the smaller, less crowded areas as well. If anyone out there has made a similar journey, I would love to hear your choice of itinerary and what you loved or didn't love so much about it. What you would repeat and what you would never do again. I'm reading Rick's book, Thru the Back Door. But, having different views from people who have been there and done that is invaluable.
Any idead, tips, and tricks are welcome! Thank you all in advance.
P.S. Don't judge me, but I wasnt a huge fan of Venice. (very crowded) and pricey to get to..Sorry Venice lovers. But, Capri was a suggestion a good friend made. ( The Blue Grotto). It would be lovely if we could fit that in.
Posted by
NSW Australia
703 posts
how would you be getting around? car or train etc
definitely do capri and anacapri, and sorrento, pompei. etc etc. I can understand your comment about venice. glad to see you can do 6 weeks. it gives you so much flexibility.
Posted by
348 posts
If you are going to Capri, then go down the Amalfi coast from Sorrento to Amalfi, Ravello and Positano. Its spectacular!!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Easy travel by train with 2 weeks in each country.
Italy first...
Fly in to Naples or Rome
Amalfi Coast - 4 nts
Rome - 3 nts
Florence - 2 nts
Cinque Terre - 3 nts
Siena or Lucca - 2 nts
Spain next...
Fly from Pisa to Madrid (check Ryanair)
Madrid - 4 nts
Sevilla - 3 nts
Córdoba - 1 nt
Granada - 2 nts
Fly from Granada to Barcelona (check Vueling)
Barcelona - 4 nts
France to finish....
Provence (Avignon) - 4 nts
Côte d'Azur (Nice) - 4 nts
Paris - 6 nts
Fly home from Paris
Posted by
NSW Australia
703 posts
good suggestions david, can I come too :)
Posted by
OP
Windsor, Ca, usa
11 posts
Thank you all for your ideas and suggestions! We are novices, but trying to learn as much as possible. We haven't decided yet whether we will try our hand at renting a car for part of our adventure or if it's best to use train, bus etc.
When we go can be flexible as well. Six weeks seems like a good amount of time for his first trip. We would like to avoid the biggest crowds, while still enjoying some decent weather and daylight hours.
We are going to be taking one good carry on that has backpack straps and a daypack each! A new concepts for me. Haha!
We continue to welcome any and all suggestions. Would still like to include Cinque Terra in the line up. 😄
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I agree that 6 weeks is a good amount of time and allows a reasonable pace to enjoy these 3 wonderful countries. Time wise, my preference would be mid May to end June, or September to mid October.
Posted by
616 posts
If you are going to Capri, also visit Ischia.
Posted by
616 posts
For France,
I would add either Bordeaux Region, Britany or Normandy (3 days).
Posted by
OP
Windsor, Ca, usa
11 posts
Hi all,
Again, I'm grateful for all suggestions and insights. 😊
To francoisedegrelle: can you expand on why we should add Bordeaux region, Brittany , or Normandy? Would love to know what you all love about the suggested areas!
Thanks so much!
Dar