Best Place to Spend a Week.

Ken,

That's good to know. Can you explain why? As I've never been it would help me make the decision.

Also, any thoughts on Venice?

Kitty

For your second week, Madrid. Wonderful city, captivating people, invigorating lifestyle...plus the potential for daytrips to Avila, Segovia, and Toledo. Despite your comment that "I personally would have never chosen Spain," you'll find you want to go back again and again!

Norm,

Oh I hope so, I love not getting enough of a place! What are your thoughts on Barcelona?

Kitty

Barcelona is the coolest city in the world.

Been there several times, loved it each time, look forward to going back. IMHO it's the equal of Paris, Rome, London, or any top-tier city in the world.

If you don't know much about Barcelona (most Americans don't) I suspect you will be pleasantly surprised.

Kitty: It would take several paragraphs to explain. Milan is Italy's financial center. You said you don't like museums. The only reason most people on this site go to Milan is for the Last Supper or if they're flying into or out of there. Of the 6 you listed, the other 5 have more to see/do.

For a whole week, I think Nice would be a good place to stay in the middle of your trip. Nice itself is good for at least a day and there are many small towns within an hour or so of Nice. Train and bus service is plentiful and frequent. Monte Carlo (Monaco), Antibes, Cannes, Eze, Ventimille (Italy), and other towns are within a short drive or ride. You can be as relaxed or busy as you choose.

Looking at Rick's City Tours might help you decide: Barcelona & Madrid- 8 days (maybe therefore they're only worth 4 days each?)and he has 7-day tours for florence, Prague, London, Paris and Rome.

Thank you all for this input. I am taking a second look at Barcelona. Also, Rome was not on my list since my family didn't seem interested, but it sounds like I should look at it again.

Kitty