We would like to bring our adult children and their spouses to Europe 12/16/17 - 1/6/18. This is the only time all 6 of our schedules will allow us to travel together. Where do you suggest we would get the most "bang for our buck" in the winter months?
Thank you,
Lisa
Italy is nice in the winter.
We haven't been to Greece in a while, but with all of the news about their economy, you might get good
"bang for your buck" there. Although, I go back to Italy every chance I get!
Can't wait until my adult children and their families can take the time to go to Europe with us!
Have a Great Trip!
We spent an entire December in Italy as travelers before we moved there. In fact, we were in Italy from Dec 4-31. We selected 4 bases: Venice, Spello in Umbria, Sorrento, and Rome. Since you have 20 nights, you could do something similar that would give you a fabulous taste of Italy but not be rushing. This whole itinerary can be done by high-speed train.
Venice, 5 nights, Dec 17-21. On Dec 8 the Christmas lights come on all over Italy. Venice is magical and surprisingly pleasant in winter, although you will need warms coats, gloves, etc. Take a day trip to Padova.
Rome, 7 nights, Dec 22-28, over Christmas. I suggest a long stay because you will lose 1 1/2 days to holiday closures. But there's still plenty to occupy you even on Christmas Day. If you need ideas of what to do over Christmas in Rome, it has been discussed here on the Forum many times.
Florence, 4 nights Dec 29-Jan 1 for the museums, the restaurants, the shopping, the New Year's holiday. Take a day trip into the countryside, perhaps with Tours by Roberto.
Sorrento, 4 nights Jan 2-5 to visit Pompeii, Naples, the Amalfi Coast. Many Italians go here for the holidays so secure lodging as soon as you know you are going.
You won't get the "most bang for your buck" in Italy, Switzerland or Scandinavia.
You could consider Lisbon & Porto in Portugal or a week in Lisbon and time in the Azores, Seville & Granada in southern Spain, Prague, Budapest or Scotland. Berlin is a fascinating city and has good Christmas markets.
It's difficult to advise, as you haven't given us much idea of your interests.
Lisbon
Andalusia
Barcelona
Malta
Sicily
Paris
Germany (if Christmas is your 'thing')
Budapest/Prague (if cold is your 'thing')
It's really hard to say where you would get the most bang for your buck in the winter months because so much depends on the weather. Some place that might be less expensive and might normally have 'good weather' at that time could have a really bad winter which could be really uncomfortable and may negate the cost savings. In December 2015 we did almost the exact thing you have planned. We went from 12/18/15 through 1/08/16 and though our adult children, spouses, and two teenage grandchildren could not spend the entire time or the exact same dates, we managed about 5 days with all of us together. We two seniors spent 10 days alone after everyone went home so we could recuperate from keeping up with the younger ones. We spent the time in Paris with day trips and were really lucky to have great weather. Some days were cool and on others we had to take off our jackets. But when we planned the trip over the course of one year we didn't know what to expect. Going some place that will give you more bang for your buck but doesn't interest anyone is not really getting your moneys worth.
We spent 2 weeks last Christmas in Munich, Vienna, Prague and Berlin. Awesome trip!!
We loved Prague so much and it was cheap! :) We actually loved the entire trip but if you were looking for inexpensive, Prague would fit the bill.
What about Prague, Bratislava, Budapest? Haven;t been to Budapest but people are raving about it. :)
Kim
We spent 2 weeks last Christmas in Munich, Vienna, Prague and Berlin. Awesome trip!!
We loved Prague so much and it was cheap! :) We actually loved the entire trip but if you were looking for inexpensive, Prague would fit the bill.
What about Prague, Bratislava, Budapest? Haven;t been to Budapest but people are raving about it. :)
Kim
Most economical will probably be anyplace in Eastern Europe. I'm very biased: Budapest.
http://budapestchristmas.com/
http://welovebudapest.com/shops.and.services.1/christmas.in.budapest.dos.and.don.ts
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/nov/27/budapest-hungary-christmas-markets-cakes-cocktails-hot-springs
http://christmasphotos.co/42-beautiful-photos-of-christmas-in-budapest-hungary/
https://www.holidayguru.ie/travel-magazine/xmas-tw-budapest-mag/
http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2014-02-04/winter-best-time-visit-budapest
While we have spent a number of really wonderful Christmas / New Year holidays in Budapest; to be open minded that most people are going to want a broader experience, I would recommend Christmas in Budapest and New Year in either Vienna, or Prague or Paris; depending on your interests and life style. All three can be reached out of Budapest for under $100 a ticket.
Weve spent a few Christmas seasons with family in Switzerland. It is magical if there is snow, Spent a few days sledging which I would recommend if your are an adventurous person. Up the gondola and down a 6 mile trek through the forest. Beautiful but lets just say for me Ive done and would be content sunning with a book while others do the trip. Christmas Markets are closed a few days before the holiday. We spent a day traveling to Davos to see an international hockey game which our boys loved. The train tide through the mountains was breathtaking. Spent time with my kids going to Geneva and St Moritz while my husband worked. If you have the opportunity to be in Switserland for the new year the festivals on New Years Eve are very interesting. We liked the one in Appenell. Switzerland is not inexpensive but we love it. We stay in pensions, backpacker places and stayed at a boy scout camp in a very nice room.
Weve spent a few Christmas seasons with family in Switzerland. It is magical if there is snow, Spent a few days sledging which I would recommend if your are an adventurous person. Up the gondola and down a 6 mile trek through the forest. Beautiful but lets just say for me Ive done and would be content sunning with a book while others do the trip. Christmas Markets are closed a few days before the holiday. We spent a day traveling to Davos to see an international hockey game which our boys loved. The train tide through the mountains was breathtaking. Spent time with my kids going to Geneva and St Moritz while my husband worked. If you have the opportunity to be in Switserland for the new year the festivals on New Years Eve are very interesting. We liked the one in Appenell. Switzerland is not inexpensive but we love it. We stay in pensions, backpacker places and stayed at a boy scout camp in a very nice room.
